"I don't believe he'd do that. He thought too much of it. But if the mate came by it honestly, I don't see why he acted so queerly. I can't help thinking there is some mystery about it. In fact, father's death was so sudden that little was known concerning it."
"I have a plan in mind, which I am going to put into operation as soon as possible," said the pilot. "It may result in some information."
"What is it?"
"I know a man who was on the lumber barge on which your father was. I am going to write to him, and have him tell me all the circumstances connected with your parent's death."
"I wish you would. It would relieve my mind to know all the facts."
"That is what I thought. I will write in a few days, but now I have another matter I want to speak to you about."
The pilot's manner was serious, and Nat wondered what his friend was about to say. Mr. Weatherby went to the door of the pilot-house and looked out.
"I just wanted to see that Sam Shaw, or his uncle, were not about," he said in explanation. "They've been hanging around here of late, and I'm suspicious of them."
He closed the door, and coming over to where Nat stood at the wheel said:
"How would you like to come with me on a big passenger steamer?"