In this position he would soon have perished had not his comrades come to the rescue.
With some curiosity they now proceeded to examine the hole. It turned out to be the entrance to a cave which opened towards the northern side of the island, and from which a splendid sweep of the sea could be seen, while in the immediate neighbourhood, far down the precipices, innumerable sea-birds were seen like flakes of snow circling round the cliffs. A few of the inquisitive among these mounted to the giddy height of the cave’s seaward-mouth, and seemed to gaze in surprise at the unwonted sight of man.
“A most suitable cavern for a hermit or a monk,” said Brown.
“More fit for a monkey,” said Martin.
“Not a bad place of refuge in case our retreat should be discovered,” observed Christian.
“H’m! the Mutineers’ Retreat,” muttered John Adams, in a slightly bitter tone.
“A few resolute men,” continued Christian, taking no notice of the last remark, “could hold out here against a hundred—at least while their ammunition lasted.”
He returned as he spoke to the cave’s landward entrance, and clambered out with some difficulty, followed by his companions. Proceeding with their investigations, they found that, while a large part of the island was covered with rich soil, bearing fruit-trees and shrubs in abundance, the remainder of it was mountainous, rugged, and barren. They also ascertained that, although the place had been inhabited in times long past, there seemed to be no inhabitants at that time to dispute their taking possession. Satisfied with the result of their investigations, they descended to their encampment on the table-land close to the heights above Bounty Bay.
On drawing near to the clearing they heard the sound of voices raised as if in anger.
“It’s Quintal and McCoy,” said Adams; “I know the sound o’ their ill-natured voices.”