hem separately; when he came to Christian, he answered, 'I
do not know, sir, but I hope you do not think me so mean as to be guilty
of stealing yours.'

The captain swore terribly, and said, 'You must have stolen them from
me, or you would be able to give a better account of them!' He turned to
the others with much more abuse, and saying, 'D--n you! you scoundrels,
you are all thieves alike, and combine with the men to rob me. I suppose
you'll steal my yams next, but I'll sweat you for it, you rascals! I'll
make half of you jump overboard before you get through Endeavour
Straits!'

Then he turned to the clerk, giving the order to 'stop the villains'
grog, and to give them but half a pound of yams to-morrow: if they steal
_them_, I'll reduce them to a quarter.'

That night Christian, who was hardly less passionate and resentful than
the captain, told two of the midshipmen, Stewart and Hayward, that he
intended to leave the ship on a raft, as he could no longer endure the
captain's suspicion and insults. He was very angry and excited, and
made some preparations for carrying out his plan, though these had to be
done with the greatest secrecy and care.

It was his duty to take the morning watch, which is from four to eight
o'clock, and this time he thought would he a good opportunity to make
his escape. He had only just fallen into a restless slumber when he was
called to take his turn.

[Illustration: The captain guarded by the mutineers]

He got up with his brain still alert with the sense of injury and wrong,
and most curiously alive to seize any opportunity which might lead to an
escape from so galling a service.

On reaching the deck, he found the mate of the watch had fallen asleep,
and that the other midshipman was not to be seen.

Then he made a sudden determination to seize the ship, and rushing down
the gangway ladder, whispered his intention to Matthew Quintal and Isaac
Martin, seamen, both of whom had been flogged. They readily agreed to
join him, and several others of the watch were found to be quite as
willing.

Someone went to the armourer for the keys of the arm chest, telling him
they wanted to fire at a shark alongside.

Christian then armed those men whom he thought he could trust, and
putting a guard at the officers' cabins, went himself with three other
men to the captain's cabin.

It was just before sunrise when they dragged him from his bed, and tying
his hands behind his back, threatene