ng up from the lake front. "I
can't properly thank you now, but--I wish you'd come and see me
to-morrow, when you're not working," he added.

"I'll be glad to call and find out how you are."

"Oh, I'll be all right. Now, be sure to come, I--I may have some good
news for you." And with that the old pilot went into the house,
leaving a very much wondering youth on the sidewalk.

CHAPTER IV

GETTING A JOB

"Now, why in the world didn't he tell me what he wanted of me, instead
of keeping me guessing?" thought Nat, as he made his way back to the
dock where Mr. Miller was working. "I wonder what it can be? If he
wanted to thank me he could just as well have done it now as
to-morrow.

"Maybe he wants to give me a reward," the boy went on musingly. "I
don't believe I'd take it. Accepting money for rescuing a boat is all
well enough, but not for saving life. Besides, if I hadn't done it
somebody else would. No; if he offers me money I don't believe I'll
take it. Still, I do need some new clothes," and he glanced down at
the rather ragged garments he was wearing.

"I've been waiting for you some time," Mr. Miller said when Nat got
back. "I thought you said you wouldn't be gone long on that errand."

"Neither I was."

"What kept you, then?"

"Well, I had to rescue a man."

"Rescue a man? Are you joking?"

"Not a bit of it. I pulled Mr. Weatherby, the pilot, out from between
two barges." And Nat proceeded to relate his adventure.

"Well, things are certainly coming your way," remarked Mr. Miller.
"Maybe he'll give you a big reward."

"I'd rather he'd give me a good job," returned Nat. "Maybe he could
get me a place on some boat. That's what I'd like. I could earn good
money then."

"I wouldn't like to see you go away from us, Nat. My wife and I have
become quite attached to you."

"I would not like to go, Mr. Miller, for I have been very happy in
your home. So I'm not going to think about it."

"Still, I would like to see you prosper in this world," went on the
man who had befriended Nat. "If you have a chance to get a place on a
boat, take it. You may be able to come and see us once in a while,
between trips."

"I will always consider my home at your house."

"I hope you will, Nat."

"Still, nothing may happen," went on the boy. "Did you get the ship
all unloaded?"

"Yes, the holds are emptied, and I have a job to-morrow helping load
her. I guess you could get something to do if you came down.