The Elbert County tribune., 1905-09-14
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CHAPTER Ix.-continued-
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CHAPTER Ix.-continued-
They are whirled through Washing
ton and down the coast line, through
the Carolinas, with a rapidity that
never ceases until finally they reach
Jacksonville.
Even here the delay is short, and on
the mall for Cuba goes, flying along
the bank of the romantic St John
river, under the weird palmettos and
past swamps where the cypress trees
stretch out their arms, shrouded In
wonderful streamers of grey Spanish
moss that float In the breeze like
trailing banners.
And thus they sped into Tampa, on
the Gulf Coast. Jack has no desire
to linger now. Some other day he
may come back to see the charms OF
Florida for the glimpses he has had OF
the orange and pineapple region have
aroused a desire to see more; but
just at present his one aim is to be
in Havana when the steamer arrives,
SO that he may not lose sight of the
girl who daily grows more precious in
his regard, since the more difficult the
game the higher we appreciate the
victory.
They board the Mascot and under a
darkened sky leave Tampa behind.
The sea is boisterous, as is usual
with the Atlantic, and few passengers
remain on deck. Even Smithers swears
he is sleepy and seeks his bunk.
Jack, who is as staunch as an old
sea dog. really enjoys the commotion.
and, finding sheltered spot on deck,
he smokes his pipe, watches the
plunging of the gallant little steamer
through the foamy billows and pom
ders on the strange fortune having
him in tow.
Morning comes. Ahead. the fair
island of Cuba rises out of the sea,
as 1t were. There is stretch of low
ground, and then suddenly looms up
the frowning fortress of Morro Cas-
Havana, into which no steamer may
enter during the night
Several Spanish men-of-war are at
anchor in the harbor; for the island
Of Cuba is in the throes of another
revolution or rebellion. which Spain
has sworn to crush at any cost. Other
vessels are discovered. and scores of
smaller craft. The effect as the sun
light falls upon the scene is indeed
amazing.
Taking a vehicle. our friends are
soon threading Obispo. or Bishop
street, on the way to the chief hotel
of the city. which faces the Prado, or
public square, said to be several miles
In length.
Jack is interested in all he sees,
but Smithers rather draws back In the
carriage. as though not desirous of
being recognized by some one whom
he has reason to believe may be in
Havana.
There is that in the air that declares
this land, in spite of it's many draw
backs, to be the theater of romance
an utterly indescribable charm that
steals over the senses. The gaily
dressed people, the lounging Spanish
soldiers encountered everywhere, the
strings OF mules bearing burdens,
often bedight with colors and bear
ing tinkllng bells, but belabored with
the same brutality as in Spain, Mo-
rocco, or Egypt-these and the general
holiday aspect Of the place. with deco
rations to catch the eye and draw at.
tention to window display, combine
to make scene that drives away dull
care: while at night the. sound of
music on every hand. the fash of fire.
flies, and the scent of orange bios
SONS in the air make one begin to be-
lieve there is, after all. land of en-
chantment. and that If the eyes be
shut to the coarser side of the picture.
Havana is its abiding place.
And 1t is this strange country Jack
has come with the desperate resolve