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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43636 ***
+
+Our Little Cuban Cousin
+
+
+
+
+The Little Cousin Series
+
+BY MARY HAZELTON WADE
+
+_Ten volumes, illustrated_
+
+[Illustration]
+
+_PREVIOUSLY ISSUED_
+
+    =Our Little Japanese Cousin=
+    =Our Little Brown Cousin=
+    =Our Little Indian Cousin=
+    =Our Little Russian Cousin=
+
+
+_NOW READY_
+
+    =Our Little Cuban Cousin=
+    =Our Little Hawaiian Cousin=
+    =Our Little Eskimo Cousin=
+    =Our Little Philippine Cousin=
+    =Our Little Porto Rican Cousin=
+    =Our Little African Cousin=
+
+    Each volume illustrated with six full-page plates in
+    tints, from drawings by L. J. Bridgman
+
+    Cloth, 12mo, with decorative cover, per volume, 50
+    cents net. (Postage, 6 cents additional)
+
+[Illustration]
+
+    L. C. PAGE & COMPANY,
+    New England Building, Boston
+
+[Illustration: MARIA]
+
+
+
+
+Our Little Cuban Cousin
+
+
+By Mary Hazelton Wade
+
+
+_Illustrated by_ L. J. Bridgman
+
+[Illustration]
+
+    Boston
+    L. C. Page & Company
+    _MDCCCCII_
+
+
+
+
+    _Copyright, 1902_
+    By L. C. PAGE & COMPANY
+    (INCORPORATED)
+
+    _All rights reserved_
+
+
+    Published, June, 1902
+
+
+    Colonial Press
+    Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co.
+    Boston, Mass., U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+Preface
+
+
+LARGEST of all the fair West Indian Islands which lie in our open
+doorway is Cuba. The great south doorway to the United States and all
+North America, you know, is the Gulf of Mexico.
+
+But recently, as we all remember, we have had war and bloodshed at this
+doorway. The Spanish government, in trying to subdue its rebellious
+province of Cuba, brought great hardship and suffering upon the Cuban
+people, our neighbours, and our government at last decided that such
+things must not be at our very doorway. So to-day Cuba is free, and the
+great trouble of war is over and past for her.
+
+Yet, though war no longer troubles the Cuban people, they have many
+new hardships and difficulties to contend with, and need the friendly
+help of their more fortunate neighbours scarcely less than before.
+Now, in order that we may be able to help our friends and neighbours,
+the Cubans, we must know them better, and surely we shall all feel a
+stronger interest than ever before in their welfare. So we shall be
+glad to meet and know our little Cuban neighbour, Maria.
+
+We shall ask to have what Maria says translated for us, for most of us
+do not understand the Spanish language, which Maria speaks. We must
+remember, too, to pronounce her name as if it were spelled Mahreeah,
+for that is the way she and her family pronounce it. Our Cuban cousins,
+you know, like our cousins in Porto Rico, are descended from the
+dark-eyed, dark-haired Spanish people. Their forefathers came over seas
+from Spain to Cuba, as the English colonists came across the ocean to
+our country, which is now the United States.
+
+Yet we must remember that the Spanish people and the English people
+are near akin in the great human family. They both belong to the white
+race; and so we shall call our black-eyed little neighbour our near
+cousin. Welcome, then, to our little Cuban cousin!
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+
+    CHAPTER                            PAGE
+       I. DANGER                          9
+      II. THE PICNIC                     17
+     III. LEGENDS                        29
+      IV. NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOURS           37
+       V. SUGAR                          45
+      VI. THE QUARTERS                   53
+     VII. HOME AGAIN                     61
+    VIII. STARTLING NEWS                 64
+      IX. FIRST YEARS IN THE NEW WORLD   72
+       X. THE MERRIMAC                   81
+      XI. VICTORY                        90
+     XII. HAVANA                         97
+
+
+
+
+List of Illustrations
+
+
+                                                               PAGE
+    MARIA                                             _Frontispiece_
+    "'I COUNTED THREE DIFFERENT FORTS OF THE ENEMY'"             21
+    "THEY SAT BACK IN THE LOW, BROAD SEAT"                       39
+    "THE MACHINES MADE A STEADY, GRINDING SOUND"                 50
+    "'IT IS LIKE A BIG LIZARD'"                                  76
+    "THE AMERICAN FLAG WAS WAVING AND PEACE RULED IN THE LAND"  100
+
+
+
+
+Our Little Cuban Cousin
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+DANGER.
+
+
+"MARIA! Maria! Maria!" was the low call from some unknown direction. It
+sounded like a whisper, yet it must have travelled from a distance. Low
+as it was, the little girl dozing in the hammock in the lemon grove was
+awake in an instant. She sprang out and stood with hands shading her
+eyes, looking for the owner of the voice.
+
+She well knew what it meant. Ramon was the only one who had agreed to
+call in this way. It was a sign of danger! It meant, "The enemy are
+coming. Look out and get ready." Shouldn't you think our little Cuban
+cousin would have trembled and cried, or at least run for protection to
+her mother?
+
+Maria was only nine years old. She was a perfect fairy of a child,
+with tiny hands and feet and soft black eyes. But she was used to war
+by this time. She never knew when she went to sleep at night but that
+her home would be burnt down by the cruel Spaniards before the end of
+another day.
+
+Ramon got up before sunrise this morning. He had been away from home
+for several hours. He had gone out in the country "to look around," as
+he said. From his own front door the burning roofs of the houses of old
+friends not a mile distant could be seen the night before. The Spanish
+troops must be near. Who could say but that the boy's own home would
+suffer next?
+
+He was tall and active, and he longed very much to help his people.
+They had suffered much from their Spanish rulers and now they were
+working hard for freedom. But Ramon's father had been ill for a long
+time. He was growing weaker every day. The boy's mother looked very sad
+at times. Her eyes filled with tears when she said:
+
+"My dear boy, you must not leave us now. Your duty lies at home. You
+must be your father's right hand and protect your little sisters and
+myself."
+
+The Diaz children lived in a cosy little home in the country. It
+was only a few miles from Havana. Their father had a small sugar
+plantation. He had been able to raise enough sugar to buy everything
+the family needed until lately. But now times were very hard. It was
+not easy to sell the sugar; besides this, the good man and his family
+were in constant danger.
+
+What had they done? you ask. Nothing. They did not love their Spanish
+rulers, to be sure, and they believed their countrymen were fighting
+justly to free their beautiful island home. They would help these
+countrymen, or insurgents, as they were called, if they had a chance.
+
+But Maria's father had never, himself, fought against the Spaniards. He
+was a quiet, kindly gentleman, and he had no love for war. What did the
+Spaniards care for that? They might say to themselves:
+
+"This man has a pleasant home. He raises sugar. He may give food and
+shelter to those daring Cuban soldiers. Then they can keep up their
+strength and be able to keep up the fight against us all the longer."
+
+So far Maria's home had been spared. Although many other houses near
+her had been burned, hers stood safe and unharmed yet. But "To-morrow
+is another day," the child often repeated to herself, after the manner
+of her people. That meant, "Although I am safe now, no one knows what
+will come next." Then Maria would sigh for a moment and look sad. But
+she was naturally merry and gay, and the next moment would be dancing
+about and humming a lively tune.
+
+What news was her brave brother bringing this morning? As soon as he
+came in sight, Maria ran to meet him. The sun was very hot and the
+little girl's head was bare, but she did not think of these things. The
+Spaniards! The Spaniards! made the only picture she could see.
+
+As soon as she was within easy call, Ramon told her that a company of
+the enemy was only two miles away. He had been very close to them. He
+had even heard them talking together while he hid in the bushes.
+
+"Just think, Maria," he exclaimed, "they were laughing at the easy time
+they would have in breaking our spirit. They said that before long
+they would starve us into giving up. I rather think they won't. Do you
+know, Maria, I believe God will send us help if we are only patient.
+The Americans live so near us, I don't see how they can help taking our
+part, when they know the way we are treated. But come, we must hurry
+and tell father the news. He will know what we ought to do to get ready
+for a visit to-day."
+
+The children hurried to the house, and soon every one was in a state
+of the greatest excitement. When Señor Diaz was told of the approach
+of the Spaniards, he said, in his gentle voice, "We would best have a
+picnic."
+
+The children looked greatly astonished at the idea of a picnic at such
+a time, but their father went on to explain. He had often thought of
+the coming of the Spanish troops. He had made a plan in case he should
+hear of their approach. The house should be locked up; all the family
+should go down to the shore of a small lake a quarter of a mile back
+in the woods. The path that led to this lake was so hidden that a
+stranger would not know it was there. Ramon could lead the oxen; the
+father thought that he was strong enough to guide the horse to the
+picnic-ground.
+
+If the Spaniards found no one about the house, and no animals worth
+capturing, they might possibly pass by without doing any harm.
+
+Señora Diaz and old black Paulina got a hasty luncheon ready. Maria
+said she must certainly take her sewing materials, for she was going to
+embroider some insurgent emblems. Her little sister, Isabella, carried
+her pet kitten in her arms, and cried because the parrot must be left
+behind.
+
+"He'll be so lonesome," she said; "and I just know he'll call
+'Isabella' all day long."
+
+The dear little girl cried hard, but everybody's hands were so full
+that Mr. Poll was left in the house. A big linen cloth was stretched
+over the cage. If kept in the dark, he would probably be still, and not
+attract the attention of the soldiers, if they stopped and looked in.
+The black man servant, Miguel, stayed behind to shut up the chickens in
+barrels, but would follow the rest of the party in a few moments.
+
+The path led in and out through the beautiful southern woods. There
+were cocoanut-palms and ebony and mahogany trees, while underneath were
+creeping vines and bushes, making a close thicket of underbrush. There
+was no talking. The family crept along as quietly as possible, lest
+they should be heard and followed. For by this time the enemy must be
+very near.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE PICNIC.
+
+
+IN a few minutes the lake was in sight. It was a very pretty sheet of
+water. A tiny boat rocked to and fro close to the shore, for Ramon and
+Maria often came here to row about the quiet lake.
+
+Ramon soon had two hammocks swinging between the trees for his father
+and mother. The lunch was spread out on the ground, as it was already
+past the time for the noonday meal.
+
+"What did they have to eat?" you ask. There were some delicate white
+rolls, that Paulina knew how to make so nicely. There was guava jelly
+to eat on the rolls; fresh lemons and newly made sugar from which to
+make a refreshing drink. Besides these, there was plenty of cold fried
+chicken. Could any children have a nicer picnic lunch than this, even
+if a long time had been spent in getting ready for it?
+
+The guava jelly looked just as clear and beautiful as that which is
+brought to America, and sold here at such a high price. Did you ever
+see it in the stores of Boston or New York, and think how nice it must
+taste? Perhaps your mother has bought it for you when you were getting
+well after a long illness, and wished to tempt your appetite by some
+new dainty. Maria has several guava-trees near her home. Paulina makes
+so much jelly from the ripe fruit that perhaps the little girl does not
+realise how nice it is.
+
+After the lunch, Señor Diaz stretched himself in one of the hammocks
+for a quiet rest. He was very tired after his walk through the woods.
+He was also troubled over the sad state of things in his country, and
+was worried that he was not strong enough to take a more active part
+against the enemy. His wife lay down in the other hammock for a noonday
+nap, after which she promised to help Maria in her sewing.
+
+Paulina gathered the remains of the lunch and put things in order,
+while the three children rowed around the lake.
+
+"Won't you hear me read out of my primer, Maria?" said Isabella.
+"Ramon, dear, give your oars a rest, and float for a little while. You
+can listen, too, and I know you'll like my lesson to-day."
+
+The little girl was just learning to read, and she had a book printed
+by the insurgents. No one had to urge her to study, for even her own
+little primer was made up of stories about the war. She had tucked her
+loved book in the loose waist of her dress when she left the house. No
+one had noticed it before.
+
+[Illustration: "'I COUNTED THREE DIFFERENT FORTS OF THE ENEMY'"]
+
+"Why, yes, my darling sister, certainly I will listen, and help you
+with the big words, too," answered Maria, while Ramon drew in his oars,
+and lay back in the boat with a pleasant smile. Of course the words
+were all Spanish, because that was the only language the children had
+ever learned. Isabella read:
+
+"My papa is in the army of the Cubans. He fights to make us free. Do
+you hear the cannon roar? Our men will bring victory. Long live Cuba!"
