The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-02-04

stopping al one OF the native cafes, we called
or dinner. We bad quite a time trying TO
make the waiter understand our order. Sue
ceeding at last, we were served with all the
native delieacies, winding up with that refresh
ing liquid, pima pulque, that being the fayorite
light beverage there. although the native topers
prefer the fiery cognac with strip, or Jamaica
rum, which is regular lightning.
Paying for onr Entertainment in native
money, we were driven to furnishing store.
Here | made some purchases, including some
handsome fans, decorated chiefly with pictures
Of bull fights, aud the like.
We continued our journey, driving along
the wharyes to the plaza where drill was in
progress. The manuvring was very good,
considering the atteHuated forms of the ma
tiyes. which deprived them Of tho true soldier
~ bearing. But there is one thing that Ha-
vana excels in, and that is her Police Depart
ment. Most all of the men appear to rank rs
officers Of some grade, aud are very Jealous in
the performance of their duties.
We met an American at the plaza, a linguist
and translator by profession, who offered to
show around. lie escorted US to some Of
the public departments and other places Of
interest We could not help noting the filth
ness of the streets and we did not wonder
that the yellow fever makes such ravages
among the pOpnlace. But on the whole we
were we'll pleased with our visit, and, becoming
absorbed i'm what we saw, We delayed our
return TO the ship until darkness overlook us
and warned US as TO our Captains instructions.
Our American acquaintance offered 20 accom-
pany to the wharf. Thanking him for his
kindness and rejecting his offer, which we
afterward came near regretting, we hurried of
In the direction Of the wharves.
We were making our way. as we supposed,
to the wharf where our dingy was moored,
when we were startled by a sudden challenge.
Ii came, in the shape Of an order to halt, from
a sentinel. We tried hard to make the man
understand us and explain our situation 10
him. But IL was useless. He escorted us to
the authorities. where we had the good fortune
TO meet party who spoke orr language. He
readily obtained our release, much TO our
relief; for we were not little alarmed.
The man had evidently thought we were
fiibusterers, but after his mistake was appa-
rent, he became most prOfuse in his apologies,
which were understood not by his words but
by his gestures lie graciously escorted US TO
our wharf, and, jumping IN our dingy, we pulled
rapidly to our vessel. Explanations were in
order there. We were both reprimanded and
requested TO pay more attention to our hours
while AT Havana.
The reason became apparent 10 US when we
learned how risky it is for a person. not acci-
mated, to expose himself after night in the
West Indies. IL is quite cool nights and a very
heavy dew falls. To expose oneself 10 that is
something to be dreaded, as it is u fruitful
source Of the
MOST FATAL OF FEvEEs.
That same night, after our return. lighting a
fragrant Havana figaro / sauntered on the after
deck with my overeoat buttOned up and en-
jOyed the beauties Of a moonlight scene that
was truly delightful. The moon, rising in all
her queenly glory above the horizon, and the
southern starry constellation shone brightly.
Numerous bum-bOa dotted the harbOr here
and there, their appearance being like so many
fire-hies in the distance. Occasionally the soft
musical strains Of some guitar or mandolin,
accompanying some native melody, issued from
one of them and was gently waited DER the
peaceful harb0r.
Moro Castle looming up grandly in the back
ground, cast fantastic shadows over the water
enhancing the beauty OF the scene, and was
very suggestive 10 my mind of the dark secrets
contained in the past history of the old castle.
The following day was Sunday, and we were
permitted to 20 ashore, either 10 attend church
or to witness a bull fight, which was billed
for that afternoon. A party o. four, includ-
ing myself decided 10 take in latter. Pro-
ceeding to the arena, we were ushered up a
riekety flight Of stairs to a large gallery.
The weaker sex predominated in the audi
enee and seemed 10 enjoy the performance,
which soon began. thought it a very tame
affair." TO say the least, the poor brutes having
been starved. as / learned, to such an extent
that prevented them from making much Of a
resistance.
At length we left Havana. We spent some
months cruising about the West Indies and
Central America.
One bright morning we weighed anchor and
made a homeward tack, arriving safe aud sound
at an Eastern port four first visit there) all
in the best Of health aud spirits glad to set foot
on our native soil once more.