As George ceased speaking the door opened and one of the pilots came into the cabin.
CHAPTER XII
GEORGE AT THE WHEEL.
“WHY, George,” exclaimed the new-comer, “I thought you had turned in long ago.”
“O, no,” answered the young pilot. “I am going to stand my regular watch to-night. Mr. Black is at the wheel, I suppose? Mr. Scanlan, this is Bob Owens, the boy who saved my life.”
The pilot greeted Bob very cordially, and said a great many complimentary things to him, praising the courage he exhibited in jumping overboard to rescue one who was unknown to him.
“He will know me better before he sees the last of me,” said George. “I am going to take him to Texas with me.”
“I hope you won’t go,” said Mr. Scanlan. “You have made a good beginning, and you ought to stay with us until you learn the river. It will not take you more than a year longer, and then you can earn your two hundred and fifty dollars a month very easily.”
“I think from some things that have happened that I had better go home and see what is going on there,” replied the boy. “I am going into the pilot-house now, Bob, and you must go with me and see what a good steersman I am,” he added, hastily, as if he wanted to turn the conversation into another channel. “But before we go we’ll have a cup of hot coffee and a bite to eat.”
As George said this he stepped up to the table, and throwing back the cloth which covered it, disclosed to view a substantial lunch. It was placed there every night for the accommodation of the officers who were to stand the mid-watch. The exciting scene through which they had just passed had not taken away the boys’ appetites, and they disposed of a good share of the nice things the steward had provided. When they had eaten all they wanted George drew the cover over the table again, and led the way into the pilot-house. Mr. Black greeted them very cordially and was as profuse in his compliments to Bob as Mr. Scanlan had been.