"I'd like to be a pilot on that big steamer," thought Nat as he contemplated the craft in the glare of an electric light. "That would be a fine job. Well, maybe I'll be on one like her some day."
He was about to walk on, when suddenly the stillness of the night was broken by a cry. It was a shout, and it seemed to come from near the big freight barges.
"Help! help!" cried the voice. "I'm drowning! I'm in the water and I can't get out! Help! help!"
CHAPTER III
NAT'S BRAVE RESCUE
"Somebody must have fallen overboard from one of the barges," thought Nat, for he could now easily determine that the cry came from the side of the dock where the two big freight carriers were tied. "Why doesn't some one there help him?"
But though he thus wondered, he did not hesitate over what to do. He ran out on the pier, and seeing a gangplank leading to one barge, he sprinted up it. The cries continued.
"I'm coming!" the boy shouted. "I'll help you! Where are you?"
"Down between the two barges! I can't get out!" cried a man's voice. "Hurry! help!"
The voice ended in a gurgle.