54 
VOYAGE TO THE 
CHAP, some consideration, said he thought it a dangerous attempt, and de- 
dined taking a part. Vexed at a repulse in a quarter where he was 
Dec. most sanguine of success, and particularly at having revealed sentiments 
‘ which if made known would bring him to an ignominious death, 
Christian became desperate, exhibited the lead about his neck in 
testimony of his own resolution, and taxed Quintal with cowardice, 
declaring it was fear alone that restrained him. Quintal denied this 
accusation ; and in reply to Christian’s further argument that success 
would restore them all to the happy island, and the connexions they 
had left behind, the strongest persuasion he could have used to a mind 
somewhat prepared to acquiesce, he recommended that some one else 
should be tried — Isaac Martin for instance, who was standing by. 
Martin, more ready than his shipmate, emphatically declared, “ He was 
for it ; it was the very thing.” Successful in one instance, Christian 
went to every man of his watch, many of whom he found disposed to 
join him, and before daylight the greater portion of the ship’s company 
were brought over. 
Adams was sleeping in his hammock, when Sumner, one of the 
seamen, came to him, and whispered that Christian was going to take 
the ship from her commander, and set him and the master on shore. 
On hearing this, Adams went upon deck, and found every thing in 
great confusion ; but not then liking to take any part in the transac- 
tion, he returned to his hammock, and remained there until he saw 
Christian at the arm-chest, distributing arms to all who came for 
them ; and then 'seeing measures had proceeded so far, and apprehen- 
sive of being on the weaker side, he turned out again and went for a 
cutlass. 
All those who proposed to assist Christian being armed, Adams, 
with others, were ordered to secure the officers, while Christian and the 
master-at-arms proceeded to the cabin to make a prisoner of Lieutenant 
Bligh. They seized him in his cot, bound his hands behind him, 
and brought him upon deck. He remonstrated with them on their 
conduct, but received only abuse in return, and a blow from the master- 
at-arms with the flat side of a cutlass. He was placed near the bin- 
nacle, and detained there, with his arms pinioned, by Christian, who held 
