, which queries the lad had not been able to answer
properly.

"Those are the points I'm weak on," he said to his friend. "I must
study up on them, so I'll be ready for my examination."

"That's right, Nat, and I'll help you all I can. There is a text book
I want to get for you, and I will, at the next stop we make.
Meanwhile, I think you can take charge in the pilot-house for a few
days, until I get my strength back. I'll look in on you, every once in
a while, to see that you are doing all right, and we're not likely to
have another storm soon."

So Nat resumed his place at the wheel, being relieved now and then by
Captain Turton or Mr. Weatherby, who took short shifts. In a few days
the old pilot was entirely better, and then he and Nat divided up the
work, the lad learning more about the points on which he had been
puzzled during the examination.

The _Mermaid_ had a large number of passengers this voyage, and Nat
was kept pretty busy, in addition to his duties in the pilot-house.
Some travelers, specially favored, occupied seats at the captain's
table at meal times, and this made additional work for the lad, as he
had to help the cabin steward. But Nat liked it all, and no task was
too exacting for him to perform to the best of his ability. During his
leisure moments he used to watch the passengers, and in this way he
learned much about the life of the comparatively wealthy travelers.

One afternoon, when the ship was within a few hours of reaching port,
Nat, going along the upper deck, passed a German youth, standing by
the rail, looking down into the water, as it swept away from the bows
of the _Mermaid_. The youth, whom Nat had noticed on several other
occasions, because of his well-fitting clothes, appeared to be in
rather low spirits.

"We're making pretty good time," said Nat pleasantly, for he often
addressed the passengers, many of whom had formed a liking for the
lad.

"Oh, yes, ve go fast enough," replied the German, who spoke with quite
an accent. But he answered so gloomily, that the vessel might as well
have been going backward, for all the satisfaction he derived from her
speed.

"We'll soon be in port," went on Nat. "I suppose you'll be glad to get
on shore. It's quite rough on account of the wind."

"Oh, it makes not so much difference to me," was the answer, and the
youth did not smile. Indeed, he hardly lifted his face to glance at
Nat, yet he did not seem to resent being spoken to.