a nice sum
in the bank, but I never heard anything about it. They found his body,
but there was no money in the clothes, nor any bank books."

"That's too bad. How do you get along?"

"Oh, I make out pretty well. I live with a Mr. William Miller and his
wife. They're poor, but they're good to me. He's a 'longshoreman, and
he works around the docks. I do, too, whenever there is any work to be
had, and I manage to make a living, though it isn't very much of a
one."

"No, I presume not. Perhaps if I speak to my father he might give you
a position on his boat."

"I'm much obliged to you," replied Nat. "I like boats and the water.
I'd like to be a pilot."

"I'm afraid dad couldn't give you that job," answered young Mr.
Scanlon. "We have a good pilot."

"And I don't want to leave the Millers," added the boy. "They've been
good to me, and I want to pay them back. But isn't that some one
calling you?"

He pointed to a figure down on the float, where the boat was tied.

"Yes. That's the mate of my father's steam yacht. Probably father sent
him for me. Well, I'll have to say good-by. I hope I'll see you
again."

"I hope so, too, especially if you have any more boats you want saved.
I'm afraid five dollars is too much."

"Not a bit. Take it and welcome."

"It's more than I could earn in a week," went on Nat as he carefully
folded the bill and placed it in his pocket. "All the same, I think
I'll try for a job here now. It looks as if they needed lots of hands,
because the boat is late."

Bidding John Scanlon good-by Nat turned back to the freight office, in
front of which there was now only a small throng looking for
employment.

CHAPTER II

A CRY FOR HELP

Owing to the time he had spent talking to the young man whose boat he
saved, Nat lost a chance of getting work in helping to unload the
steamer. Still he did help to carry some freight to the waiting trucks
and drays, and for this he received fifty cents. But as he had five
dollars, he did not mind the small sum paid him by the freight agent.

"You weren't around as early as usual," remarked that official as he
observed Nat. "You usually make more than this."

"I know it, but I had a job that paid me better," and our hero told
about the boat incident.

"Another steamer'll be in day after to-morrow," went on the agent.
"Better be around early."

"I will, thanks."

Then, as there was no further opportunity for work on the pier that
day, Nat st