So it was settled. Mr Fluke never drew back when he had once made a promise, and next day, when Captain Aggett called, Mr Fluke told him that he might take Owen, and that he himself would defray any expenses to which he might be put on the boy’s account.
Owen wrote immediately to his friends at Fenside.
John, who replied, expressed their anxiety for the dangers to which he would be exposed on a long voyage, but if it was considered to be for his good, they would not urge him to remain on shore, and would pray earnestly that he might be preserved from all the perils of the deep.
Kezia desired him to ascertain from Captain Aggett what articles were required for his outfit; and immediately on obtaining a list, set to work to prepare all that lay within her province.
Chapter Four.
The day arrived for Owen to go on board the “Druid.” She was bound for the East Indian seas. How far off that was Kezia had no exact notion, but she knew it must be a long way, and many months, at all events, must pass by before Owen could come back. She embraced him with an affection which made him think of his old nurse, Jane Hayes. “May God, who rules both sea and land, protect you from the many dangers you have to encounter. I don’t hide them from myself, and I don’t want you to shut your eyes to them, but trust in Him, and be prepared for whatever may happen. I’ll pray for you, Owen, and He will hear the prayers even of such an obstinate, self-opiniated old woman as I am.”
She had insisted that Joseph should go on board with Owen, in order to bring her back a last account of the boy. She would have gone herself, but she had to take care of the house.
Owen and Joseph drove off. They were to call at the office at Wapping before they took boat to proceed down the river.