80 VOYAGE TO THE 



Martin, Adams, and six natives (four of Otaheite 

 and two of Tobouai) determined to follow the fate 

 of Christian. Remaining, therefore, only twenty- 

 four hours at Otaheite, they took leave of their com- 

 rades, and having invited on board several of the 

 women with the feigned purpose of taking leave, the 

 cables were cut and they were carried off to sea.* 



The mutineers now bade adieu to all the world, 

 save the few individuals associated with them in 

 exile. But where that exile should be passed, was 

 yet undecided : the Marquesas Islands were first 

 mentioned, but Christian, on reading Captain Car- 

 teret's account of Pitcairn Island, thought it better 

 adapted to the purpose, and accordingly shaped a 

 course thither. They reached it not many days af- 

 terwards ; and Christian, with one of the seamen, 

 landed in a little nook, which we afterwards found 

 very convenient for disembarkation. They soon tra- 

 versed the island sufficiently to be satisfied that it 

 was exactly suited to their wishes. It possessed 

 water, wood, a good soil, and some fruits. The an- 

 chorage in the offing was very bad, and landing for 

 boats extremely hazardous. The mountains were so 

 difficult of access, and the passes so narrow, that 

 they might be maintained by a few persons against 

 an army ; and there were several caves, to which, in 

 case of necessity, they could retreat, and where, as 

 long as their provision lasted, they might bid defi- 

 ance to their pursuers. With this intelligence they 

 returned on board, and brought the ship to an 



* The greater part of the mutineers who remained at Otaheite 

 were taken by his Majesty's ship Pandora, which was purposely 

 sent out from England after Lieutenant Bligh's return. 