+
+When Isabella came to the word "victory," Maria had to help her. It was
+such a big word for the six-year-old child to pronounce. She looked at
+it again and again, repeating it slowly to herself. Then she said:
+
+"I'll never fail on that word again, Maria, no matter where it is. How
+I would like to see it in great big letters on a silk banner! I'd wave
+it all day long."
+
+This was a good deal for such a little girl to say, but then, you
+know, she was living in the midst of war.
+
+"Good for you," said her brother; "we'll all live yet to see the words
+of your primer come true. Long live free Cuba! I say. But come, let's
+go on shore, and play war. You and Maria can be the Spaniards, and
+I'll be the insurgent army. You just see how I will make short work of
+taking you prisoners."
+
+The children landed under a big cotton-tree. They made a fort out of
+dead branches which they gathered. This fort was to belong to the
+Spanish troops. The two girls placed themselves behind it, and stood
+ready to defend themselves. It was not many minutes before Ramon took
+them by surprise, and dragged them to the boat, which stood for the
+Cuban headquarters.
+
+"Do you know," said the boy, when they stopped to rest a few minutes
+from their sport, "I counted three different forts of the enemy during
+my tramp this morning. The cowardly Spaniards don't dare to march very
+far away from those forts. They really don't give our men a chance to
+have a good fair battle. They think by having plenty of forts they can
+keep our soldiers from getting into the cities. Then they will scare
+the rest of us who live in the country from feeding them. In that way
+we will be starved into giving in. We'll see, that's all."
+
+By this time Maria could see that her mother had waked up and left the
+hammock.
+
+"She will be ready to help me with my work now," said Maria. "Don't you
+want to come and watch me embroider, Isabella?"
+
+The two girls were soon sitting beside their mother, while Ramon went
+with Miguel on a hunt for birds. The insurgent emblems which Maria was
+so eager to make were to be given to the Cuban soldiers. They were to
+wear beneath their coats. Suppose that an insurgent should stop at any
+place, and ask for food and rest; how would the people know that he
+was true to his country, and not a friend of the Spaniards? He could
+show his little piece of flannel with the watchword of the Cubans
+embroidered upon it. That was the only thing needed. The people would
+be safe now in giving him help.
+
+Maria did her work very nicely. She made a scalloped edge with red silk
+all around the white cloth. A crimson heart on a green cross must then
+be made, with underneath these words:
+
+"Be of good cheer. The heart of Jesus is with me."
+
+Two hours went by before Ramon came back. Miguel and he were bringing
+a large net full of birds. Of course, they had done no shooting. That
+would not have been wise when Spanish soldiers might be near to hear
+the noise. No, they had searched through the woods till they found
+some sour orange trees. The fruit was ripe now and there were sure to
+be numbers of parrots around. They could be caught in the net that
+Miguel had brought from the house that morning. They had to creep along
+very quietly so as to take the birds by surprise.
+
+They had great success, it seemed; but what would the family do with
+a dozen dead parrots? Eat them, to be sure. Paulina would make a fine
+stew for dinner that very night. That is, of course, if they were
+fortunate enough to find the house still standing when they reached
+home. The flesh of this bird is tough, and one wonders that Ramon and
+Maria are so fond of parrot stew. In Cuba there are many nicer birds
+for eating. But each one has his own tastes. No two people are alike,
+we have found out long ago.
+
+"I discovered something in the woods that I want to show you girls,"
+said Ramon. "It's only a little ways off. Won't you come, too, mamma?
+It's the dearest little nest I ever saw in my life. It must belong to a
+humming-bird."
+
+Ramon's mother and the children followed him till the boy stopped in
+front of a low bush. Hidden away under the leaves was the tiny nest.
+It was no bigger than a large thimble. It was made of cotton, bound
+together with two or three horse-hairs.
+
+"I'm sure I couldn't have sewed it as well as that," said Maria. "See
+how the threads are woven in and out. It's wonderful what birds can
+do. But look at the eggs, mamma dear. See! there are two of them. They
+aren't any bigger than peas."
+
+Just then the children heard a fluttering of tiny wings. It was Mrs.
+Humming-Bird who had come home. She was troubled at the sight of the
+strangers.
+
+"Did you ever before see such a small bird?" whispered Isabella.
+"She looks like a butterfly, and a small one, too. Aren't her colours
+beautiful?"
+
+"We would best let her go back to her nest, now, my dears," said Señora
+Diaz. "You can watch, Ramon, and find out when the baby birds hatch. We
+shall all like to see them, I'm sure."
+
+They left the bush and turned back toward the lake. Ramon stopped
+again, however, when they came to a small lace-wood tree.
+
+"You know you asked me to get you some of the wood to trim your doll's
+dress, Isabella. Here is a good chance to get it. I'll follow you in a
+few minutes."
+
+Ramon took out his knife, and soon the young tree was cut away from the
+roots. It would take some time to strip off the bark. It must be done
+carefully and peeled off in one piece, so as to leave the pith of the
+tree quite smooth and whole. Several strips of delicate lace could be
+obtained from this pith. Now Isabella would be able to dress her doll
+in great elegance. She could ruffle the lace on the waist and flounces
+of the doll's skirt and make it look as beautiful as though it cost a
+good deal of money. Isabella herself has a dress trimmed with the lace,
+but Paulina needs to be very careful when she irons it. It was growing
+dark when Ramon arrived at the shore with his tree.
+
+"We will go back now," said Señor Diaz, "and see if the soldiers have
+left us our home."
+
+All were soon making their way back to the house, which they found
+unharmed. Nothing had been touched by the enemy. Perhaps they had not
+thought it worth while to stop. At any rate, there was great joy in the
+Diaz family that evening as they sat on the balcony, sipping cups of
+hot sweetened water. The times were so hard they could not buy coffee,
+and _guaraba_, as they called it, was the next best thing. Maria is
+very fond of it.
+
+The children were so tired from the day's excitement that by eight
+o'clock they were quite ready to go to dreamland. Isabella started
+first. She went up to her father and, placing her tiny hands across her
+breast, looked up into his eyes with a sweet, solemn look. He knew at
+once what it meant. She was asking an evening blessing before leaving
+him for the night. Every one in the room stopped talking; all bowed
+their heads while the kind father said:
+
+"May God bless my darling child, and all others of this household."
+
+Maria and Ramon followed Isabella's example, and soon the children were
+sound asleep. Isabella dreamed that she taught her loved parrot to say
+"Liberty," and was delighted at her success.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+LEGENDS.
+
+
+THE next morning it rained quite hard, so the children had to stay in
+the house.
+
+"What shall we do with ourselves?" said Maria. "Oh, I know. We'll ask
+father to tell us stories."
+
+"What shall it be to-day?" he asked. "Do you want a tale of old Spain,
+or shall it be the life of Columbus; or maybe you would like a fairy
+story?"
+
+"A fairy story! A fairy story!" all cried together.
+
+"Very well, then, this shall be a tale that our people heard in Europe
+a thousand years ago.
+
+"It was long before Columbus dreamed of his wonderful voyages across
+the Atlantic. It was before people had even thought of the idea of the
+roundness of the earth. They had such queer fancies in those days. Few
+men dared to sail far into the West. They believed that if they did so
+they would come into a place of perfect darkness.
+
+"Still they had one legend of a land across the Atlantic that was very
+beautiful. Many of our greatest men believed in it. It was called the
+Island of Youth, and people who reached it could live for ever, and
+never grow old."
+
+"What made them think there was such a place?" asked Maria, with
+wide-open eyes.
+
+"They had heard that long ago there was a very brave young man. He
+had a wonderful horse as white as the foam of the ocean. Strange to
+say, this horse could carry him through the water more safely than the
+stoutest boat. As he was looking for adventure, he started off on the
+back of his fairy steed to cross the ocean.
+
+"After he had travelled for some distance, he stopped to kill a
+giant who had enchanted a princess. When the giant was dead, and the
+beautiful maiden was free once more, he travelled on till he came to a
+land where the trees were loaded with birds. The air was filled with
+their sweet music.
+
+"He stayed in this land for a hundred years. He was merry and gay all
+the time. He was never ill, and never tired."
+
+"But wasn't he lonesome?" asked Ramon. "I should think he would wish
+for other company besides the birds."
+
+"Oh, there were many other people there, of course, and as our
+traveller was fond of shooting, he had great sport hunting the deer.
+
+"But at last something happened to make him think of his old home and
+friends. It was a rusty spear that came floating to the shore one day.
+It must have travelled across the ocean. The young man grew sad with
+longing for the scenes of his early days. He mounted his white steed
+once more, plunged into the ocean, and at last reached his own home.
+
+"But think, children. It was a hundred years since he had seen it. His
+old friends were all dead. The people seemed like dwarfs. I suppose he
+must have grown in size and strength while away on the Island of Youth.
+At any rate, his own home was not what he expected to find it. He had
+no wish to live longer. He lay down and died. The Island of Youth had
+not been such a great blessing to him, after all.
+
+"Another story used to be told in Spain of the Island of Seven Cities.
+It was a legend of our own Cuba, for all we know. People said that a
+thousand years before Columbus crossed the Atlantic, an archbishop was
+driven away from Spain. Why was it? He was untrue to his king. He
+sailed far from his country with a goodly company of men and women.
+
+"After a long voyage they reached a land which they called Antilla.
+There were people already living here. They were kind and gentle.
+
+"The archbishop divided the land into seven parts. He built churches
+and other fine buildings. He got the natives to help him. All lived
+together in peace and happiness.
+
+"But look, children, the rain has stopped falling, and the sun is
+shining. You can go outdoors now, and amuse yourselves. Before you
+leave, however, let me ask you a question in geography.
+
+"Cuba is shaped like what animal? Think how long and narrow it is, and
+of the ridge of mountains running through the centre of the island. I
+will give you until to-morrow to guess the answer.
+
+"And, by the way, did you ever think that our home is really the top of
+a row of mountains reaching up from the floor of the ocean? Ah, what
+wonders would be seen in the valleys below us, if we could journey
+under the water, and explore it for ourselves!"
+
+Just as the good man stopped speaking, Miguel knocked at the door. Two
+ragged little girls were standing at his side. They were strangers.
+Where had they come from during the hard rain of the morning?
+
+It seemed that Miguel had been tramping through the woods after game.
+He did not care for the rain. He was a good-natured servant, and was
+always ready to make pleasant surprises for the family. When he was
+about four miles from home, he came upon an unexpected camp. There were
+about thirty people in it. There, on the mountainside, they had made
+rough huts to live in. There were not only men and women, but little
+children, also. They had been here for two or three weeks.
+
+What a sad story they had to tell! It was the old story. They wished
+to be peaceful; they did not join the army of the Cubans. Still, they
+might possibly help them in some little way. But they did not go to
+the great city. They fled to the woods on the mountainside. They kept
+themselves from starving by gathering berries and wild fruit. Their
+children were sent out every morning to the country homes which were
+not too far off to beg for food and help.
+
+"Poor little children!" exclaimed Maria, when Miguel had finished his
+story. "We will help you all we can, won't we, papa?" And the child's
+eyes were full of tears, as she said:
+
+"We may be homeless like them, yet."
+
+Isabella ran to call her mother and ask her help. Clothing was
+collected, and all the food the family could spare was put into
+baskets. It was far too large a load for the little girls to carry, so
+Ramon and Miguel went with them.
+
+"What a good servant Miguel is!" said Señor Diaz to his wife, after
+they were gone. "So many of the blacks are lazy, and only think of
+their own comfort. But Miguel is always good-natured and ready to
+help."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+NEXT-DOOR NEIGHBOURS.
+
+
+IT was a beautiful Sunday morning. The birds were singing gaily
+outside. Maria opened her eyes. Perhaps she would have slept longer if
+she had not been wakened by a sound in the next room. It was Ramon who
+was calling.
+
+"Say, Maria, what shall we do to-day while father and mother are gone
+to church? Let's go over to the plantation. You know we've been invited
+ever so many times, and it is such fun watching the men at work."
