TWO days after the mutiny, the vessel was headed for the coast of Australia, and when within about 20 miles of Cape Howe the ringleader, Cyrus Plummer, approached the chief and second officers offering to allow them to take charge of the ship if they would undertake to sail her to New Zealand.

The mutineers then lowered two of the best whale boats, filled them with provisions, clothing and arms, and taking whatever valuables they could find, left the Junior, heading the boats towards the shore.

Ten of the crew were connected with the mutiny and these formed the crews of the two boats.

Once the boats were out of sight the chief officer turned the vessel northwards, making for Port Jackson.

On the 17th January, 1858, the ship Lochiel, in charge of Captain Hoddon, sighted the Junior, and on boarding her the story was unfolded.

In due course both vessels reached Port Jackson.

The two boats containing the mutineers evidently soon parted company, for one, the Black Bess, reached Merimbula, whilst the other made southward and was beached a little north of Port Phillip.

The Black Bess was manned by Cyrus Plummer, Jacob Ricke, Charles Henry Stanley and Richard Cartha.

On reaching Merimbula entrance, the mutineers doubtless thought that the place was not inhabited, for owing to the then heavy growth of timber and shrubs by the seashore, nothing could be seen from the entrance of any buildings.

(The story of the muntiny will be continued next week.)