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Nelson talked in a quiet, even voice which made his words all the more impressive. He was not a man to look on the dark side of things; but we had long been friends, and, as he had said, there was no need of anything but frankness between us as we canvassed the possibilities ahead.

“What I think Bligh will do,” he went on, “is to take us back to Annamooka—either there or Tongataboo.”

“There seems to be nothing else he can do,” I replied, “unless we can establish ourselves here.”

“No. And mark my words—sooner or later we shall have such a taste of Friendly Island hospitality as we may not live either to remember or regret.... Ledward, Ledward!” he said, with a rueful smile. “Think of our happy situation a little more than twenty-four hours back, when we were talking of home there by the larboard bulwarks! And think of my beautiful breadfruit garden, all in such a flourishing state! What do you suppose those villains will do with my young trees?”

“I’ve no doubt they have flung the lot overboard before this,” I replied.