"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."