Daniels, after demurring awhile, consented to his going, because they trusted Deane implicitly. Everard acknowledged frankly that he would rather leave the boy behind, but Bill's eagerness was so great that he couldn't resist taking him. W'ell, they left in a couple of weeks, and no one ever saw Bill Daniels again. No one ever saw Deane either, until a few months ago, when one of the Airway pilots saw him in Darien. But I am one of the very few who didn't believe Deane was responsible in any seri- ous way for that boy's disappearance. One of the very few.
Daniels waited anld hoped for three mon ths, and then left for the States with a nervous breakdown. Deane recognized me at once, and almost his first words were: The only one of my friends who has spoken to me since" He broke off, and I did not press him. I introduced him to Jack and ordered drinks. It was fair going for the first 15 miles. One morning Bill and I woke to find that our three Indians had gone--why, I never found out--and had taken with them most of our supplies.
But the Indians had not known this, or they would not have left. So Bill and I were left with the prospect of going back at once, as what food supplies remained would obviously last for only a few days. Bill began to pack, while I made notes as to the location and other matters. I drew my revolver and fired at the thing, risking hitting Bill, and shot it through the head. But I was too late.
Young Daniels had been bitten, and in spite of all my efforts he died within 20 miTnuteS' Deane paused, and very, very carefully, stubbed out his cigarette. He must have loved that boy very much. Neither Jack nor I spoke, and Deane went on: Daniels and broken the news to her; but I hadn't the courage. Benton," he said, and I think he must have caught Jack's contemptuous look. There is more than One kind of bravery, my boy, and perhaps some day you will learn that. Now I am groinlg away from Panama forever. I sail for Chinlato-morrow, and I shall spend most of my time at my place in Mlanchuria, trying to forget.
Harrison, I want y-ou to do something for me. I want you to write to Mrs. Daniels and tell her. Say what you like about me--the worst will not do me justice.
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Jack and I went home, very- pensive. This story was the best submitted from the Junior Class in the Ig30 short story Contest. W'hen I finished my college course, about two years ago, I decided that European travel would broaden my education, so for a year or more I traveled throughout Europe, collecting old books and manuscripts.
It was after my travels, while I was classifying and cataloging my literary discoveries, that I dis- covered an old letter in one of the Spanish books. I looked at it carefully, read a few lines, and at once became immersed mn the contents. As you know I was aide to the Governor of Panama. WIhen he heard of the approach of the pirate, Mourgan, he summoned mne to his quarters andi said, "You, Don Juan, have been my aide for two years, and during that time you have served me faithfully.
Make your preparations at once. You may draw upon the city for supplies. The procession was head d by a young officer while a dozen soldiers marched on each side with lowered gun muzzles. They marched through the jungle toward San Lorenzo for several hours when a party of armed men stepped into the trail in front of them. It is your duty to help me take this body to the coast. The big man smiled and said, "I am Sir Henry Morgan. Who are y'ou and what is the reason for taking this corpse across the Isthmus, knowing that I was planning to attack Panama?
I have already captured Fort San Lorenzo. According to an old story, Panama will fall the day after this man is buried, if he is buried in the soil of the New World; so I am trying to take his body to a Spanish ship, that it may be buried in Spain. Soon we came to deep bog and Morgan stopped his men, saying, "Here we are, men. The copper coffin quickly sank from sight and Morgan' laughingly said, "My dear Don Juan, since you were so useful, I shall not kill you.
You can live to see me take Panama. Now I am Morgan's prisoner, and I must say, he has treated me like a gentleman, even permitting me to send you this letter. You probably think I am very indiscreet, putting the secret of the coffin on paper, but Morgan said he would not read it and he never breaks a promise. No, he will never know thalt the coffin contains a fortune in jewels instead of a body. Soon, I hope, I will be free, for Morgan has taken Panama. I will try to recover the jewels and in that way redeem myself with my King.
