Читать книгу Pitcairn's Island. Sea Adventure Novel онлайн

53 страница из 96

On the morning of the fifth day the wind shifted to the northeast and blew freshly into the cove. All had agreed that the vessel was to be beached as soon as the wind favoured, and Young now put everything in readiness for the Bounty’s last brief voyage. Christian, who had spent the night ashore, returned at once. Most of the native women were aboard at this time and the mutineers were at their stations, waiting, talking in low voices among themselves. Christian clambered over the rail, glanced briefly around, and went to the wheel.

“It could not have happened better for us, Ned,” he said quietly. “There’s been no trouble aboard?”

“Thus far, no,” Young replied. “We’ll have her ashore before Mills gathers his wits together. I’ve kept Martin working aft with me until a moment ago.”

Christian called to the men forward. “Stand by to back the fore-topmast staysail!”

“Aye, aye, sir!”

“Break out the anchors!”

The men at the windlass heaved lustily, their sunburned backs gleaming with sweat. The stronger of the women assisted at this task, while others ran aloft to loose the fore-topsail. With her staysail backed, the vessel swung slowly around, the topsail filled, and, while the anchors were catted, the ship gathered way and drove quietly on toward the beach.