Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/303

Rh called, that is a republic of white cranes. It was upon an island, on which grew tall, shadowy trees. On the approach of the steamer, the republic rose into the air like a large cloud, then immediately after settled down again, and the island looked as if it were covered with snow.

We called, on our return, at two cities, Jacksonville and St. Mary. Jacksonville is an increasing city, its situation being very favourable for trade; but it lies amid sand, and was a horribly hot, disagreeable place. We slept there one night, at an hotel which resembled a noisy, wooden barracks. St. Mary, which is some years older, is not so well situated for trade, and is on the decrease; it however was more agreeable than Jacksonville, from the beautiful, shady rows of trees in its streets. Wandering here, I saw a well-dressed negro, about fifty years old, who was tatooed like the Luccomées, whom I had seen at Cuba. I addressed him, saying:

“You have come hither from Africa?” He replied, Yes; that he had been smuggled hither from Cuba many years ago. He was now overseer on a plantation, and was very well off. He was a Christian, and seemed pleased to be so. He spoke very sensibly and cheerfully, and had a good, open countenance.

“You do not wish to return to Africa?” said I.

“Oh yes, Missis; oh yes, that I do!” replied he, “there I should be still better off.”

“But people often kill one another there,” remonstrated I.

“Oh, but nobody troubles themselves about that. And there are a great many good people who live there at peace.”

“But, look here, my friend,” said Colonel Mac I., who is a strong Calvinist; “if you had remained in Africa, you would not have become a Christian as you now are, and then the devil, in the end, would have had you!”