Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/74

Rh on shore. News had reached the Spanish authorities oi the island, that a certain Colonel White, one of the leaders in Lopez's robber-expedition against Cuba, was on board our steamer, and a message now came from them to prohibit the landing of any of the passengers, till further intimation was received from them. This was not quite right. Some of the gentlemen were greatly displeased, and wished anything but good to Colonel White, who, big and bony, with a red face and an Irish nose, and an untroubled and careless expression, now made his appearance on deck, walking up and down, smoking a cigar, in the midst of the wrathful glances of the passengers. He merely intended, he said, to go to Chagrès, on his way to California.

We lay for six hours in the harbour, awaiting our permission to land. For my part, it did not appear long, the view of the shores and the objects around were so enchanting to me. The weather was divine, and we had taken on board great clusters of beautiful, golden bananas.

They were presented by polite gentlemen, and I breakfasted with delight upon my favourite fruit, which is as delicious and beneficial to me as this tropical atmosphere. Sugar-cane was also added to the entertainment, and enjoyed by many. It was a regular tropical breakfast, eaten in the sunshine amid the harbour.

At length a boat approached, bearing the Spanish flag and several officers. They came on board our vessel, Colonel White was taken aside and required to give his word of honour not to land on the island, but to proceed on his way to Chagrès without leaving the vessel. I saw several of the officers (handsome men, with refined features) cast such glances at the robber leader! There were Spanish daggers in them!

The Spanish gentlemen retired, and after that, we innocent passengers prepared to go on shore. Polite gentlemen took charge of my landing, and it was