l
concerns of the brig. His demeanour was exceedingly capricious, and
even grotesque. At one time Augustus was much alarmed by odd conduct.
At last, however, he went on deck, muttering a promise to bring his
prisoner a good dinner on the morrow. During the day two of the crew
(harpooners) came down, accompanied by the cook, all three in nearly the
last stage of intoxication. Like Peters, they made no scruple of talking
unreservedly about their plans. It appeared that they were much divided
among themselves as to their ultimate course, agreeing in no point,
except the attack on the ship from the Cape Verd Islands, with
which they were in hourly expectation of meeting. As far as could be
ascertained, the mutiny had not been brought about altogether for the
sake of booty; a private pique of the chief mate's against Captain
Barnard having been the main instigation. There now seemed to be two
principal factions among the crew--one headed by the mate, the other by
the cook. The former party were for seizing the first suitable vessel
which should present itself, and equipping it at some of the West India
Islands for a piratical cruise. The latter division, however, which was
the stronger, and included Dirk Peters among its partisans, were bent
upon pursuing the course originally laid out for the brig into the South
Pacific; there either to take whale, or act otherwise, as circumstances
should suggest. The representations of Peters, who had frequently
visited these regions, had great weight, apparently, with the mutineers,
wavering, as they were, between half-engendered notions of profit and
pleasure. He dwelt on the world of novelty and amusement to be found
among the innumerable islands of the Pacific, on the perfect security
and freedom from all restraint to be enjoyed, but, more particularly, on
the deliciousness of the climate, on the abundant means of good living,
and on the voluptuous beauty of the women. As yet, nothing had been
absolutely determined upon; but the pictures of the hybrid line-manager
were taking strong hold upon the ardent imaginations of the seamen, and
there was every possibility that his intentions would be finally carried
into effect.

The three men went away in about an hour, and no one else entered the
forecastle all day. Augustus lay quiet until nearly night. He then freed
himself from the rope and irons, and prepared for his attempt. A bottle
was found in one of the berths, and this he filled wit