+
+"All right," said Maria, "but there's no hurry. We will wait till after
+the folks have gone before we start."
+
+Just beyond the home of the Diaz children was an immense sugar
+plantation. It covered at least a square mile of land. The rich planter
+who owned it employed more than a hundred black men. It was cutting
+season now, and the work was carried on day and night, both Sundays
+and week-days. Sunday afternoon, however, was a half-holiday, even
+in the busiest time, and the black people then gave themselves up to
+merrymaking, no matter how tired they were.
+
+[Illustration: "THEY SAT BACK IN THE LOW, BROAD SEAT"]
+
+By nine o'clock Señor Diaz and his wife had left home in the
+oddest-looking carriage you ever heard of. It was a _volante_. There
+is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. It looked somewhat like
+an old-fashioned chaise. It had immense wheels, and the shafts were at
+least sixteen feet long.
+
+We think at once, how clumsily one must move along in such a carriage.
+But it is not so. It is the best thing possible for travelling over the
+rough roads of Cuba. It swings along from side to side so easily
+that a person is not bumped or jostled as he would be in any other kind
+of carriage. But one does not see many new volantes in Cuba now. They
+are going out of fashion.
+
+Señor Diaz was very proud of this carriage when it was new. It was
+trimmed with bands of silver. It had beautiful silk cushions. Even now,
+the good man and his wife looked quite elegant as they sat back in the
+low, broad seat. Isabella sat between them.
+
+Miguel rode on the horse's back as driver. He wore a scarlet jacket
+trimmed with gold braid. He had on high boots with spurs at his heels.
+He felt very proud. It made very little difference to him that his coat
+was badly torn and the braid was tarnished. These were war-times and
+one could not expect new clothes.
+
+"If the people at the great house invite you to stay till evening, you
+may do so," said Señor Diaz to his two older children just as he was
+driving away. "I know you will be gentlemanly, Ramon; and Maria dear,
+my little daughter will certainly be quiet and ladylike."
+
+Away swung the volante down the road, while Ramon and Maria put on
+their wide straw hats and started across the fields for the rich sugar
+planter's home. They looked very pretty as they moved along under the
+shade-trees. Both were barefooted; Maria wore a simple white dress, and
+Ramon a linen shirt and trousers.
+
+They reached their neighbour's grounds in a few minutes. They soon
+found themselves in front of a large, low house with beautiful gardens
+and shade-trees around it. But of what was the house made? It was of
+the same material as Maria's home, yet we see nothing like it in our
+own country. It was neither brick, nor wood, nor stone. Maria would say
+to us:
+
+"Why, this is 'adobe,' and it keeps out the sun's hot rays nicely.
+Don't you know what adobe is? It is a mixture of clay and sand dried by
+the sun. Some people call it unburnt brick. It was nearly white when
+the house was new, but now you see it is quite yellow."
+
+There was no glass in the window-cases. In such a warm land as Cuba
+glass would keep out the air too much, and the people inside would
+suffer from the heat. But there were iron bars across the casements;
+there were also shutters to protect the house from the sun and rain.
+
+The children went in at the door, opened by a black servant. She looked
+kind and pleasant, and showed two rows of white teeth as she smiled at
+the young visitors. A gorgeous yellow bandanna was wound around her
+head.
+
+"Come right in, little dears. Massa and missus will be glad to see
+you; little Miss Lucia has been wishing for company to-day."
+
+She led Ramon and Maria into a large sitting-room with two rows of
+rocking-chairs opposite each other. They stretched nearly from one end
+of the room to the other. There was scarcely any other furniture.
+
+A minute afterward, Lucia opened the door. She was about Maria's age
+and very pretty. But she was dressed like a grown-up young lady. She
+carried in her hand a dainty little fan, which she moved gracefully as
+she talked.
+
+"Oh, I am so glad to see you," she cried. "But let us go out into the
+garden; it is much pleasanter there; don't you think so? I want to show
+you my sensitive plant. Did you ever have one?"
+
+Maria and Ramon had heard their father speak of this plant, but they
+had never happened to see one themselves. They followed Lucia out on
+the balcony. A morning-glory vine was trailing up the trelliswork. It
+was bright with its delicate blossoms, pink and blue and purple. Close
+beside it was the sensitive plant.
+
+"It came up of itself," said Lucia. "That is, you know, it was not
+planted by any one. You see its leaves are wide open now. It is keeping
+the morning-glory blossoms company. Perhaps they are talking together.
+Who knows? But when night comes it will close up in the same way as the
+petals of its next-door neighbour."
+
+"Now, Ramon, just touch the leaves gently."
+
+"Why, it acts as if afraid of me, doesn't it?" said the boy. "See how
+it shrinks away, even before I take hold of it. I declare, it knows
+more than some animals."
+
+"Would you like to ride around the plantation? We have three ponies; so
+each one of us can have one," said their little hostess.
+
+Her visitors were delighted at the idea. While a servant was sent for
+the ponies the children sat down under a royal palm-tree. It stood at
+least sixty feet high. Its trunk was perfectly straight. Far up at the
+top was the wide-spreading plume of leaves. There were no branches at
+the sides.
+
+"I just love this tree," said Lucia. "It seems so strong as well as
+beautiful. Isn't it queer that the trunk of such a big tree should be
+hollow?"
+
+"I think it queerer still that the roots should be so small and fine,"
+answered Ramon. "Did you ever eat what is found at the top of the royal
+palm? Everybody says it is delicious."
+
+"Yes, we had it boiled once for a dinner-party," said Lucia. "It was
+delicious, but you know it kills the tree to take it off; so father
+says it is almost wicked to get it. I think he is right."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+SUGAR.
+
+
+BY this time the ponies had been brought up, and the young riders
+started off.
+
+How high the sugar-canes stood! The children could not see over the
+tops, even from their ponies' backs. The long, narrow leaves hung down
+much like our own Indian corn. Far up on each plant was a feathery
+white plume. The stalks were now a golden yellow colour. This was
+Mother Nature's sign that the cane was full of sap.
+
+At Maria's home the cane had been already cut and made into sugar. But
+there were only two or three fields. Here, on Lucia's plantation, there
+were hundreds of acres. The men had been working for weeks already,
+and it was not yet half cut.
+
+"Oh, look, Ramon!" said Maria, "see that dear little black baby asleep
+between the canes. She can't be more than two years old. The other
+children must have gone away and forgotten her."
+
+Ramon jumped down, and, picking up the little tot, lifted her up in
+front of him on the pony's back. She had been waked up so suddenly that
+she began to cry. But when the others smiled at her she rolled her big
+eyes around, and soon began to laugh. She was going to have a ride with
+white children, and that was a grand event in her life.
+
+A turn in the rough road showed an ox-cart ahead. How small the Cuban
+oxen are! But they are such gentle, patient creatures, a child could
+drive them. How they pushed ahead with their heavy load!
+
+When they were young a hole had been bored through the centre of their
+nostrils, and an iron ring was passed through. When the oxen were
+harnessed a rope was fastened on each side of this ring. The black
+driver held the ends of the rope, and guided the oxen. He had no whip,
+for it was not needed.
+
+"Let's follow him up to the top of the hill," said Lucia. "He must
+carry his load to the boiler-house that way, and I do like to watch the
+oxen go down a steep place. There, see! The man will not even get off;
+he's perfectly safe."
+
+As the heavily loaded wagon passed over the brow of the hill, the oxen
+squatted down like dogs, and seemed to slide rather than walk, till
+they reached the foot.
+
+"Bravo!" shouted Ramon. "I'd trust such creatures anywhere. They ought
+to be rewarded with a good supper to-night. And now that they have
+reached level ground see how well they trot along. These dear little
+ponies cannot do much better."
+
+The children still followed the ox-cart, and soon reached the
+sugar-mill. Immense machines were crushing the canes, and the sap was
+flowing into great tanks from which it was afterward taken to be boiled.
+
+"What does the molasses come from?" you may ask. All Cuban children
+would tell you at once that it is the drippings from the newly made
+sugar.
+
+Lucia's father does not sell his molasses, as do many other planters.
+He thinks it is not worth while. You cannot guess what use he makes of
+it. His work-people spread it on the ground to make it richer for the
+next year's crop.
+
+His wife does not think of having it used in cooking, either, as
+American women do, and so Lucia has never tasted gingerbread in her
+life. Perhaps you feel sorry for her. Never mind. She enjoys sucking
+the juice from the fresh sugar-cane as well as the black children on
+her father's plantation; she has as much of this as she wishes, so she
+never misses the molasses cookies and cakes you like so much.
+
+"Lucia, how is it your father keeps on having the cane cut?" asked
+Ramon, as the children stood watching the sap boiling down to sugar.
+"You know, don't you, a new law has been passed ordering the work
+stopped? It is all because the Spaniards are afraid that the poor
+insurgents will get food and help from the sugar planters."
+
+"Yes, I know," answered Lucia. "I heard father talking about it. He
+said he had paid the government a large sum of money to let him keep
+on. So he's all right. But perhaps I ought not to have said this, for
+it is his own business, and I should not repeat what I hear."
+
+The children entered the sugar-mill, and stood watching the workers.
+Every one was so busy that no notice was taken of the young visitors.
+Here were great troughs full of the canes which were being crushed by
+heavy rollers; the juice was flowing fast into the tanks below. And
+there were the caldrons full of the boiling syrup; by their sides stood
+men with long, heavy skimmers stirring the juice, and taking off the
+scum which rose to the surface.
+
+[Illustration: "THE MACHINES MADE A STEADY, GRINDING SOUND"]
+
+There were large, shallow pans close by, where the sugar was placed to
+cool. The air was full of the sweet smell of the sugar; the engines
+were clanking noisily; the machines made a steady, grinding sound, and,
+above all, the cries of the negroes could be heard, as they called to
+each other at their work.
+
+A few minutes was long enough for the children to stay in this busy,
+steaming place. Then they went out again into the bright, clear air.
+After giving the black baby into the charge of one of the negro girls
+who was standing near by, our little cousins mounted their ponies,
+and rode slowly back to the house.
+
+They passed field after field where men were cutting down the tall
+sugar-canes. How rapidly they moved along, leaving the ground quite
+clear, as they passed over it! Was it such hard work? They certainly
+bent over very much as they lifted the heavy, clumsy tools in their
+hands. These tools looked somewhat like long cheese-knives, only they
+were much thicker and heavier.
+
+Ramon would say, "Why, those are machetes. I wish I could use one now
+in defending my country. Many a brave insurgent has nothing else to
+fight with excepting the machete he brought from his little farm. No
+guns can be obtained, for the Spaniards hold the cities, and will not
+allow any weapons to get to the Cubans. But those machetes will do
+great good yet."
+
+As the boy watched the men working, he was thinking how differently
+he would like to use the machete, but he did not say anything of this
+kind to Lucia. He was just a little afraid that her father was not as
+anxious for Cuba to be free as he and his own parents were.
+
+When the children reached the house, Lucia's parents insisted that
+Ramon and Maria should spend the day, and a delicious luncheon was now
+waiting for them.
+
+"This afternoon," said the planter, "you may go over to the quarters
+and see the fun. You know it is a half-holiday, and there will be great
+good times among the blacks."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE QUARTERS.
+
+
+AFTER a little rest in the garden, the children started out once more.
+This time they chose to walk, taking Lucia's big dog with them for
+company.
+
+Even before they started, they could hear the sound of drums and
+shouting and laughter coming from the quarters. They did not have far
+to go before they came upon a crowd of black children. The boys were
+having a game of ball. It was so confused it would be hard to describe
+it. It certainly could not be called baseball, nor anything like it.
+
+And here were the cabins, built close together. Cocoanut and mango
+trees shaded the little huts. Near each one was a small garden where
+the people raised the vegetables they liked best. Okra was sure to be
+seen here, for what old mammy could be satisfied with her Sunday dinner
+unless she had some of this delicious plant in at least one of the
+dishes? Here also was the chicota, much like our summer squash, and
+corn, on which the pigs must be fattened.
+
+As for fruits, there were custard-apple and sour-sop trees, the
+maumee, looking much like a melon; besides many other things which
+grow so easily in the warm lands. Chickens were running about in every
+direction, while there seemed as many pens with pigs grunting inside as
+there were cabins.
