The Lonely Island | Page 8

mutineers ere long
found themselves once again drawing near to the island.
As they approached it under full sail, for the wind was light, the men
stood looking at it, commenting on its beauty and the amiableness of its
people, but Fletcher Christian stood apart by himself, with his back to
the shore, gazing in the opposite direction.
Edward Young went up to him.
"If this breeze holds, sir, we shall soon be at anchor in our old
quarters."
The midshipman spoke in the respectful tone of one addressing his
superior officer. Indeed, although Christian had, by his rash and
desperate act of mutiny, forfeited his position, and lowered himself to a

level with the worst of his associates, he never lost their respect. It is
recorded that they styled him Mister Christian to the end.
"At anchor!" said Christian, in a tone of deepest despondency. "Ah,
Edward Young, there is no anchorage for us now in this world! We
may anchor in Matavai Bay to-night, but it will only be to up anchor
and off again in a few days."
"Come, come, sir," said Young, heartily, "don't give way to
despondency. You know we were driven to act as we did, and it can't
be helped now."
"We were driven! My poor fellow," returned Christian, laying a hand
on the midshipman's shoulder, "you had no part in this miserable
business. It is I who have drawn you all into it, but--well, well, as you
say, it can't be helped now. We must make the best of it,--God help us!"
He spoke in a low, soft tone of profound sadness, and continued his
wistful gaze over the stern of the Bounty. Presently he looked quickly
round, and, taking Young's arm, began to pace the deck while he spoke
to him.
"As you say, Edward, we shall anchor once more in Matavai Bay, but I
am firmly resolved not to remain there."
"I'm sorry to hear it, sir," said Young, "for most of the men are as
firmly resolved to stay, and you know several of them are resolute, not
to say desperate, characters."
"I am quite aware of that, but I shall make a proposal to them, which I
think they will accept. I will first of all propose to leave Otaheite for
some safer place of refuge, and when they object to that, I will propose
to divide the whole of the ship's stores and property among us all,
landing that portion which belongs to those who elect to remain on the
island, and sailing away with the rest, and with those who choose to
follow my fortunes, to seek a more distant and a safer home."
"That may perhaps suit them," said Young.

"Suit them," rejoined Christian, with a quick glance; "then you don't
count yourself one of them?"
"No," returned the midshipman with a frank look, "I will follow you
now, sir, to the end. How far I am guilty is a question that does not
concern me at present. If the British Government gets hold of me, my
fate is sealed. I am in the same boat with yourself, Mr Christian, and I
mean to stick by it."
There was a strange spasm on Christian's countenance, as if of
conflicting emotions, while he grasped the youth's hand and squeezed
it.
"Thank you, Edward, thank you. Go now and see the anchor cleared to
let go."
He descended quickly to the cabin, while the unfortunate midshipman
went forward to give the order.
When the proposal just referred to was made the following day, after
landing at Otaheite, it was at once agreed to. Peter Heywood, Stewart,
Morrison, and others who had taken no active part in the mutiny, were
glad to have the prospect of being enabled, sooner or later, to make a
voluntary surrender of themselves, while the thoughtless and reckless
among the men were well pleased to have done with uncertain
wanderings, and to be allowed to settle among their amiable native
friends.
Preparations for instant departure were made by Christian and those
who chose to follow his lead. The contents of the Bounty were landed
and fairly divided; then the vessel was got ready for her final voyage.
Those who resolved to sail in her were as follows:--
Fletcher Christian, formerly acting lieutenant--age 24. Edward Young,
midshipman--age 22. John Adams, seaman--age 22. William McCoy,
seaman--age 25. Matthew Quintal, seaman--age 21. John Williams,
seaman--age 25. Isaac Martin, seaman--age 30. John Mills, gunner's
mate--age 40. William Brown, botanist's assistant--age 27.

All these had married native women of Otaheite, who agreed to forsake
home and kindred and follow the fortunes of their white husbands.
There were also six native men who consented to accompany them.
Their names were Talaloo, Ohoo, Timoa, Nehow, Tetaheite, and
Menalee. Three of these had wives,