Читать книгу Pitcairn's Island. Sea Adventure Novel онлайн

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“And how long will the Indians hold by it, think ye?” asked Martin. “There’s three without women. They’ll be snoopin’ after ours, fast enough.”

“They’ll leave mine alone,” said Mills. “That I’ll promise!”

“Say ye so, John? She’ll be amongst the first. I’ll warrant some of ’em’s had her before now.”

Mills sprang to his knees and grasped Martin by the shoulders, shaking him violently.

“What d’ye say, ye devil? Speak up if ye’ve seen it! Tell me who, or I’ll throttle ye!”

“Let me go, John! God’s name! I’ve seen naught! I was only havin’ a game wi’ ye.”

Mills glared at him suspiciously, but upon being reassured by the others he released him and resumed his place.

“Christian’s gone aboard again,” said Quintal; “him and Young.”

“There, lads, we can take it easy,” said McCoy in a relieved tone. “Prudence, will ’ee gie us a dance?” He turned to Mills: “Ye don’t mind, John? It’s a joy to see her.”

“Mind? Why should he?” said Martin. “Come, Prudence, up wi’ ye, wench!”

The fumes of the brandy had already mounted to the girl’s brain and she was ready enough to comply. The men well understood the quick rhythmic slapping of hands upon knees that marked the time for the dances of the Maori women. Prudence danced proudly, with the natural abandon of the young savage, pausing before each of the men in turn, her slim bare arms akimbo, gazing tauntingly into their eyes as she went through the provocative movements of the dance. Of a sudden she broke off with a peal of laughter and ran lightly away into the thickets.