ace," she exclaimed. "You will be fit for
nothing to-morrow if you don't go up to bed."

"She knows best," said Mr Fluke, looking at Owen, and taking the candle
which Kezia handed to him; "every one obeys her in this house."

After Mr Fluke had gone to his room, Owen gratified Kezia's curiosity
by giving her an outline of his adventures. When he told her of the
possibility of his inheriting the Arlingford estates she almost gasped
for breath.

"You, Owen, you become a lord!" she exclaimed. "It may be pleasant, and
will be pleasant, if you do succeed; but have you thought, my boy, of
the disappointment should you fail? I cannot say that I am the happier
for what you tell me, except that I shall be glad for you not to have to
go back to the office or to follow a sea life; but, Owen, whatever
happens, you will not forget Kezia Crump?"

"Indeed I will not," said Owen, taking her hand; "you have ever been a
true friend to me, and the way you received me to-day proves your
affection, which I shall never forget."

The next morning Mr Fluke announced his intention of staying at home
that he might have time to discuss matters with his young friend.

Owen's first task was to write to David Rowe, requesting that he would
come up at once to London at Mr Fluke's desire. Owen also wrote to
John, giving him a sketch of his adventures, though he did not mention
the object for which he wished to see David. In spite of slow coaches,
within three days David Rowe appeared at Mr Fluke's office, where Owen
had gone to meet him.

"You'll want money to carry out this undertaking," said Mr Fluke,
turning to David; "draw on me for all you require. From the report of
your friend here I will trust you, and that's more than Simon Fluke
would say to every man."

"If our friend Owen has the right, we shall succeed, for right and might
in this case go together, as you, Mr Fluke, supply the might," said
David, slapping his pockets.

David having received his instructions, set about the necessary
preliminaries without a moment's delay.

Owen begged for leave of absence for one day to fulfil his promise to
Captain Aggett, by visiting his widow, who lived some way from London.

"I am thankful, most thankful for what you tell me, Mr Hartley," she
exclaimed, "that he died in peace as a Christian. Though I shall see
him no more on earth, we shall, I know, meet in heaven." It was a
satisfaction to Owen to feel that his visit had brought