Of course this letter fascinated me. I investi- gated a few old Spanish books in the collection and discovered that a nobleman by that name was tortured to death by Sir Henry Morgan. Also I found that his best friend, Don Andres de Cer- vantes died on an expedition to Panama two years later. Somewhere on the trail to San Lorenzo there is a fortune waiting for someone to claim. Probably it will be there forever, for all who knew where the copper casket is buried are dead. This was the best story submitted from the Sophomore Class.
The trip across, for even midwinter, had been unusually dull. There were less than persons on the big liner, most of them traveling salesmen or firm representatives coming home for Christ- mas after a year abroad; and I had resigned myself to a week of boredom. The weather, too, was bitter, and I spent most of my time moping around the great empty reading room, or the smoking salon. It was natural, then, that I should attach myself to Talbot, or, more truth- fully, that he should attach himself to me.
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From the first I had taken a liking to the lad, and even after his unmasking I had not the heart to turn him down. Indeed, had not some of the smoking- room crowd testified that mine was a different profession, I might have been ostracized as an accomplice. On the first night out I met him, and I was not sure whether he was English or merely an imi- tation. All the outward and visible signs were English, but he told me that though he had been educated at Oxford and had spent most of his time since then playing polo in India, he was an American.
He had spent some time, and, according to himself, much money, at the water- ing places along the French Riviera. I thought that I had seen him somewhere before, but I could not seem to place him. He talked glibly of people well-worth knowing in both New York and London, but he occasionally made slips. It was his obvious case to cover up these slips that first made me wonder whether he had any motives besides personal vanity in pursuing. I could not tell whether he was working up to an immediate loan, or asking me for an introduction to a banker in New York, or a card to a club.
Then the next night I discovered his motive. I'm a rotten hand at cards. Can't win, and can't leave 'em alone. He smiled, as though half ashamed of his weakness. It's dull, but cheap. You like cards yourself? At this, when he discovered he was wasting his time on me, I expected him to be annoyed; but his disappointment struck far- deeper. He slowly shut his eyes as if I had hurt him physically, and for a moment I believe he was oblivious to my presence. Quite improperly, I felt sorry for him. If he showed his disappointment so keenly, his need for a few dollars must have been great.
Almost at once I abandoned him and went on deck. When I came back an hour later, he was deep in a game of poker. He looked up and passed, and called to me. His audacity and inconsistency so astonished me that I walked out of the room in silence. When we met on the deck, he was not even apologetic. Instead, as though we were partners in crime, he chuckled delightedly. They think you vouched for me to-night; so to-morrow they're going to raise the limit.
I've convinced them I'm an easy mark. He considered this unworthy of an answer, hence only smiled. Then the smile died, and in his eyes I saw fear, infinite weariness, and distress. Can you give me something to straighten m7y head? Mindful of the use he had made of my name, I objected strenuously. But I know who you are," he said. I think he's watching me. I came home on. There was a little trouble on that trip and I fancy he remembers me. Anyway," he said, as though disposing of the subject, "I've got to make expenses. The man chuckled complacently.
I switched on the lights and saw him at the foot of my berth. His hands were shaking, and I saw that he was holding himself in check with great difficulty. For a moment he looked old and worn; finished. They moved me out of India, then Cairo, then Port Said. Then they closed Paris on me. Now they've closed London. I had a club there. Just a few games--roulette, baccarat.
Very quiet, y'know, very exclusive. Nice, fashionable district, too, down on Berkeley Street. I think it was my butler who sold me. Anyway, they took us down to Bow Street. I've plunged on this trip. It's my last chance. They've been payin' me to live abroad. I'm goin' home to 'em. I've been away for ten years. I'm comin' home as the Prodigal Son, tired of eatin' the husks of life, now I'm just waiting' for 'em to kill the fatted calf. I know of times when he tried to get me to come home, but the rest of the family didn't want me. He was always decent to me, even when the others were treating' me like a dog.
