The storm, which had been a fitful one all day and part of the night, showed signs of becoming worse. The wind was more violent, and when Mr. Miller and Nat were nearly home it began to rain in torrents.
The rain continued all the next day, but as the wharf where Mr. Miller and Nat worked was a covered one, they did not mind the storm. At noon-time the boy found a chance to go to the boarding-house of Mr. Weatherby.
"Well, here comes my life-saver!" greeted the old pilot. "How are you feeling to-day?"
"Very well, sir. How are you?"
"Not so good as I might be. I'm lame and stiff from pulling on that rope, but I think I'll be able to sail to-morrow. I believe you told me last night that you would like a job on a ship," the pilot went on.
"Yes, sir," replied Nat, his heart beating high with hope.
"Hum! Well, what kind of a job would you like—pilot or captain?"
"I think I'd rather begin a little lower down," replied Nat with a smile, for he saw that Mr. Weatherby was joking.
"Perhaps that would be best. Well, as it happens, I have a chance to get a young lad a position on the steamer of which I am pilot. You see, I have a steady job piloting. My vessel, the Jessie Drew, makes trips all over the lakes, and Captain Wilson Marshall, who is a part owner, is not so familiar with all the harbors and the various routes as I am. So he engages me steadily. In fact, he and I are old friends, as well as distantly related; so I have a somewhat different position than do most pilots."
"And can you get me a job on a boat—your boat?" asked Nat eagerly.