eping close behind the boy.
"The harbor master is in that room."

"The harbor master?" repeated Nat. "What have I to do with the harbor
master? I don't want to see him."

"No, but he wants to see you."

A moment later Nat was ushered into a room, where at a large desk sat
a stern-looking man, and on either side of him were two men, each one
with several books and papers before him.

"Ah, so this is the young pilot, eh?" remarked the man in the middle.
"How old are you--er--Nat Morton? I believe that is your name."

"I will soon be sixteen."

"And you piloted the _Mermaid_ past Dagget's Point reef last night--in
that storm?"

"Yes, sir."

"I suppose you have a license."

"A license? No, sir. I am studying under Mr. Weatherby. He was taken
suddenly ill last night, and I had to steer the boat. There was no one
else."

"I am sorry, my lad," said the harbor master, "but I shall have to
place you under arrest."

"Arrest? What for?"

"For piloting a passenger steamer without a license. A complaint has
been lodged against you with this board--the board of control in
charge of harbors and pilots."

"A complaint? Who made it?"

"Bumstead is the name--er--Joseph Bumstead, mate of the freighter
_Spray_," replied the harbor master, reading from some documents
before him. "He says he met your boat off the reef last night, that
you were in charge, without a license, and that you nearly ran him
down. He made the complaint about an hour ago. His boat had to put
back here for some repairs. He says your boat damaged the one he is
mate of."

"That's not so--I mean that part about nearly running him down!"
exclaimed Nat. "I saw him in plenty of time, and if it hadn't been for
my warning whistle the _Spray_ would have gone upon the reef herself!"

"I am sorry, my lad, but the complaint is made in regular form, and I
shall have to hold you for a hearing. However, we will have it at
once. I have sent to summon this Bumstead. Do you wish to notify any
friends?"

"Mr. Weatherby is ill, and cannot come, but I would like Captain
Turton to come."

"Very well, we will send for him. Officer, bring Captain Turton here.
In the meantime you may sit down until we reach your case," the harbor
master motioned Nat to take a chair on one side of the big room.

CHAPTER XX

OFF AGAIN

"This is a queer turn to affairs," thought Nat, as he awaited the
arrival of Captain Turton. "I never thought a thing about not having a
l