Nothing had been seen of the mutineers. “They must take the consequences of their foolishness,” observed Bill Windy, “and, the chances are, will have to spend the best part of their days on this island.”
Meantime, Captain Westerway had not forgotten the party at the settlement, and sent up Mr Bollard in the cutter, laden with some of the provisions which had been saved.
Chapter Nineteen.
The Cutter is carried off.
Journey of emigrants to village—Rough travelling—Pursued by mutineers—Tippo comes to the rescue—Welcome at the village—Arrival of provisions—Arrangements for victualling the settlement—Mutineers seen watching village—The cutter carried off—The “Young Crusader” completed—Mrs Morley resolves to remain—Mrs Rumbelow stays with her charges—Preparations for embarking—The “Young Crusader” at the settlement.
Ensign Holt and the party of emigrants he was leading made very good progress on their journey towards the settlement. The only grumbler was Mrs Clagget, as she trudged on with a long stick in her hand, sometimes by the side of the Diceys, and at others addressing her remarks to Mrs Jones. However, as it was so evident that she talked for the sake of keeping her tongue in motion, no one minded her. She regained her good humour when, soon after mid-day, the party halting for dinner, fires were lighted, and steaks frizzling before them. They had had woods to cut through, boggy ground to cross, and rugged stony hills to climb. She, however, got along as well as any one, and her example encouraged the other women who had to travel on foot. Their spirits were revived when their young leader told them that they were within a mile of the settlement.
The last of the party were climbing the ledge of rocks which formed one side of the sandy bay when, on looking back, they saw several men following.
“Why, I do believe they are those fellows who would not work yesterday,” observed one of the emigrants. “And there is that ill-conditioned chap, Job Mawson, among them. I cannot help thinking they mean mischief.”