“How long have you been there?” asked the captain, who remarked that Owen had a cough, and looked very pale.
“Rather more than a year, sir.”
“Not a very healthy life for a lad accustomed to the country. A sea trip would do you good. Would you like to make one?”
“Very much, if Mr Fluke would allow me,” answered Owen. “I should not wish to do anything of which he might not approve.”
“I’ll see about it, youngster,” said Captain Aggett.
Although Owen was sent on several trips of the same description to other vessels, he was still kept too constantly at work in the office to benefit much by them.
He naturally told Kezia of his visit to Captain Aggett, and of the invitation he had received.
“Although I should be very sorry to have you go away from here, Owen, I am sure that the captain is right. It is just what you want; a sea voyage would set you up, and make a man of you, and if you remain in the office you’ll grow into just such another withered thing as the old man. I’ll speak to him, and tell him, if he wants to keep you alive and well, he must let you take a voyage with the good captain. I have heard of him, and Mr Fluke has a great respect for him, I know.”
Mrs Kezia did not fail to introduce the subject in her usual manner. Mr Fluke would not hear of it.
“Nonsense,” he answered, “the boy does very well; he can walk to and from the office, and eats his meals.”