CHAPTER XIII
MAKING A CHANGE
Such a startling announcement as the pilot made could not fail to surprise those in the cabin. Nat wondered whether his friend meant it, and as for Captain Marshall, he believed the pilot was not aware of what had taken place at the investigation.
"Do you mean that you will leave the ship without a pilot?" asked the commander.
"No; at least, not until we get to the next port, where you can hire one. In fact, after we get over this part of the trip you'll not need one, for the lake is well charted, and you can steer as well as I can. But I repeat, if Nat goes, I go too."
"But he broke one of the most stringent rules of the ship," retorted the captain, who did not at all like the idea of losing his pilot.
"I can't agree with you. I know something of this case, and I believe Nat is innocent of the charge."
"Do you mean to say that my nephew is guilty?" asked the mate.
"I don't know that I care to express an opinion," was Mr. Weatherby's answer. "From what I know of him I should say I think your nephew might be guilty. I know he smokes cigarettes."
"I used to," interrupted Sam, "but I've stopped."