"Do you think he heard anything?"
"He must have. The windows were open."
"What will you do?"
"Well, it doesn't matter much. I'll inform Captain Marshall at once of my intentions, and so spoil any trick which the mate's nephew thinks he can play on us."
CHAPTER XIV
A BLOW AND A RESCUE
That Captain Marshall was surprised is putting it mildly when a little later Mr. Weatherby informed the commander that he was going to leave to be a pilot on a big passenger steamer.
"If it is a question of more money, I think you can get it on this steamer," said Mr. Marshall.
"No, it isn't altogether that. The freight runs are too long to suit me. I am getting along in years, and I like to spend a little time on shore. By taking this position on a passenger vessel I will have considerable time between trips. Then, again, conditions are not as pleasant here of late as I'd like to have them. Nat and I will leave you as soon as you reach Detroit."
"Nat! Is he going with you?"