Owen sent many grateful messages to Fenside Farm. “I hope that Mr Fluke will let me go down and see you sometimes,” he added, “for I never can forget all the kindness you, your father, and David have shown me, and your mother and sisters.”
“Well, if you are not happy here, mind you must tell us so, and you shall ever be welcome at Fenside,” said John, as they parted.
Chapter Three.
John Rowe brought Owen’s little trunk all the way from the “Green Dragon” on his own broad shoulders, and deposited it at Paul Kelson, Fluke and Company’s office. Having done so he hurried off, not wishing to be thanked, and considering there was not much advantage to be gained by another parting with his young friend. Owen, however, was disappointed, when he found that his box had arrived, that he had missed seeing John.
The instant five o’clock struck, Simon Fluke came out of his office, and directing one of his porters to bring along the boy’s trunk, took Owen by the hand, and having tucked a thick cotton umbrella under his other arm, led him out. They trudged along through numerous dirty streets and alleys, teeming with a ragged and unkempt population, and redolent of unsavoury odours, until they emerged into a wide thoroughfare.
“Call a coach, boy!” said Mr Fluke, the first words he had spoken since he had left the office. “How am I to do that, sir?” asked Owen.
“Shout ‘Coach,’ and make a sign with your hand to the first you see.”
“Will the coach come up, sir, if I call it?” asked Owen.