The captain was plainly disturbed. He knew he could not well get along without the pilot, yet he did not like to have to give in to Nat's claim of innocence. To do Captain Marshall justice, though he was quick-tempered, he really believed Nat at fault, chiefly on account of Mr. Dunn's failure to give the proper testimony at the investigation. So with no very good humor he had to change his orders.
"Very well," he said rather sourly. "I'll not discharge Nat, though I believe him guilty."
"That will not do," insisted Mr. Weatherby. "If you believe him guilty you must discharge him."
"But if I do, you'll go, and I will be without a pilot."
"That is true, but there is another alternative."
"What is it?"
"You can say that at least there is a chance Nat is not guilty. He should, I think, be given the benefit of the doubt."
"Very well. I'll admit that," replied the captain stiffly, for he did not like to be dictated to.
"I believe that is all, then," went on Mr. Weatherby. "I suppose Nat may go back to the purser's office?"
The captain nodded. He was in an exceedingly bad humor. He felt that his position as captain of the ship was at stake. He had incurred the enmity of the mate, who was a part owner, and he felt that Mr. Weatherby, who was a member of the company owning the vessel, had no very friendly feelings toward him. Still, there was nothing else the commander could do.