"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."