The Boy Pilot of the Lakes; Or, Nat Morton's Perils

At the bustling Chicago lakefront a teenage water‑rat named Nat knows every whistle, every ripple of Lake Michigan. He spends his days perched on the pier, watching steamers come and go, and locals admire his uncanny ability to read the ships’ signals before anyone else. When a lone rowboat drifts into the path of a massive freight steamer, the crowd panics, but Nat sees the danger clearly and decides to act.

Without a second thought he strips to his underclothes, dives into the cold water, and swims with a practiced speed that surprises even the seasoned crew. His daring rescue of the helpless boat earns him the respect of onlookers and hints at the larger adventures that await a boy whose courage matches his love of the lake.