It was not easy to part from his kind friends, but he was consoled by the thought that he would soon see them again.
At the appointed hour he was at Mr. Weatherby's boarding-house, and a little later the two were going aboard the big lake steamer.
"Ah, Mr. Weatherby!" exclaimed a man as Nat and the pilot stepped on the deck, "you're aboard early, I see."
"Yes; I didn't want to get left. Mr. Bumstead, let me introduce a friend of mine to you. He did me a great service. This is Nat Morton. Nat, this is Mr. Bumstead, the first mate."
Nat shook hands with the mate. That official was not a very kindly looking person. He had red hair, and he seemed surly, even when he smiled, which was not often.
"Is he going to take a voyage with you?" asked the mate of the pilot.
"Yes. He's going to help out in the purser's office. I got him the job."
"You did!" exclaimed the mate.
"Yes. What of it? You seem quite surprised, Mr. Bumstead. I recommended Nat for the place because he saved my life."
"Has Captain Marshall given him the place?" asked the mate in a surly tone.