attempt. Ashurst declared that he should not be fit for duty for a
month to come, he felt so thoroughly done up.

The Dutchman promised the boat at daybreak, observing that it was of no
use to start before then.

Owen, for the sake of his friend, was eager to be off, and, in spite of
the fatigue he had gone through, he was up at dawn. He aroused those
who were to accompany him, and Mynheer Van Wijk leading the way, they
hurried down to the harbour. The latter did not offer to go with them,
"as he must," he observed, "attend to the captain and other guests on
shore," but he sent a competent interpreter, who would enable Owen to
communicate with the natives.

As the boat pulled out of the harbour, it was found that the wind had
changed to the southward. No sooner did the sun rise than his rays
struck the white canvas of the frigate, which was seen under all sail
standing for them. Owen steered towards her, in order to ascertain
whether Langton had got on board. Shortly afterwards he caught sight of
two men-of-war boats, one under sail, the other pulling.

"Hurrah! Langton must have escaped then," he exclaimed. In a few
minutes he was up to the nearest, and Langton himself answered his hail.
He had got on board with less difficulty than he had expected in a
native boat, and seemed but little the worse for his exertions.

In a short time they were on board, and having answered the numerous
questions put to them, were both thankful to turn into their hammocks
and get the rest they so much required.

In the evening the captain and the rest of the people returned on board,
and a substantial acknowledgment having been made to the worthy
Dutchman, next day the frigate sailed for Batavia.

CHAPTER TEN.

Owen found himself in a very different position to what he had ever
before been on board. He at once received the rating of a midshipman,
and donned his new uniform. No one was inclined to snub him, and even
Ashurst treated him with respect, though at the same time with marked
coldness.

"I wonder that you do not show more gratitude to Hartley, who was
undoubtedly the means of saving your life," remarked Langton to Ashurst
one day.

"He save my life!" answered Ashurst. "You had an equal share in that
important act. My heart is not big enough to be grateful to both. I am
very much obliged to you, I can assure you."

"I consider that Hartley had the largest share," answered Langton,
laughing; "his co