+
+How happy the people all seemed! That is, all but a baby here and there
+who had been forgotten by his mother and was crying to keep himself
+company as he sprawled about on the ground. And how grand the women
+thought themselves in the bright red and yellow bandannas wound around
+their heads!
+
+You may be sure that all of the jewelry the people owned was worn that
+day. Maria could not help smiling at one young girl who had immense
+rings in her ears, three chains of glass beads around her neck, heavy
+brass rings on her fingers, and broad bracelets that clinked together
+on her arms. She strutted around as proudly as the peacocks near by.
+
+They are handsome birds, but very vain and silly, like this poor black
+girl who seemed to admire herself so greatly. She tossed her head from
+side to side as she got ready to lead the dance.
+
+The drummer bent to his work with all his heart; one pair of dancers
+after another took their places, and moved in perfect time with faster
+and faster steps. The crowd of bystanders watched them in admiration.
+
+Under the shade of a mango-tree two black children were playing a game
+of dominoes.
+
+"What a nice set it is," said Ramon to his sister. "I am going to ask
+them if they bought it. It must have cost quite a big sum for them to
+spend."
+
+The older of the two players heard Ramon's words. He looked up with a
+proud smile that made his mouth stretch from ear to ear as he said:
+
+"I made them all myself, little master. I got the wood from an
+ebony-tree."
+
+"But of what did you make the white points set into the dominoes?"
+asked Ramon. "They look like ivory."
+
+"I cut them out of alligator's teeth, little master. Now didn't I do
+well?"
+
+This was said with another broad grin and a big roll of his eyes that
+made Lucia and Maria laugh in spite of themselves.
+
+"Well, I should say so," answered Ramon.
+
+"You deserve a medal. But can you read and write? A boy as smart as you
+ought to go to school."
+
+"No, little master. But that doesn't trouble me any. I don't need any
+learning," was the answer. And no doubt the little fellow had no idea
+but that he was as well off as any one need be. He could play in the
+sunshine all day long and he had plenty of good food. Wasn't his mother
+a fine cook, though! He was right in thinking so, too, for she could
+make the nicest "messes" out of the herbs and vegetables growing in the
+little garden behind the cabin.
+
+There were melons and plantains in abundance; salt fish or jerked beef
+to eat every day, and a long sleep at night on a straw bed in the
+cabin. Oh, life was a lovely thing! And what should the little black
+boy know of the cruel war and the Cuban children who had been driven
+away from their homes? To be sure, he had heard sad stories in his
+life, but they were about the old times when his people were brought
+to Cuba as slaves. He had listened to his father's tales of slavery,
+although he himself had been free ever since he was a little child.
+
+The boy's grandfather was born far away in Africa where the sun was
+always hot. He had lived a wild, happy life in his little village under
+the palm-trees by the side of a broad river. As he grew up he hunted
+the panther and the elephant, and made scarecrows to frighten away the
+monkeys from the corn-fields. He was very happy.
+
+But one day a band of white men took the village by surprise. They
+took many other prisoners besides himself. The poor blacks were put in
+chains and driven on board boats in which the white men had come to the
+place.
+
+Down the river they sailed, never more to see their little thatched
+homes and have gay feasts under the palms. At last they came to the
+great ocean, where a large vessel was waiting for them. As they were
+packed away in the hold of the vessel, no notice was taken of their
+cries except a lash of the whip, now and then, across their bare backs.
+
+Then came the long voyage, and the dreadful seasickness in the crowded
+hold of the vessel. Many died before the shores of Cuba came in sight.
+But when those who still lived were able once more to stand on dry land
+they were too weak and sick to care where they should go next.
+
+In a few days, however, they found themselves working under masters on
+the sugar plantations, and making new homes and friends among those who
+were slaves like themselves.
+
+The little domino player told Manuel that his grandfather worked so
+faithfully that after awhile he was given a part of each day for his
+own use. In this way he earned money enough to buy his own freedom
+as well as his wife's. But he had children growing up who were still
+slaves. He wished them to be free also.
+
+Then came an order from the Spanish rulers that all the slaves should
+be gradually given their liberty. But this was not till many years
+after their black brothers in America had been set free by that great
+man, President Lincoln.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+HOME AGAIN.
+
+
+AFTER Ramon and Maria got home that night they told Paulina about their
+visit to the quarters, and their talk with the little domino player.
+Paulina knew him well, and said he was a very bright and good boy.
+
+"Some of those little negroes are too lazy," she declared, "but Pedro
+is always busy. I wish he could go to school, for he will make a smart
+man."
+
+She went on to tell more of the old days. There was one story of which
+she was very fond. It was of a cargo of slaves who were being brought
+to Cuba. They outwitted their masters. This was the way they did it.
+
+After the ship had been sailing for many days, it began to leak badly.
+The water poured in so fast that all hands were kept busy pumping it
+out. It seemed, after a while, to rush in faster than the men could
+get it out. The ship's carpenter went around the vessel, and hunted in
+every part, but could not find a single leak.
+
+"It is the work of the evil one," cried the captain.
+
+The slaves wrung their hands, and wailed, while the crew worked at the
+pumps till they were quite worn out. When it seemed as though the ship
+must soon sink, an island came in sight. The Spaniards quickly lowered
+provisions and water into the small boats, and rowed away, leaving the
+slaves to die, as they supposed.
+
+But they had no sooner got well out of reach than the ship began to
+rise out of the water. The black people could be seen dancing about on
+the deck in delight. The sails were set to the wind, and away sped the
+vessel.
+
+How was it possible? This was the whole story. The prisoners had gotten
+hold of some knives, with which they cut through the outer planking of
+the vessel. Of course, it began to leak sadly. But when the carpenter
+searched for these leaks the slaves had cleverly filled the holes with
+plugs packed with oakum, and he could not find them.
+
+In this way the whole cargo of negroes succeeded in getting out of the
+clutches of the Spaniards. Old Paulina chuckled as she told the story
+and thought of the cleverness of her people.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+STARTLING NEWS.
+
+
+IT was a pleasant evening in February. The children felt gay and happy,
+for their father was getting so much stronger. Why, this very day he
+had walked with them a mile in an excursion to a cave. Miguel had told
+them such wonderful things about it, they begged their father to take
+them there. Although they lived so near, they had never happened to
+visit it before.
+
+When they reached the spot, they were obliged to crouch down in order
+to enter the cave. The opening was merely a small hole between the
+rocks. But, as they crept down under the ground, the passage grew
+wider, and led into a large room.
+
+"Do you suppose Robinson Crusoe's cave was anything like this?" Maria
+asked her brother.
+
+But the answer was, "I don't think so; you know it was not beautiful.
+And see here, Maria, look at those shining pendants hanging from the
+roof. They are as clear as diamonds. Oh, look down beside your feet;
+there are more of those lovely things; they are reaching up to meet
+those coming from above."
+
+"What makes them, papa?"
+
+Señor Diaz then explained to the children that there must be a great
+deal of lime in the rocks overhead, and that, when the water slowly
+filtered through the roof of the cave, it brought with it the lime
+which formed in these wonderful crystals.
+
+"People pay great sums of money for precious stones," said their
+father, "but what could be more beautiful than these shining pyramids!
+The pendants hanging from the roof are called stalactites. Those
+reaching up from the floor of the cave are stalagmites. Do you suppose
+you can remember such hard words, my dear little Isabella? But come,
+children, I have something else to show you here."
+
+He led the children to a little pond, in which they could dimly see, by
+the light of the torch, fish sporting about in the water.
+
+"Those fishes are happy as can be, yet they are perfectly blind. I made
+some experiments years ago that led me to discover it. You see how dark
+it is. The creatures living here would have no use for eyesight, so
+they gradually became blind. We can only keep the organs of our body in
+good condition by using them."
+
+It was no wonder the children enjoyed the day with their father, as
+he always had so much of interest to tell them. This evening, as they
+sat on the balcony, Maria was talking about the fish that lived in
+darkness, when Ramon suddenly exclaimed:
+
+"Look! look! the garden is fairly alive with lights. The cucujos are
+giving us a display of fireworks. Let's catch them, and have some fun.
+Except in the rainy season, it is not often that we see so many." He
+ran into the house for a candle, and the three children were soon
+chasing the cucujos along the walks.
+
+The light of the candle attracted the insects, then it was an easy
+matter to catch hundreds of them in a fine thread net. We should call
+them fireflies, but they are much larger and more brilliant than any
+insect we have ever seen.
+
+As they floated along above the flowers, Maria said they always made
+her think of fairies with their torch-bearers. The light was soft
+and cloud-like, yet it was bright enough to show the colours of the
+flowers, although the night was quite dark.
+
+"Why not make a belt of them for your waists, as well as necklaces
+and bracelets?" Ramon asked his sisters. "Then you can go in and show
+yourselves to mother. You can tell her you are all ready for a party."
+
+"All right," answered the girls. "But you must help us, Ramon."
+
+How could the children do such things without hurting the beautiful
+little creatures, we wonder. But they knew a way, as they had done them
+before.
+
+Each cucujo has a tiny hook near its head, which can be fastened in a
+person's clothing without harming it in the least. Grown-up ladies in
+Havana often adorn themselves in this way when going to a party. They
+look very brilliant, I assure you.
+
+It was not many minutes before Maria and Isabella were fairly ablaze
+with lights. Then they danced into the house to be admired by their
+parents.
+
+"Now let's take them off and put them in those wicker cages you made
+last summer, Ramon," said Isabella. "I'm sure the poor little things
+are tired of hanging from our clothes. They must wish to fly around
+once more. They will not mind being shut up in the cages for a day or
+two, if we give them plenty of sugar to eat."
+
+"All right, but I wouldn't keep them shut up long enough to make pets
+of them," said her brother. "I cannot help believing they would rather
+be free."
+
+As he said these words, there was a step on the garden walk, and a
+moment later a strange man stood in front of the children.
+
+"Is your father at home?" he asked. "I have a message for him."
+
+Ramon hurried into the house. Señor Diaz came out and spoke with the
+stranger in low tones. When he went back into the sitting-room he
+carried in his hand a piece of paper that looked perfectly blank. The
+stranger had disappeared again into the darkness.
+
+"What did the children's good father do with that paper?" you ask.
+
+He went quickly to his desk and put it under lock and key. Nothing
+could be done with it till the morning sun should light up the eastern
+sky.
+
+"Then what?" you curiously ask again.
+
+If we could have watched Señor Diaz, we should have seen him go to his
+desk once more, take out the precious paper, and go over it with a hair
+pencil dipped in a bottle of colorless liquid.
+
+After that, we should have seen Maria running with the paper to the
+window, where the sun's rays would dry it quickly. Lo and behold!
+writing began to appear which threw the whole family into a great state
+of excitement. These were the words:
+
+"The U. S. warship _Maine_ has been blown up. The Americans are
+roused. They believe without doubt that the Spaniards are the doers of
+the terrible deed. Victory shall be ours at last, for the United States
+will now surely take our part against Spain."
+
+There was no signature to the letter.
+
+That very night Maria's household were wakened by a brilliant light
+pouring into their windows. It came from the burning plantation where
+Lucia had her home. When morning dawned there was no trace of a
+building left on the whole place. No person was injured, however, but
+Lucia and her parents went to friends in Havana. The rich planter had
+become a poor man in a single night.
+
+Who had set the fire? It was probably the insurgents, who had
+discovered that the planter was a friend of the Spaniards and was
+secretly working against the freedom of Cuba.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+FIRST YEARS IN THE NEW WORLD.
+
+
+"PAPA dear," said Maria, one evening not long after this, "why did our
+people ever leave Spain and come here to make a home for themselves? Of
+course, they had heard what a beautiful island it is, but was that the
+only reason?"
+
+"They had indeed heard this, my child, but they also believed they
+could become rich by raising sugar-cane or tobacco. Great fortunes were
+made in the old days on the plantations here. My own grandfather was a
+very wealthy man.
+
+"But you know the story of Cuba since then. The heavy taxes and the
+cruel laws of Spain caused my relatives, as well as thousands of other
+families, to lose their fortunes. We have tried to free ourselves many
+times but have not succeeded yet."
