The Mena star., 1899-03-30
CHAPTER III.

Cultivation of the Padre Sebastian, In a quiet way, seemed an obvious pol icy in the light of our recent determi- nation; but we found it necessary to be constantly on our guard against his subtle questioning. He seemed un- warrantably curious to ascertain my business on the steamer, and, think ing the bare truth might be the safest thing I could give him under the cir cumstances. I frankly detailed the severing of my connection with Lan- tine & Go. and the overworked condi- tion which had induced me to take the voyage with my friend. These facts he could easily verify, and, for various reasons, I preferred not to be caught lying.
 Among the other passengers were a rich old wine merchant and his daughter, from Seville. who were making a tour of the Spanish colonies and intended returning to Manila on the steamer. They were delightful people. the Senorita Gracia especially, and. mastering my very best Spanish, I began to cultivate their acquaint- ance. She was beautiful girl, and she piled me with all sorts of questions concerning my countrywomen. our American customs, and the differences between our respective countries Halstead seemed quite taken with her, and, as captain of the steamer, his at- tentions were highly appreciated. The nf ctd ha stewardess. was going to Ponynipete with her iusbnnd; but, being Of Phil ippine birth, she was scarcely in the same caste with the Palacios. So, be- Vond marked courtesy to each other "a prominent East Indian trait, by the way-the two girls had little to say.
 We sat over our dinner for quite awhile, discussing various subjects; then, excusing ourselves upon the plea of being responsible for the naviga- tion, Halstead and I climbed to our quarters on the hurricane deck. We were then passing Banton island, in the open strait, and could dimly make out its 2,000 feet of rock in the star light. The whole voyage from Manila bay to the San Bernardino passage is one grand panorama of precipitous volcano peaks and rocky islands. GOV cred along their bases with luxuriant tropical foliage, which takes on an indescribably rich coloring in the sum light and fills the air with fragrant odors that Hull the senses into an ori- ental semi-consciousness which is sim ply delightful. Even in the half dark ness 1t seemed like dream of en- cbantment as the steamer slipped through the motionless water, soft y purring black smoke from her fun rel and hissigg gently as the spray 1ippled alongside. It was so still that echoes of voices foated from all parts of the ship; liquid, blackguard patois from the crew, lounging about the foc's'le head; limpid Andalusian laughter, with now and then snatch of song in a clear girlish voice, from somewhere down on the main deck; untitled echoes from the stoke-hold ventilators.
 We had made ourselves comfortable at the starboard end of the bridge, and Diaz the mate, was lounging over the rail to port, humming love ditty to himself. Had we grounded on rock or run into another ship, he probably would have pumped down on the grat- ings and battered out prayers to the saints; but outside of emergencies he seemed to be pretty fair officer.
 Dick not only had good taste in tue way of cigars, but he knew just whereto