Angrily muttering to himself, the mate started for the captain's cabin, while poor Nat, much distressed over the trouble into which he had gotten, stood dejectedly in the purser's office.
CHAPTER VI
AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY
"Don't let him worry you," said Mr. Dunn consolingly. "He's a surly fellow, and he's always interfering in my department."
"But the captain may discharge me," replied Nat. "Still, I am sure those boxes came aboard. I counted them carefully and I don't believe I would be ten out of the way."
"Of course not. Probably the mate stowed them in some other place and he's forgotten all about it. They'll turn up."
"I hope so, for I would not like to make a mistake the first day out."
At that moment a deckhand came up to where Nat stood talking to the purser.
"Captain wants to see you," he said to the boy.
"Don't get excited now," advised Mr. Dunn. "Here, take our checking list with you and tell the captain exactly how it happened. If you are sure the boxes came aboard say so—and stick to it."