as the instant thought that came to Nat. "He's going to
commit suicide! I must stop him!"

To think, with Nat, was to act. He sprang forward with a cry of
warning.

"Here! Stop that! Come back!"

The German paused, hesitated an instant, glanced at Nat rushing toward
him, and leaped. But he was a second too late. The young pilot grabbed
him around the legs, and held on like grim death.

"What are you doing?" Nat cried. "Don't you know you'll be swept right
into the propeller and be cut to pieces!"

"Let me go! Let me go!" insisted the youth in a low, intense whisper,
as though he was afraid of being heard.

"Not unless you promise not to jump."

"I vill not make promises! I haf no use for to live! I vant to end it
all! Let me go!"

He tried to escape from Nat's hold, but the young pilot had no gentle
grip, and his arms were strong.

"Let me go! Let me go!"

The German was pleading now.

"Not much!" panted Nat. "You can't commit suicide from this boat."

The German continued to struggle. Nat felt the legs slipping away from
him.

"If you don't give up I'll call for help, and the captain will put you
under arrest!" threatened the young pilot. That seemed to quiet the
German. He ceased to struggle, and became calmer.

"Vell," he said, in a voice that was choked with tears, "I gif up. I
vill not jump overboard--now."

"Nor at any other time," insisted Nat.

"I cannot promise dot, but I promise you dot I vill not jump from dis
boat. I care not to live longer."

Nat released his hold. The German was panting from his exertions, as
he donned his garments. The affair had taken place in a secluded spot,
and no one had seen Nat's intervention in the tragic episode.

"What's the matter?" inquired the young pilot, when the German was
fully dressed again. "Are you sick? Why did you want to end your
life?"

To his surprise the young fellow burst into tears, and sobbed
pitifully.

"Come to my cabin," proposed Nat gently. "Perhaps I can help you."

"I--I like not to go vere der peoples see me."

"That's all right, I can take you to it by an outside companionway,
and we'll meet no one. Come, and maybe I can help you. You seem to be
in trouble."

"I am--in bad troubles," was the choking reply, as the youth followed
Nat below.

CHAPTER XXII

AFTER BUMSTEAD

"Now then," said Nat cheerfully, when he and the youth he had saved
from suicide were safely in the young pilot's cabin, "what is the
matter