y get another pilot there, and we'll
change to a ship where conditions are more pleasant. I'm glad you want
to come with me."

"I don't know what I'd do if it wasn't for you."

"Well, I still feel that I'm in your debt," replied Mr. Weatherby. "I
think----"

He stopped suddenly and went to the door. He listened a moment, then
quickly opened it. Sam Shaw was hurrying away down the deck.

"I believe he was listening, the young rascal!" exclaimed the pilot.

"Do you think he heard anything?"

"He must have. The windows were open."

"What will you do?"

"Well, it doesn't matter much. I'll inform Captain Marshall at once of
my intentions, and so spoil any trick which the mate's nephew thinks
he can play on us."

CHAPTER XIV

A BLOW AND A RESCUE

That Captain Marshall was surprised is putting it mildly when a little
later Mr. Weatherby informed the commander that he was going to leave
to be a pilot on a big passenger steamer.

"If it is a question of more money, I think you can get it on this
steamer," said Mr. Marshall.

"No, it isn't altogether that. The freight runs are too long to suit
me. I am getting along in years, and I like to spend a little time on
shore. By taking this position on a passenger vessel I will have
considerable time between trips. Then, again, conditions are not as
pleasant here of late as I'd like to have them. Nat and I will leave
you as soon as you reach Detroit."

"Nat! Is he going with you?"

"Yes. After what has occurred I should think you would be glad of it."

"I don't know that I am," replied the captain. "At first I believed
him guilty of having those cigarettes, but since then I have been
informed by one of the crew that Sam Shaw smokes in secret, though
not in forbidden places. No, I can't say that I am altogether pleased
that Nat is going. He is a good boy, and though he is a trifle slow in
some things I think I will prefer him to Sam."

"Then Sam is going to have his place?"

"If Nat leaves. I have promised Mr. Bumstead that I will give his
nephew the position."

"I hope you don't repent of it. I am sorry this little trouble has
occurred, but I'll stick to Nat every time."

"I wish I was sure that Sam and not Nat was at fault," went on the
captain. "I confess I do not altogether like Sam, but I am under
obligations to his uncle."

"Well, Nat and I will soon be leaving you," continued the pilot. "Of
course, until I go, I will do all I can to help you, a