+
+"Well, don't be sad, papa dear; the good time is coming quickly now,
+you know. We have not had as hard a time as the poor savages Columbus
+found here, anyway. How I do pity them!" said Maria, with her eyes full
+of tears.
+
+"Yes, they had a sad time of it indeed," her father went on. "They
+thought at first the white men were angels and the boats they sailed
+in were beautiful birds that had brought the visitors straight from
+heaven. But they soon changed their minds.
+
+"Columbus was greatly excited when he looked upon the plants and trees
+so different from any he had ever seen. He said: 'I will call this
+place the "Pearl of the Antilles,"' and so it has been called to this
+day. He also wrote of it, 'It is as much more grand and beautiful than
+any other land as the day is brighter than the night.'
+
+"I suppose you know, Maria, that Columbus visited Cuba four times, and
+yet he never discovered that it was an island."
+
+"I wish you would tell me more about the savages he found here," Maria
+said. "Of course, I know there is not a trace of them left in the land.
+Their hard work in the mines and the cruel treatment of the Spaniards
+soon killed them off. Oh, it is a wicked, wicked shame!"
+
+"Their skins were bronze in colour, like the Indians of North America;
+but they did not know where their own people came from. Once they were
+asked this question by one of the white strangers. They only answered
+by pointing their hands upward. It was as much as to say, 'From heaven!'
+
+"The women had long and beautiful hair, but the men had no beards
+whatever. They painted their bodies with the red earth so common on
+the island, and adorned their heads with the feathers of brilliant
+birds.
+
+"They lived mostly in the open air, and slept in hammocks under the
+trees. They made their hammocks out of the wild cotton you have seen
+growing in the fields. The women spun and wove this into the only cloth
+they ever used.
+
+"They had no gardens. They had no need to plough and plant, for nature
+gave them all they needed. There were many fruits growing wild then,
+as now. They picked the delicious mangoes, bananas, and custard-apples
+which were so plentiful. They gathered the yams and maize which also
+grew wild all over the island. What more could they wish?"
+
+"I should think they would have liked a little meat once in awhile,"
+said Maria, who had been very much interested in everything her father
+said.
+
+[Illustration: "'IT IS LIKE A BIG LIZARD'"]
+
+"Certainly," he replied, "these savages liked hunting, and often
+brought home game to be roasted. They were very fond of the meat of the
+iguana. You have often seen this reptile, Maria."
+
+"Oh, I know," she replied; "Ramon shot one only the other day. It is
+like a big lizard."
+
+"Yes, that is true. The Indians also hunted the voiceless dog, as we
+sometimes call the creature even now. I hardly know why the Spaniards
+gave it such a name. It is more like a rabbit than any other animal.
+There were great numbers on the island in the old times."
+
+"You said the Indians slept mostly in hammocks," said Maria. "Didn't
+they have any houses?"
+
+"Oh, yes, but they stayed in them very little, except during the
+rains. They built them of wood and palm leaves. They were clustered
+together in villages. Sometimes there were two or three hundred houses
+in one settlement, while several families used one house in common."
+
+"How did they defend themselves?" Maria asked, as her father stopped
+speaking.
+
+"They had lances pointed with sea shells, and wooden swords," he
+replied. "These were more for show than for use, for you know they
+were a sober, peaceful people. Such weapons would have been of little
+use if they had tried to fight with the Spaniards. The easiest thing
+would have been for them to leave the island and seek a new home. But
+they were not wise enough for that, although they had large canoes in
+which they might have travelled to some distance. They dug them out of
+the trunks of trees. Some of them were large enough to hold fifty men.
+Their oars were well shaped, but they used them only as paddles. They
+had no row-locks.
+
+"They were a happy people, although quiet and serious in most of their
+ways. They used to dance and sing at their merry-makings, and their
+music was quite sweet."
+
+"Papa dear, if you are not too tired, won't you tell me again about the
+great Spaniard who was entertained by the Indians? It was before they
+learned to fear the white strangers, and they still believed they were
+friends."
+
+"Let me see, little daughter. Oh, yes, now I know whom you mean. I told
+you that story long ago. I am surprised you should remember it.
+
+"It was Bartholomew Columbus, who was sent to act as governor during
+the admiral's absence. He passed from one place to another on the
+island to collect tribute from the chiefs. These chiefs had already
+learned how eager the Spaniards were for gold; so they gave it to the
+governor freely and cheerfully. That is, of course, those who had it.
+But if they could not give this they presented the white man with
+quantities of the wild cotton.
+
+"There was one chief who prepared a grand entertainment in honour of
+his visitors. A procession of women came out to meet them, each one
+bearing a branch of the palm-tree. This was a sign of submission. After
+the women, came a train of young girls with their long hair hanging
+over their graceful shoulders.
+
+"A great feast was spread in the chief's palace and the visitors were
+entertained with music and dancing. When night came, a cotton hammock
+was given to each to sleep in.
+
+"For four days the feasting and games and dancing were kept up. Then
+the visitors were loaded with presents and their dark-coloured hosts
+kept them company for quite a distance as they journeyed onward to the
+next stopping-place.
+
+"Could any people do more to show themselves friendly than these poor,
+gentle savages? Ah! how sadly they were repaid for their trust in the
+white men!
+
+"But come, we have thought enough about the past. Let us return to the
+present and the great things that are daily happening around us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE MERRIMAC.
+
+
+EVERY day now was full of excitement for the Diaz family. Letters were
+often brought to the house by some secret messenger. Each time they
+told of some new and surprising event.
+
+The insurgents were braver than ever before. They dared more because
+they knew of the good friends coming to help them. Yes, the United
+States was getting troops ready to meet the Spaniards on Cuban soil.
+And our great war-ships were gathering also. They, too, were coming to
+help Cuba.
+
+The great battle-ship _Oregon_ was speeding through two oceans that
+she, also, might take part. The eyes of the whole world were watching
+her voyage, and millions of people were praying for her safety. How we
+love the _Oregon_ to-day and the brave captain and sailors who brought
+her safely through her long journey!
+
+One little American boy, only nine years old, felt so sorry for the
+suffering children of Cuba that he wrote these words:
+
+    "War, war, war on Spain,
+     Who blew up our beautiful, beautiful _Maine_.
+     Think of the poor little Cuban dears,
+     Think of their hardships, their sorrows, their tears,
+     Who die every day for the want of some food;
+     Wouldn't you be in a fighting mood?
+     Then hurrah! for the soldiers who nobly do fight
+     In the cause of the weak and for Nature's great right."
+
+This is not very good poetry, but it shows the deep feeling of our
+children for their little Cuban cousins.
+
+Maria, in her pretty little home under the palm-trees, was spared, yet,
+as she and we knew, there were thousands of children no older than
+herself who suffered and died before Cuba was free. Our little cousin
+was delighted when she knew that the American fleet was actually close
+to the shores of her land.
+
+But the Spanish war-vessels were here too. They were lying in the
+harbour of Santiago. It was at the other end of the island, but news
+passed from one to another very quickly among the insurgents. Ramon
+drew pictures of the two fleets as he imagined they looked. He made
+new pictures every day. How he longed to see them with his own eyes! I
+really fear that he would have run away from home and joined the army
+at this exciting time, if he had not loved his parents so dearly.
+
+Why did the Spanish fleet stay in the harbour of Santiago? Why did
+they not go out and meet the American war-ships? Were they afraid? It
+certainly seemed so. They believed they were in a very safe place.
+There was only a narrow entrance to the harbour. It was defended at
+each side of this opening, for on the left were new batteries which had
+lately been set up, and on the right was the grand old Morro Castle
+which had stood there for hundreds of years. In the olden times it had
+defended Cuba against her enemies more than once.
+
+"Morro" means hill, and the fortress at Santiago was well named, for
+it is built on a rocky promontory several hundred feet high, at the
+junction of the open sea and the San Juan River.
+
+Mines were sunk in the narrow entrance to the harbour so that, if the
+American ships should dare to enter, they would explode these mines and
+be destroyed like the _Maine_. It was no wonder the Spanish admiral
+thought they were safe in staying where they were.
+
+Then it happened that a young American thought of a plan by which the
+Spaniards might be caught in a trap. His name was Lieutenant Hobson.
+It was a very daring plan, but he was a wonderfully brave man.
+
+He said to Admiral Sampson, who commanded the American fleet:
+
+"Let me take the _Merrimac_. It is a coaling vessel and very heavy.
+It has six hundred tons of coal on board. We can place torpedoes in
+different parts of the ship. A few men can help me sail her into the
+channel. When the narrowest part is reached we will fire off the
+torpedoes and escape from her before she sinks. That is, we will do so
+if we can. But the _Merrimac_ will be across the narrow channel and the
+Spanish ships cannot get out. Our own ships will then be free to attack
+another part of the island. The Spanish seamen will have to remain
+where they are till they are glad to surrender."
+
+Admiral Sampson had thought of many plans, but he liked this one of
+Lieutenant Hobson's best of all.
+
+But who should be chosen to go with the brave man on this dangerous
+errand? Chosen! Why, there were hundreds who asked to share his danger,
+and only six could go with him. You would have thought it was some
+great festival they longed to take part in, if you could have seen how
+disappointed the men were, who had begged to go and were refused.
+
+But no, it was a fight with death. To begin with, the _Merrimac_ must
+pass the batteries and Morro Castle. She and those on board might
+easily be destroyed before she reached the place where the work was
+to be done. And then, when her own torpedoes should be fired off, how
+could Hobson and his men expect to escape from the sinking ship?
+
+But they were risking their lives in the cause of those who needed
+their help. You and I know now that they were brought safely through
+all the dangers which surrounded them.
+
+The _Merrimac_ passed the guns of the Morro unharmed, for the Spaniards
+were poor marksmen. She reached the narrow channel where Hobson meant
+to do his great work. But a shot from the batteries knocked away her
+rudder, so they could not steer her across the narrow channel. Then
+a great mine exploded under her and tore a big hole in her side. She
+began to sink.
+
+Hobson and his men lay flat upon the deck. Shells and bullets came
+whizzing about them. They dared not rise, even though the ship was
+breaking apart as the shells crashed through her sides.
+
+At length the _Merrimac_ had sunk so low that the water was up to her
+deck. A raft floated close to the men. It was one they had brought with
+them to help in escaping. They caught hold of the edges and kept their
+heads above water.
+
+Just then a Spanish launch drew near. The men on board were about to
+fire when Hobson cried out and asked if an officer were in the boat, as
+he wished to surrender. Admiral Cervera, the commander of the Spanish
+fleet, had himself sent the boat. He ordered the firing to cease and
+accepted Hobson and his men as prisoners of war.
+
+When the news of Hobson's brave deed reached Maria, she could think of
+nothing else for days afterward. She would picture him in his cell at
+Morro Castle, looking out to sea where the American fleet were still
+cruising.
+
+"How proud of him they must all be!" she cried to Ramon.
+
+"They can't be any prouder of him than we are to have such friends as
+he," the boy replied. "Why, he will be looked upon now as one of the
+greatest heroes the world ever knew. I shall always be proud of Morro
+Castle because of his having been confined there.
+
+"You know, we went all over the place when we were little, Maria. I
+believe he is kept prisoner in that part of the castle which is built
+over the water cave. You know we heard that he can look far out on the
+sea from his windows.
+
+"Think of the dungeons underneath, where people were locked up years
+ago. We peeked into one of them that day we visited the fortress and I
+remember how dark and damp they were. I do hope Hobson is treated well
+and won't have to stay at Morro very long."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+VICTORY.
+
+
+IT was only a few mornings after the news of Hobson's brave venture.
+The children were out in the garden, where Ramon had discovered a
+chameleon on a grass plot. It was a sunny day, so perhaps that was the
+reason the chameleon's skin was such a bright green.
+
+"You know how gray they look on dull days," said Ramon. "Perhaps if
+I should put him on the branch of that tree, now, he would change to
+a brownish tint, to look as much as possible like it. He's a stupid
+little thing, though. If he does change colour, I don't believe he
+knows it himself. Mother Nature takes care of him, you know, and
+makes him change as a kind of protection. He has no way of defending
+himself, but if he is of the same colour as the substance around him,
+it is hard for his enemies to find him.
