Читать книгу Pitcairn's Island. Sea Adventure Novel онлайн

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“There is a decision we must make soon,” Christian said, after a moment of silence. “It concerns the vessel.”

“You mean to destroy her?”

“Yes. Do you agree to the plan?”

“Heartily.”

“There is nothing else we can do, the island being what it is; but I want the suggestion to come from the men themselves. They must soon see the necessity, if they have not already.”

“Supposing there were a safe anchorage?”

“Not even then should I have wanted to keep her. No, we must burn all bridges behind us. I fancy there is not a lonelier island in the Pacific, and yet the place is known, and there is always the possibility of its being visited. A ship can’t be concealed, but once we are rid of the Bounty we can so place our settlement that no evidence of it will appear from the sea. The landing is a dangerous one and not likely to be attempted by any vessel that may pass this way; certainly not if the place is thought to be uninhabited. We shall have little to fear, once we are rid of the vessel.”

“May I make a suggestion?”