Treachery on the Great Lakes

Treachery On The Great Lakes

Orphaned at the age of fifteen, Nat Morton finds work as a longshoremen on the Chicago docks in 1899. Before his father’s untimely death, they had traveled regularly on a lumber barge across the Great Lakes. Now, Nat yearns to become a boat pilot. With the mystery of a lost inheritance, Nat’s lowly station provides little opportunity. Working late one evening, Nat hears a cry for help and sees a figure bobbing in the water. With much effort, he saves John Weatherby, the pilot of the Jessie Drew. A new friendship brings Nat aboard Weatherby’s ship as a cabin assistant. But his goal to become a boat pilot is threatened by a conniving first mate connected to the mystery of his lost inheritance. Conflict with the captain forces Weatherby and Nat to find new work on a passenger steamer. A devious first mate and a hundred-year storm with deadly dark reefs, drive Nat to his breaking point. Nat must conquer self-doubt and pilot the steamer through the watery conflagration to save its many passengers. Finally, as Nat reaches for the truth of his lost inheritance, will he stay the course to lay hold of his dream or fall prey to bitterness and unforgiveness.