“I’ll send him on board the ships in the river; that will do him good perhaps.”
The very next day Owen was despatched with a letter on business to Captain Aggett of the ship “Druid,” then discharging cargo in the Thames.
Owen had seen Captain Aggett at the office; he was a tall, fine-looking man, with a pleasant expression of countenance. He recognised Owen as he came on board.
“Stop and have some dinner, my boy,” he said; “the steward is just going to bring it in.”
Owen, being very hungry, was glad to accept the invitation, and Captain Aggett himself declared that he could not write an answer until he had had something to eat. Possibly he said this that Owen might have a legitimate excuse for his delay. The captain had a good deal of conversation with Owen, with whom he seemed highly pleased. He took him over the ship, and showed him his nautical instruments, which Owen said he had never seen, although he had read about them, and knew their use.
“What! have you learned navigation?” asked Captain Aggett.
“I am acquainted with the principles, and could very soon learn it, I believe, if I had a book especially explaining the subject,” answered Owen.
Captain Aggett handed one to him, telling him to take it home and study it.
“Is this the first time you have been on board a ship?” asked the captain.
“Yes, sir; for since I came to London I never have had time, having always had work to do in the office,” answered Owen.