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“I can tell you where I think most of them will wish to go,” Nelson replied: “back to Otaheite.”

“So I think,” said Bligh. “May God make them bloody fools enough to do it!”

“As they cast off the launch, sir, I plainly heard some of them shout ‘Huzza for Otaheite!’ ” Elphinstone put in. “There was much noise at the time, but I couldn’t have been mistaken.”

“Whatever the others may decide to do,” said Nelson, “there is one too wise to stop there long: Mr. Christian.”

Bligh started as though he had been struck in the face. He glanced darkly at Nelson, his eyes blazing with suppressed anger.

“Mr. Nelson,” he said; “let me never again hear a title of courtesy attached to that scoundrel’s name!”

“I am sorry,” Nelson replied quietly.

“Say no more,” said Bligh. “It was a slip, that I know; but I could not suffer it to pass in silence.... I agree with what you say of him. He is too wily a villain to remain in a place where he knows he will be searched for. But you will see: the others will not follow him; and we shall have them, like that!” He opened his hand, closing it slowly and tightly as though he already had their several throats within his clutch.