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, and one of the wives had a baby girl by a former
husband. The European sailors named the infant Sally. She was a round
light-brown embodiment of gleeful impudence, and had barel