+
+"Oh, dear! it makes me laugh when I think of a battle I once saw
+between two chameleons. They stood facing each other. Their small
+eyes glared as they slowly opened and shut their jaws like pairs of
+scissors. They moved about once a minute. I did not have time to see
+which won the battle; it took too long a time for them to do anything."
+
+As the children stood watching the lizard they heard the sound of hoofs
+down the road. Then there was a cloud of dust as a horseman came riding
+rapidly along. He turned in at the driveway.
+
+"What news? What news?" cried Ramon, who rushed to meet him.
+
+It was an old friend of the family who had given secret help to the
+Cuban soldiers throughout their struggle for freedom.
+
+"Of course, you knew the American troops had landed, didn't you? Well,
+run in and ask your father to come out. I can only stop a moment and I
+have much to tell him."
+
+The gentleman had hardly stopped speaking before Señor Diaz appeared on
+the veranda. He was told about the position of the Americans not far
+from Santiago. They had met General Garcia, the brave leader of the
+insurgents. The Cuban and American armies were now working together.
+Battles had already been fought with the common enemy.
+
+But that which interested the children most was the story of the Rough
+Riders and their daring charges at El Caney and San Juan Hill. Many
+of these Rough Riders were men who had led a wild life on the plains
+in America. Some of them had no book-learning; they were not what one
+usually calls "gentlemen;" but they were great horsemen and brave
+soldiers. They feared nothing in the world.
+
+They were commanded by Colonel Wood, and had been recruited by
+Lieutenant-Colonel Roosevelt, who had been out on the plains among them
+when a young man. He admired their spirit and was glad to be their
+commander now. He knew their ways. He led them up the San Juan heights
+when the enemy was protected by forts and shooting right and left at
+the Americans. But the Rough Riders charged onward with great courage
+and gained the summit. They took possession of the blockhouse at the
+top, and killed most of the Spaniards and drove the rest away. It was a
+glorious fight and a glorious victory.
+
+"A few more deeds like that, and war and trouble will be ended for us,"
+said the gentleman as he rode away to carry the good news to others.
+
+"Hurrah for Lawton and Roosevelt!" shouted Ramon as he danced about
+the garden. "Santiago will soon be out of the hands of the Spaniards,
+and they will be clearing out of Cuba altogether. It seems as though I
+could not rest without shaking hands with our American friends."
+
+The dear boy did not have long to wait, for the very next day came the
+news that the Spanish fleet had been destroyed. It had tried to escape
+out of the harbour, but had been discovered by the watchful Yankees. In
+a few hours all of Spain's war-ships had been sunk or driven ashore.
+
+What was now left for Cuba's tyrants? The battle-ships of the Great
+Republic were ranged along her shores unharmed and strong as ever.
+The Spanish troops were shut up in the city without hope of escape.
+Surrender was the only thing possible to ward off great loss of life on
+both sides.
+
+The Spanish commander made a formal surrender to General Shafter, and
+Spain's empire in the West Indies came to an end almost on the very
+spot where it had begun four hundred years before.
+
+And now the mines were taken out of the harbour and our battle-ships
+could enter in safety. As our vessels glided inside one after another
+they made a wonderful picture. The harbour seemed alive with boats, and
+it looked like a floating city.
+
+Still grander was the sight on land when thousands gathered around the
+governor's beautiful palace at Havana to see the stars and stripes of
+America unfurled. As the flag spread its folds to the breeze, the band
+struck up the air we love so well. It was the "Star Spangled Banner."
+Boom! boom! went the cannon, and thousands of American and Cuban hearts
+were filled with joy.
+
+"Victory! Victory!" shouted Ramon, when the good news reached him that
+night. And "Victory!" cried little Isabella, who added with all her
+childish might, "Long live Cuba." Even the parrot echoed the words of
+the children. He seemed to feel that something very great must have
+happened, for his voice was shriller than usual.
+
+In fact, the family could have no peace in the house, even if there
+were peace all over Cuba, till Master Poll's cage had been covered with
+a thick, dark cloth, and he was made to believe that night had suddenly
+fallen upon his home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+HAVANA.
+
+
+"CHILDREN, would you like to go to Havana and visit our good friend
+Señor Alvarez for a week? He has invited us all to come and talk over
+the good fortune that has come to our land. You can have a good time
+seeing the sights."
+
+Of course the children were delighted at their father's words; so it
+came to pass that Maria found herself, a day or two afterward, in a
+beautiful home in the very heart of the great city.
+
+It was a grand house to her childish eyes. It was all of stone, covered
+with a yellowish stucco. It was at least a hundred years old, she was
+told. It was built around the four sides of an open square, and had
+no piazzas on the outside like her own home. But the court inside was
+very beautiful. A fountain played here all day long, and there were
+blossoming plants standing in pots on the marble floor.
+
+The family spent much of their time on the verandas in this court. It
+was far pleasanter than inside the house, where the windows were so
+heavily barred that they made one not used to the custom feel almost
+as if he were in a prison. The doors of the house were bullet-proof to
+make it safe against attack. There was but one entrance to the house,
+and that led directly into the court. Here the family carriage always
+stood unless it was in use.
+
+The gentleman who lived here had one son, a little older than Ramon.
+He showed the children all around the city. As they went from place
+to place, he told them how hard his father had worked to raise money
+for the Cuban soldiers. His mother sold all her jewels, that she
+might help, too. But they had to do this secretly, of course. If the
+Spaniards had discovered it, they might have lost their lives. This
+boy's name was Blanco. He was a fine, manly fellow, and was looking
+forward now to coming to America.
+
+"I shall go to Harvard College," he told Maria. "I wish to be a
+minister, but I'm afraid if I do become one, I shall not feel like
+praying for the Spaniards."
+
+The boy's heart was still bitter, but perhaps he will feel more kindly
+when he grows older.
+
+One day he took his young friends out to Morro Castle. Havana has a
+hill fortress of that name, as well as Santiago. Although Hobson and
+his men had never been imprisoned in this one, yet the Diaz children
+were glad to see it.
+
+It stood on a rocky point reaching into the sea. The great guns were
+still pointing out between the masses of yellow stone. But they were
+silent. The American flag was waving and peace ruled in the land,
+although soldiers were on guard here and all through the city.
+
+[Illustration: "THE AMERICAN FLAG WAS WAVING AND PEACE RULED IN THE
+LAND"]
+
+At the far end of the fortress was a tall lighthouse. It stood like a
+sentinel to stand watch against possible danger. Once upon a time a
+wall reached from the great fort in both directions around the city of
+Havana. But now there was scarcely a trace of it left.
+
+"How narrow and dirty the streets are," said Maria as they left the
+Morro. "I must say I would rather live in the country, if I could
+choose for myself."
+
+"It doesn't matter so much about the width of the streets," said
+Blanco, "or the poor sidewalks, either. Because, you know, we almost
+always ride. The working people are the ones who walk. But I do not
+like the dirt. That is all the fault of the Spaniards. They taxed us
+enough, but they kept the money for themselves.
+
+"Last summer I was very sick with yellow fever. Mother thought I would
+not get well. She said she believed we had so much of this dreadful
+disease because the city is allowed to be so unclean.
+
+"But look quickly at that Punch and Judy show! Let's stop and watch it.
+There is a man playing the harp to make it more entertaining."
+
+The children leaned out of the carriage to see the show. Isabella had
+never seen Punch and Judy before, and she was greatly delighted. In a
+few minutes they moved on, but soon stopped again, for here stood a
+man turning a hand-organ with a monkey beside him dressed in a most
+ridiculous little suit of clothes. The monkey was dancing to the music.
+Suddenly he gave a spring and landed in the carriage right in Maria's
+lap.
+
+Off came the monkey's cap into his little hands, and with the most
+solemn look it was held up to each of the children in turn.
+
+"Take that, you poor little beggar," said Ramon as he put a silver coin
+into the cap. Down jumped the monkey and off he scampered to his master.
+
+There were many odd sights for the little country cousins. Among them
+were Chinese peddlers showing the pretty ornaments which had been
+brought across the ocean. Once the children passed a cow that was being
+led home after her morning's work. She had gone with her master from
+house to house, stopping long enough at each place for her to give as
+much milk as the people wished.
+
+The cow was followed by a man leading a long train of mules. They were
+laden with empty baskets. They, too, were going home, as they had left
+their loads at the markets in the city.
+
+The sun was quite hot and the party hurried home to rest during the
+noon hours, for, of course, every one took a nap at this time of the
+day. They might not all lie down; perhaps some of those who had stores
+in the busy part of the city would not leave their places of business;
+they might only lean back and doze in their chairs; but they would
+certainly keep quiet and close their eyes, if nothing more. It made one
+think of the story of the "Sleeping Beauty" to see Havana at twelve
+o'clock, noon, in the summer season.
+
+As for Maria, the dainty maiden quite enjoyed her rest at the great
+city house. She could lie very comfortably in a hammock while a little
+negro girl kept off the flies and mosquitoes with a big fan. She needed
+the nap in the city more than at home because she was awakened so early
+by the bells.
+
+Perhaps the children enjoyed Sunday more than any other day during
+their stay in the city, for it was then that they visited the
+cathedral containing the tomb of Columbus. There were many churches and
+grand buildings in Havana, but none could interest the children like
+this.
+
+It was not very far from the house, but they all went in the carriage,
+carrying with them the mats to kneel on during the service. It was a
+grand old stone building, overgrown with moss. There were many bells in
+the two high towers. They were pealing loudly as the party drove up.
+
+"Just think how old it is," whispered Maria to her brother as they
+entered the building. "Blanco says that some of the bells were brought
+from Spain more than two hundred years ago. Do look at the beautiful
+marble pillars, Isabella. Isn't it a grand place?"
+
+It was not yet time for the service to begin, so Blanco led the
+children to the tomb of Columbus, where his ashes had rested for so
+many years. It was at the right of the high altar. All that could be
+seen was a marble tablet about seven feet square. Above it stood a bust
+of the great discoverer.
+
+"They say that Spain has asked the right to have the ashes, and America
+is going to let her take them. But we shall still have the tomb and the
+grand old cathedral where they have rested so long," said Blanco.
+
+"Now come and admire the altar."
+
+It stood on pillars of porphyry and was fairly covered with
+candlesticks, images, and gaudy decorations. Somehow they did not go
+well with the simple beauty of the rest of the church. But the children
+admired it, for they were ready to admire everything.
+
+When the service was over, they drove out by the governor-general's
+palace. It was his no longer, however. The American general who had
+charge of the city lived here now. No doubt he enjoyed the beautiful
+gardens and ponds. He was very active in improving the city. Yes, the
+work had already begun, and in a few months Maria would no longer be
+able to complain of the dirt in Havana.
+
+She could say again, but with a different thought in her busy little
+mind, "To-morrow is another day."
+
+Yes, although it is but a short time since Maria's visit to Havana,
+even now everything is changed in the Diaz family. The good father no
+longer worries; he is fast getting to be a strong, healthy man. He has
+a fine position under the new government, and Maria lives in a new
+home just outside the city of Havana. She is rapidly learning to speak
+English, while one of her dearest friends is a little American girl who
+has lately made her home in Cuba.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES
+
+By MARY HAZELTON WADE
+
+
+FIRST SERIES
+
+These are the most interesting and delightful accounts possible of
+child-life in other lands, filled with quaint sayings, doings, and
+adventures. The "Little Japanese Cousin," with her toys in her wide
+sleeve and her tiny bag of paper handkerchiefs; the "Little Brown
+Cousin," in whose home the leaves of the breadfruit-tree serve for
+plates and the halves of the cocoanut shells for cups; the "Little
+Indian Cousin," who lives the free life of the forest, and the "Little
+Russian Cousin," who dwells by the wintry Neva, are truly fascinating
+characters to the little cousins who will read about them.
+
+Four volumes, as follows:
+
+    =Our Little Japanese Cousin=
+    =Our Little Brown Cousin=
+    =Our Little Indian Cousin=
+    =Our Little Russian Cousin=
+
+Each 1 vol., 12mo, cloth decorative, with 6 full-page illustrations in
+tints, by L. J. Bridgman.
