"Yes. Why?"
"Because I had recommended my nephew for the place, and he would have got it, too, if you hadn't interfered. I'm going to see the captain about it later. It's not fair, giving a landlubber a good job aboard this ship. I'll have him put ashore. I told my nephew he could have the job, and he's going to get it!"
With that the mate strode off, muttering to himself.
"I'm sorry about that," said Mr. Weatherby in a low voice. "I didn't know he had any one for the place. Nat, I'm afraid he'll make trouble for you. You'll have to be on your guard, but I'll do all I can for you."
"I guess I can look out for myself," replied the boy. "I haven't lived around the docks all my life for nothing."
But Nat did not know the perils that were in store for him, nor to what lengths the vindictive mate would go to be revenged.
CHAPTER V
NAT IN TROUBLE
Captain Marshall proved to be a kind man, but rather strict in his views. The pilot introduced Nat to him, and the commander of the Jessie Drew gravely shook hands with the lad.
"I have heard about you," he said, and Nat began to think he was getting to be a person of some importance. "I saw what you did the day that drifting rowboat got in our way, though, at the time, I didn't know it was you. Mr. Weatherby has told me what you did for him, and I must congratulate you on your quickness and wit in an emergency. That is what we need on a vessel.