“I am aware of that, sir,” said Owen. “When I came to sea I was fully prepared to meet with bad as well as fair weather. I should be most sorry not to meet with a gale of wind during the voyage.”
“You are not likely to be disappointed in that respect, although I have been out and home without having had to lift tack or sheet for weeks together,” observed the captain.
“I was going to ask you, sir, if I might be placed in a watch, should you think me sufficiently competent to do the duty.”
“O yes, I will trust you for that; and as you wish it, you shall be in the first mate’s watch.”
“And so, youngster, you want to turn sailor?” said Mr Scoones, the first night on which Owen was in his watch.
“As I am at sea I wish to learn all I can,” answered Owen.
“You’ll have a chance of picking up a smattering before we get home again; but I never knew any ‘cabin young gentlemen’ turn out sailors,” answered the mate, with a sneer. “A man is not worth anything unless he comes in at the ‘hawse holes,’ to my mind.”
“I will do my best while I am on board, and get all the knowledge I can,” said Owen.
“Well, you’ll have to obey me pretty smartly, or look out for squalls,” growled the mate, turning away.
Owen did not like these remarks, but of course he made no reply. He soon found that the first mate acted up to his threats. Among the boys was a young lad, Nat Midge by name, who was constantly the victim of the mate’s tyranny. Nat had come to sea for the first time, and, although intelligent and fairly educated, did not always understand what he was to do. He also was in the first mate’s watch. When he did not appear to comprehend the orders he received Owen explained them, taking every opportunity of instructing him. Nat was grateful, and conceived a warm friendship for his instructor.