years when you will be a full-fledged
one."

"I'll be glad when that time comes. I want to earn some money to pay
back Mr. and Mrs. Miller for what they did for me."

"Yes, they were very kind to you, and they felt it more than a family
would that had more money. Never forget your friends, Nat. By the way,
have you seen or heard anything more about that pocketbook which the
mate had?"

"No; I've watched him closely, but I haven't had a sight of it.
Probably I was mistaken."

"I think not, yet he may have come by it honestly, even if it was your
father's. Sailors often make each other gifts, or your father may have
sold it to Mr. Bumstead."

"I don't believe he'd do that. He thought too much of it. But if the
mate came by it honestly, I don't see why he acted so queerly. I can't
help thinking there is some mystery about it. In fact, father's death
was so sudden that little was known concerning it."

"I have a plan in mind, which I am going to put into operation as soon
as possible," said the pilot. "It may result in some information."

"What is it?"

"I know a man who was on the lumber barge on which your father was. I
am going to write to him, and have him tell me all the circumstances
connected with your parent's death."

"I wish you would. It would relieve my mind to know all the facts."

"That is what I thought. I will write in a few days, but now I have
another matter I want to speak to you about."

The pilot's manner was serious, and Nat wondered what his friend was
about to say. Mr. Weatherby went to the door of the pilot-house and
looked out.

"I just wanted to see that Sam Shaw, or his uncle, were not about," he
said in explanation. "They've been hanging around here of late, and
I'm suspicious of them."

He closed the door, and coming over to where Nat stood at the wheel
said:

"How would you like to come with me on a big passenger steamer?"

"Are you going?" asked Nat in surprise.

"Well, I have the chance. I got a letter the other day from a big
firm, that wants another pilot. They made me a very good offer, and
I'm inclined to take it. I thought I would ask you if you'd like to
go."

"Would I have a chance to learn to be a pilot?"

"Yes, a better chance than you have here."

"Then I'd like to go first-rate. I'm ever so much obliged to you. Do
you think you will accept the offer?"

"I believe I will. I'll tell Captain Marshall that we are going to
leave him at Detroit. He can easil