+
+    Price, per volume                    $0.50 _net_ (postage extra)
+    Price, per set, 4 vols., _boxed_      2.00 _net_ (postage extra)
+
+    "Juveniles will get a whole world of pleasure and
+    instruction out of Mary Hazelton Wade's Little Cousin
+    Series.... Pleasing narratives give pictures of the
+    little folk in the far-away lands in their duties and
+    pleasures, showing their odd ways of playing, studying,
+    their queer homes, clothes, and playthings.... The
+    style of the stories is all that can be desired for
+    entertainment, the author describing things in a very
+    real and delightful fashion."--_Detroit News-Tribune._
+
+
+
+
+THE LITTLE COUSIN SERIES
+
+By MARY HAZELTON WADE
+
+
+SECOND SERIES
+
+The great success and prompt appreciation which this charming little
+series met last season has led to its continuation this year with a
+new set of child characters from other lands, each as original and
+delightful as the little foreign cousins with whom the little cousins
+at home became acquainted in last season's series.
+
+
+Six volumes, as follows:
+
+    =Our Little Cuban Cousin=
+    =Our Little Hawaiian Cousin=
+    =Our Little Eskimo Cousin=
+    =Our Little Philippine Cousin=
+    =Our Little Porto Rican Cousin=
+    =Our Little African Cousin=
+
+Each 1 vol., 12mo, cloth decorative, with 6 full-page illustrations in
+tints by L. J. Bridgman.
+
+    Price, per volume                  $0.50 _net_ (postage extra)
+    Price, per set, 6 vols., boxed      3.00 _net_ (postage extra)
+
+    "Boys and girls, reading the tales of these little
+    cousins in different parts of the world, will
+    gain considerable knowledge of geography and the
+    queer customs that are followed among strange
+    people."--_Chicago Evening Post._
+
+    "Not only are the books interesting, but they
+    are entertainingly instructive as well, and when
+    entertainment can sugar-coat instruction, the book is
+    one usually well worth placing in the hands of those to
+    whom the knowledge will be useful."--_Utica Observer._
+
+    "To many youthful minds this little series of books may
+    open up the possibilities of a foreign world to which
+    they had been total strangers. And interest in this
+    wider sphere, the beyond and awayness, may bear rich
+    fruit in the future."--_N. Y. Commercial Advertiser._
+
+
+
+
+COSY CORNER SERIES
+
+
+    It is the intention of the publishers that this
+    series shall contain only the very highest and purest
+    literature,--stories that shall not only appeal to the
+    children themselves, but be appreciated by all those
+    who feel with them in their joys and sorrows,--stories
+    that shall be most particularly adapted for reading
+    aloud in the family circle.
+
+    The numerous illustrations in each book are by
+    well-known artists, and each volume has a separate
+    attractive cover design.
+
+    Each, 1 vol., 16mo, cloth      $0.50
+
+
+_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON_
+
+
+=The Little Colonel.=
+
+The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a small
+girl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fancied
+resemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and
+old family are famous in the region. This old Colonel proves to be the
+grandfather of the child.
+
+
+=The Giant Scissors.=
+
+This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France,--the
+wonderful house with the gate of The Giant Scissors, Jules, her little
+playmate, Sister Denisa, the cruel Brossard, and her dear Aunt Kate.
+Joyce is a great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes
+shares with her the delightful experiences of the "House Party" and the
+"Holidays."
+
+
+=Two Little Knights of Kentucky=,
+
+WHO WERE THE LITTLE COLONEL'S NEIGHBORS.
+
+In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, but
+with added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure of
+the story, that place being taken by the "two little knights," Malcolm
+and Keith, little Southern aristocrats, whose chivalrous natures lead
+them through a series of interesting adventures.
+
+
+=Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.=
+
+The readers of Mrs. Johnston's charming juveniles will be glad to learn
+of the issue of this volume for young people, written in the author's
+sympathetic and entertaining manner.
+
+
+=Big Brother.=
+
+A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a small
+boy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale, the pathos
+and beauty of which has appealed to so many thousands.
+
+
+=Ole Mammy's Torment.=
+
+"Ole Mammy's Torment" has been fitly called "a classic of Southern
+life." It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tells
+how he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.
+
+
+=The Story of Dago.=
+
+In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey,
+owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and the
+account of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.
+
+
+_By EDITH ROBINSON_
+
+
+=A Little Puritan's First Christmas:=
+
+A STORY OF COLONIAL TIMES IN BOSTON.
+
+A story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was invented
+by Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her
+"unregenerate" brother, Sam.
+
+
+=A Little Daughter of Liberty.=
+
+The author's motive for this story is well indicated by a quotation
+from her introduction, as follows:
+
+"One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution,
+the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendation
+is another ride,--untold in verse or story, its records preserved only
+in family papers or shadowy legend, the ride of Anthony Severn was no
+less historic in its action or memorable in its consequences."
+
+
+=A Loyal Little Maid.=
+
+A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the
+child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George
+Washington and Alexander Hamilton, and in the end becomes the wife of
+the latter.
+
+
+=A Little Puritan Rebel.=
+
+Like Miss Robinson's successful story of "A Loyal Little Maid," this
+is another historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the
+gallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.
+
+
+=A Little Puritan Pioneer.=
+
+The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement at
+Charlestown. The little girl heroine adds another to the list of
+favorites so well known to the young people in "A Little Puritan
+Rebel," etc.
+
+
+_By OUIDA (Louise de la Ramée)_
+
+
+=A Dog of Flanders:= A CHRISTMAS STORY.
+
+Too well and favorably known to require description.
+
+
+=The Nürnberg Stove.=
+
+This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.
+
+
+=A Provence Rose.=
+
+A story perfect in sweetness and in grace.
+
+
+=Findelkind.=
+
+A charming story about a little Swiss herdsman.
+
+
+_By MISS MULOCK_
+
+
+=The Little Lame Prince.=
+
+A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of
+the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.
+
+
+=Adventures of a Brownie.=
+
+The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is
+a constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.
+
+
+=His Little Mother.=
+
+Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source of
+delight to them, and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractive
+dress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.
+
+
+=Little Sunshine's Holiday.=
+
+An attractive story of a summer outing. "Little Sunshine" is another
+of those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justly
+famous.
+
+
+_By JULIANA HORATIA EWING_
+
+
+=Jackanapes.=
+
+A new edition, with new illustrations, of this exquisite and touching
+story, dear alike to young and old.
+
+
+=Story of a Short Life.=
+
+This beautiful and pathetic story will never grow old. It is a part of
+the world's literature, and will never die.
+
+
+=A Great Emergency.=
+
+How a family of children prepared for a great emergency, and how they
+acted when the emergency came.
+
+
+=The Trinity Flower.=
+
+In this little volume are collected three of Mrs. Ewing's best short
+stories for the young people.
+
+
+=Madam Liberality.=
+
+From her cradle up Madam Liberality found her chief delight in giving.
+
+
+_By FRANCES MARGARET FOX_
+
+
+=The Little Giant's Neighbors.=
+
+A charming nature story of a "little giant" whose neighbors were the
+creatures of the field and garden.
+
+
+=Farmer Brown and the Birds.=
+
+A little story which teaches children that the birds are man's best
+friends. Miss Fox has an intimate knowledge of bird life and has
+written a little book which should take rank with "Black Beauty" and
+"Beautiful Joe."
+
+
+=Betty of Old Mackinaw.=
+
+A charming story of child-life, appealing especially to the little
+readers who like stories of "real people."
+
+
+_By WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE_
+
+
+=The Farrier's Dog and His Fellow.=
+
+This story, written by the gifted young Southern woman, will appeal to
+all that is best in the natures of the many admirers of her graceful
+and piquant style.
+
+
+=The Fortunes of the Fellow.=
+
+Those who read and enjoyed the pathos and charm of "The Farrier's Dog
+and His Fellow" will welcome the further account of the "Adventures of
+Baydaw and the Fellow" at the home of the kindly smith among the Green
+Hills of Tennessee.
+
+
+_By FRANCES HODGES WHITE_
+
+
+=Helena's Wonderworld.=
+
+A delightful tale of the adventures of a little girl in the mysterious
+regions beneath the sea.
+
+
+=Aunt Nabby's Children.=
+
+This pretty little story, touched with the simple humor of country
+life, tells of two children, who, adopted by Aunt Nabby, have also won
+their way into the affections of the village squire.
+
+
+_By CHARLES LEE SLEIGHT_
+
+
+=The Prince of the Pin Elves.=
+
+A fascinating story of the underground adventures of a sturdy, reliant
+American boy among the elves and gnomes.
+
+
+=The Water People.=
+
+A companion volume and in a way a sequel to "The Prince of the Pin
+Elves," relating the adventures of "Harry" among the "water people."
+While it has the same characters as the previous book, the story is
+complete in itself.
+
+
+_By OTHER AUTHORS_
+
+
+=The Story of Rosy Dawn.= By PAULINE BRADFORD MACKIE.
+
+The Christmas of little Wong Jan, or "Rosy Dawn," a young Celestial of
+San Francisco, is the theme of this pleasant little story.
+
+
+=Susanne.= By FRANCES J. DELANO.
+
+This little story will recall in sweetness and appealing charm the work
+of Kate Douglas Wiggin and Laura E. Richards.
+
+
+=Millicent in Dreamland.= By EDNA S. BRAINERD.
+
+The quaintness and fantastic character of Millicent's adventures in
+Dreamland have much of the fascination of "Alice in Wonderland," and
+all small readers of "Alice" will enjoy making Millicent's acquaintance.
+
+
+=Jerry's Adventures.= By EVELYN SNEAD BARNETT.
+
+This is an interesting and wholesome little story of the change that
+came over the thoughtless imps on Jefferson Square when they learned to
+know the stout-hearted Jerry and his faithful Peggy.
+
+
+=A Bad Penny.= By JOHN T. WHEELWRIGHT.
+
+No boy should omit reading this vivid story of the New England of 1812.
+
+
+=Gatty and I.= By FRANCES E. CROMPTON.
+
+The small hero and heroine of this little story are twins, "strictly
+brought up." It is a sweet and wholesome little story.
+
+
+=The Fairy of the Rhône.= By A. COMYNS CARR.
+
+Here is a fairy story indeed, one of old-fashioned pure delight. It is
+most gracefully told, and accompanied by charming illustrations.
+
+
+=A Small Small Child.= By E. LIVINGSTON PRESCOTT.
+
+"A Small Small Child" is a moving little tale of sweet influence, more
+powerful than threats or punishments, upon a rowdy of the barracks.
+
+
+=Peggy's Trial.= By MARY KNIGHT POTTER.
+
+Peggy is an impulsive little woman of ten, whose rebellion from a
+mistaken notion of loyalty, and her subsequent reconciliation to the
+dreaded "new mother," are most interestingly told.
+
+
+=For His Country.= By MARSHALL SAUNDERS, author of "Beautiful Joe," etc.
+
+A sweet and graceful story of a little boy who loved his country;
+written with that charm which has endeared Miss Saunders to hosts of
+readers.
+
+
+=La Belle Nivernaise.= THE STORY OF AN OLD BOAT AND HER CREW. By
+ALPHONSE DAUDET.
+
+All who have read it will be glad to welcome an old favorite, and new
+readers will be happy to have it brought to their friendly attention.
+
+
+=Wee Dorothy.= By LAURA UPDEGRAFF.
+
+A story of two orphan children, the tender devotion of the eldest,
+a boy, for his sister being its theme and setting. With a bit of
+sadness at the beginning, the story is otherwise bright and sunny, and
+altogether wholesome in every way.
+
+
+=Rab and His Friends.= By Dr. JOHN BROWN.
+
+Doctor Brown's little masterpiece is too well known to need
+description. The dog Rab is loved by all.
+
+
+=The Adventures of Beatrice and Jessie.= By RICHARD MANSFIELD.
+
+The story of two little girls who were suddenly transplanted into the
+"realms of unreality," where they met with many curious and amusing
+adventures.
+
+
+=A Child's Garden of Verses.= By R. L. STEVENSON.
+
+Mr. Stevenson's little volume is too well known to need description. It
+will be heartily welcomed in this new and attractive edition.
+
+
+=Little King Davie.= By NELLIE HELLIS.
