"Well, Nat," said Mr. Weatherby in the evening, after the boy had spent nearly all day in the pilot-house perfecting himself along the lines of his chosen calling, "we'll be at Detroit to-morrow morning, and then we'll bid farewell to the Jessie Drew. I suppose you'll be glad of it?"
"Partly, yes, though it was very nice before Sam showed up."
"I, too, will be a little sorry to go," added the pilot. "I have been on her a number of years now, and it seems like home to me. But I think a change will be best."
"Is the passenger steamer at Detroit?"
"No, but it is expected there in a few days. We'll lay off on shore until she arrives. I have been in communication with the owners, and the boat is to pick you and me up at that port. You'll have a chance to make a few excursions on shore."
"Oh, I'm not tired of work so soon."
"No, I should hope not. But I have a little business to attend to in Detroit. I may say it affects you."
"Affects me? How is that?"
"You remember I told you I was going to write to a man who was on the lumber barge with your father?"
"Yes."