28 THE MUTINY. 
With regard to Christian, he said, " This was 
the third voyage he had made with me ; and as 
I found it necessary to keep my ship's company 
at three watches, I had given him an order to 
take charge of the third, his abilities being 
thoroughly equal to the task." 
Speaking of the division into three watches, 
he added, " I have always considered this a 
desirable regulation, when circumstances will 
admit of it, on many accounts; and am per- 
suaded that unbroken rest not only contributes 
much to the health of the ship's company, but 
enables them more readily to exert themselves 
in cases of sudden emergency." 
On the evening before the mutiny, Bligh had 
invited Christian to supper in his cabin; an 
invitation which he declined, saying that he was 
unwell ; but he had engaged to dine with Bligh 
on the following day. The night of the 27th 
of April, 1789, was remarked for its beauty, 
even in the tropical regions, all nature being 
calm and lovely around; but it was the eve of a 
day of consternation and terror. On that night 
Christian had the watch for two hours. 
Full of desperate intentions, Christian, who 
had the next morning's watch, which was from 
4 to 8, began to sound Matthew Quintall, and 
some others, and soon gained over the greater 
part of the men. Having rapidly arranged 
their plans, they got at the arms, under pretence 
of requiring a gun to shoot a shark, which was 
astern of the ship. At the dawn of day, they 
roughly awoke Bligh, who, starting up in 
amazement, on seeing men about him, armed 