+
+The story of a little crossing-sweeper, that will make many boys
+thankful they are not in the same position. Davie's accident, hospital
+experiences, conversion, and subsequent life, are of thrilling interest.
+
+
+=The Sleeping Beauty.= A MODERN VERSION. By MARTHA B. DUNN.
+
+This charming story of a little fishermaid of Maine, intellectually
+"asleep" until she meets the "Fairy Prince," reminds us of "Ouida" at
+her best.
+
+
+=The Young Archer.= By CHARLES E. BRIMBLECOM.
+
+A strong and wholesome story of a boy who accompanied Columbus on his
+voyage to the New World. His loyalty and services through vicissitudes
+and dangers endeared him to the great discoverer, and the account of
+his exploits will be interesting to all boys.
+
+
+=The Making of Zimri Bunker:= A TALE OF NANTUCKET. By W. J. LONG, Ph. D.
+
+This is a charming story of Nantucket folk by a young clergyman who
+is already well known through his contributions to the _Youth's
+Companion_, _St. Nicholas_, and other well-known magazines. The story
+deals with a sturdy American fisher lad, during the war of 1812.
+
+
+=The King of the Golden River:= A LEGEND OF STIRIA. By JOHN RUSKIN.
+
+Written fifty years or more ago, and not originally intended for
+publication, this little fairy tale soon became known and made a place
+for itself.
+
+
+=Little Peterkin Vandike.= By CHARLES STUART PRATT.
+
+The author's dedication furnishes a key to this charming story:
+
+"I dedicate this book, made for the amusement (and perchance
+instruction) of the boys who may read it, to the memory of one boy, who
+would have enjoyed as much as Peterkin the plays of the Poetry Party,
+but who has now marched, as they will march one day, out of the ranks
+of boyhood into the ranks of young manhood."
+
+
+=Will o' the Mill.= By ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON.
+
+An allegorical story by this inimitable and versatile writer. Its rare
+poetic quality, its graceful and delicate fancy, its strange power and
+fascination, justify its separate publication.
+
+
+
+
+BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
+
+
+=The Little Colonel's House Party.= By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON.
+Illustrated by Louis Meynell.
+
+    One vol., library 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.00
+
+
+=The Little Colonel's Holidays.= By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON. Illustrated
+by L. J. Bridgman.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.50
+
+
+=The Little Colonel's Hero.= By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative, fully illustrated
+        $1.20  _net_ (postage extra)
+
+In these three stories Mrs. Johnston once more introduces us to the
+"Little Colonel," the dainty maiden who has already figured as the
+heroine of two previous stories, "The Little Colonel" and "Two Little
+Knights of Kentucky," and who has won her way into the hearts of old
+and young alike. She is more winsome and lovable than ever.
+
+Since the time of "Little Women," no juvenile heroine has been better
+beloved of her child readers than Mrs. Johnston's "Little Colonel."
+
+
+=A Puritan Knight Errant.= By EDITH ROBINSON, author of "A Little
+Puritan Pioneer," "A Little Puritan's First Christmas," "A Little
+Puritan Rebel," etc.
+
+    Library 12mo, cloth decorative, illustrated
+                                         $1.20 _net_ (postage extra).
+
+The charm of style and historical value of Miss Robinson's previous
+stories of child life in Puritan days have brought them wide
+popularity. Her latest and most important book appeals to a large
+juvenile public. The "knight errant" of this story is a little Don
+Quixote, whose trials and their ultimate outcome will prove deeply
+interesting to their reader.
+
+
+=Ye Lyttle Salem Maide:= A STORY OF WITCHCRAFT. By PAULINE BRADFORD
+MACKIE.
+
+_New illustrated edition._
+
+    One volume, large 12mo, cloth, gilt top      $1.50
+
+A tale of the days of the reign of superstition in New England, and
+of a brave "lyttle maide," of Salem Town, whose faith and hope and
+unyielding adherence to her word of honor form the basis of a most
+attractive story. A very convincing picture is drawn of Puritan life
+during the latter part of the seventeenth century.
+
+
+=In Kings' Houses:= A TALE OF THE DAYS OF QUEEN ANNE. By JULIA C. R.
+DORR, author of "A Cathedral Pilgrimage," etc.
+
+_New illustrated edition._
+
+    One volume, large 12mo, cloth, gilt top      $1.50
+
+The story deals with one of the most romantic episodes in English
+history. Queen Anne, the last of the reigning Stuarts, is described
+with a strong yet sympathetic touch, and the young Duke of Gloster, the
+"little lady," and the hero of the tale, Robin Sandys, are delightful
+characterizations.
+
+
+=Gulliver's Bird Book.= BEING THE NEWLY DISCOVERED STRANGE ADVENTURES
+OF LEMUEL GULLIVER, NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME DESCRIBED AND ILLUSTRATED.
+By L. J. BRIDGMAN, author of "Mother Goose and Her Wild Beast Show,"
+etc.
+
+    With upwards of 100 illustrations in color, large quarto,
+          cloth                                                $1.50
+
+This is a most amusing and original book, illustrated with startlingly
+odd and clever drawings. If we may accept the account given in the
+preface, that renowned explorer, Lemuel Gulliver, left behind him
+certain memoirs which have remained unknown to the public up to the
+present day. Having now been brought to light and given to the world,
+these records establish beyond a doubt their author's claim to be
+regarded as the discoverer of the Bouncing Ballazoon and a host of
+other creatures unknown to Darwin and Huxley.
+
+
+='Tilda Jane=. By MARSHALL SAUNDERS, author of "Beautiful Joe," etc.
+
+    One vol., 12mo, fully illustrated, cloth, decorative cover   $1.50
+
+    "No more amusing and attractive child's story has
+    appeared for a long time than this quaint and curious
+    recital of the adventures of that pitiful and charming
+    little runaway.
+
+    "It is one of those exquisitely simple and truthful
+    books that win and charm the reader, and I did not put
+    it down until I had finished it--honest! And I am sure
+    that every one, young or old, who reads will be proud
+    and happy to make the acquaintance of the delicious
+    waif.
+
+    "I cannot think of any better book for children than
+    this. I commend it unreservedly."--_Cyrus Townsend
+    Brady._
+
+
+=Miss Gray's Girls;= OR, SUMMER DAYS IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS. By
+JEANNETTE A. GRANT. With about sixty illustrations in half-tone and pen
+and ink sketches of Scottish scenery.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.00
+
+A delightfully told story of a summer trip through Scotland, somewhat
+out of the beaten track. A teacher, starting at Glasgow, takes a lively
+party of girls, her pupils, through the Trossachs to Oban, through
+the Caledonian Canal to Inverness, and as far north as Brora, missing
+no part of the matchless scenery and no place of historic interest.
+Returning through Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh, Melrose, and Abbotsford,
+the enjoyment of the party and the interest of the reader never lag.
+
+
+=Chums.= By MARIA LOUISE POOL. Illustrated by L. J. Bridgman.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.00
+
+"Chums" is a girls' book, about girls and for girls. It relates the
+adventures, in school and during vacation, of two friends. It is full
+of mingled fun and pathos, and carries the reader along swiftly to the
+climax, which is reached all too soon.
+
+
+=Little Bermuda.= By MARIA LOUISE POOL. Illustrated by Louis Meynell.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.00
+
+Young people will follow eagerly the adventures of "Little Bermuda"
+from her home in the tropics to a fashionable American boarding-school.
+The resulting conflict between the two elements in her nature, the one
+inherited from her New England ancestry, and the other developed by
+her West Indian surroundings, gave Miss Pool unusual opportunity for
+creating an original and fascinating heroine.
+
+
+=Black Beauty:= THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A HORSE. By ANNA SEWELL. _New
+Illustrated Edition._ With twenty-five full-page drawings by Winifred
+Austin.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative, gilt top      $1.25
+
+There have been many editions of this classic, but we confidently
+offer this one as the most appropriate and handsome yet produced. The
+illustrations are of special value and beauty. Mr. Austin is a lover of
+horses, and has delighted in tracing with his pen the beauty and grace
+of the noble animal.
+
+
+=Feats on the Fiord:= A TALE OF NORWEGIAN LIFE. By HARRIET MARTINEAU.
+With about sixty original illustrations and a colored frontispiece.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative      $1.00
+
+This admirable book deserves to be brought to the attention of
+parents in search of wholesome reading for their children to-day. It
+is something more than a juvenile book, being really one of the most
+instructive books about Norway and Norwegian life and manners ever
+written.
+
+
+=Timothy Dole.= By JUNIATA SALSBURY. With twenty-five illustrations.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative      $1.00
+
+The youthful hero starts from home, loses his way, meets with startling
+adventures, finds friends, kind and many, grows to be a manly man, and
+is able to devote himself to bettering the condition of the poor in the
+mining region of Pennsylvania.
+
+
+=Three Children of Galilee:= A LIFE OF CHRIST FOR THE YOUNG. By JOHN
+GORDON.
+
+Beautifully illustrated with more than one hundred illustrations.
+
+    One vol., library 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.00
+
+There has long been a need for a life of Christ for the young, for
+parents have recognized that their boys and girls want something more
+than a Bible story, a dry statement of facts, and that, in order to
+hold the attention of the youthful readers, a book on this subject
+should have life and movement as well as scrupulous accuracy and
+religious sentiment.
+
+
+=Three Little Crackers.= FROM DOWN IN DIXIE.
+
+By WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE, author of "The Farrier's Dog," etc., with
+fifty text and full-page illustrations, by E. B. Barry.
+
+    One vol., library 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.00
+
+A fascinating story for boys and girls, of a family of Alabama children
+who move to Florida and grow up in the South.
+
+
+=Prince Harold, a Fairy Story.= By L. F. BROWN. With 60 full-page
+illustrations by Vitry.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.50
+
+A delightful fairy tale for children, dealing with the life of a
+young Prince, who, aided by the Moon Spirit, discovers, after many
+adventures, a beautiful girl whom he makes his Princess.
+
+
+=The Fairy Folk of Blue Hill:= A STORY OF FOLK-LORE. By LILY F.
+WESSELHOEFT, author of "Sparrow the Tramp," etc., with fifty-five
+illustrations from original drawings by Alfred C. Eastman.
+
+    One vol., library 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.00
+
+A new volume by Mrs. Wesselhoeft, well known as one of our best writers
+for the young, and who has made a host of friends among the young
+people.
+
+
+=Larry Hudson's Ambition.= By JAMES OTIS, author of "Toby Tyler," etc.
+Illustrated by Eliot Keen.
+
+    One vol., library 12mo, cloth, decorative cover      $1.25
+
+James Otis, who has delighted the juvenile public with so many popular
+stories, has written the story of the rise of the bootblack Larry.
+Larry is not only capable of holding his own and coming out with flying
+colors in the amusing adventures wherein he befriends the family of
+good Deacon Doak; he also has the signal ability to know what he wants
+and to understand that hard work is necessary to win.
+
+
+=The Adventures of a Boy Reporter= IN THE PHILIPPINES. By HARRY STEELE
+MORRISON, author of "A Yankee Boy's Success."
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth, illustrated      $1.25
+
+A true story of the courage and enterprise of an American lad. It is
+filled with healthy interest, and will tend to stimulate and encourage
+the proper ambition of the young reader.
+
+
+=The Young Pearl Divers:= A STORY OF AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE BY LAND AND
+BY SEA. By LIEUT. H. PHELPS WHITMARSH, author of "The Mysterious Voyage
+of the _Daphne_," etc. Illustrated with twelve full-page half-tones by
+H. Burgess.
+
+    One vol., large 12mo, cloth decorative      $1.00
+
+This is a splendid story for boys, by an author who writes in vigorous
+and interesting language of scenes and adventures with which he is
+personally acquainted.
+
+
+=The Voyage of the Avenger:= IN THE DAYS OF THE DASHING DRAKE. By HENRY
+ST. JOHN. With twenty-five full-page illustrations by Paul Hardy.
+
+    One vol., tall 12mo, cloth decorative, gilt top      $1.50
+
+A book of adventure, the scene of which is laid in that stirring period
+of colonial extension when England's famous naval heroes encountered
+the ships of Spain, both at home and in the West Indies.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Our Little Cuban Cousin, by Mary Hazelton Wade
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 43636 ***