He's my best bet. I suggested as much. I got to make enough to go on till I see my family. I gave him a sleeping powder, and sent him off to bed. Apparently it was just what he needed for the next day after luncheon he was up on deck looking fresh and strong, and active. He seemed to have forgotten our previous night's conver- sation, and when I asked him to abandon his smoking-room activities for the rest of the voyage, he only laughed. I came into the smoking room about 9 o'clock, to see how the game was progressing.
All the players except Talbot were standing up; their voices were raised in anger. Talbot sat with his back against a bulkhead, cool and nonchalant. Outwardly, at least, he was indifferent to the hostile gestures which were being directed at him by his chief tormentor, a noisy, red-faced pest named Smedburg.
In the confident, bullying tones of a man who has the crowd with him, he was addressing Talbot. And, further- more, it's my business if I don't choose to give my name to every meddling busybody I meet. It was too evident to be ignored, even by Talbot. He silently rose, and with an air of fastidious con- cern brushed a speck from his coat. His persecutor pointed a long finger at him. He's such a nice looking chap. But now this Smedburg is going to send a wireless to the police and to Aleck and tell them about the whole business.
It means a scene on the wharf, newspaper talk, and Heaven knows what. He won't dare show his face. H-e ignored the gibes and jokes which were flying about him, and put on an air of great superiority.
D E Stevenson
He would have passed mne on deck, but I took his arm and led him to the rail. He's the busy little boy-. He turned to me and gripped my arm. They're just waiting for a chance. I was playing in luck all evening. Everything was comin' my way. I didn't need to cheat. But a loose card fell off the bottom, and they- all jumped on me before I had a chance to explain, It wasn't the truth they wanted.
They- believed what they wanted to believ-e. But I didn't cheat once in the game. But I'd forgotten he hadn't a brother. I thought I could get away with it. Do you suppose this Smnedburg person has really- sent him a radio? The little Jew in the fur coat at the end of the pier. We' were so close I could read his face. It was stern set, unrelenting. Of a bad business, Smed- burg had made a worse one.
I turned to speak to T'albot, but found him gone. His silent slipping away filled me wzith fear. I ran to his stateroom. Then starting at the bottom, I traversed every deck, lane, and alley- on the ship. Talbot was not to be found, and my inquiries to stewards fell on deaf ears. There were hundreds of empty staterooms in, which he might have hidden, and in the con- fusion of landing no one would notice him. Finally-, I had reached the gangplank and started to the customs shed to continue my search, when a white-faced steward touched my arm.
He was propped up against a pillow, and his shirt was open. The doctor was applying a sponge to a long, red wound in his chest. I must have exclaimed aloud, for the doctor looked up. They forced me to one side, and through the passage came the little Jew in the sable coat, Mr. For a minute he stood staring, with wide, owl- like eyes, at the drawn, haggard face on the pillow. In both of his hands he clasped the hand of the card sharp. It's your brother Adolf! OscaEr Heilbron, '33 This story won first place among the Freshmen stories. The large, all metal, Ford trimotor monoplane was warming up in front of its hangar when I arrived at France Field.
After signing a few pa- pers, I boarded the plane which was to take me to Habana, Cuba. Three minutes later we were soaring over Colon at an altitude of 10, feet. The continuous hum of the three "wasp" motors was becoming monotonous as I sat in the small wicker chair of the spacious cabin. The only passenger besides myself was a man of short stature dressed in a dark blue suit. About half an hour later, I noticed that we were flying over the ocean and, as there wasn't anything worth looking at, I soon fell asleep.
It seemed as if I had slept for ages when suddenly I was awakened by a lurch of the plane. To my great surprise my hands and feet were bound with a piece of woven copper wire. Every few seconds the plane bucked as if out of control. Through the window leading into the control cabin I could see the co-pilot of the plane strug- gling with a man, while the pilot was trying his best to keep the plane on an even keel. The man, whom I hadi seen before in the cabin with me, finally overpowered the pilots leaving them uncon- scious.
The interloper immediately grabbed hold of the controls and steered the plane back toward the mainland. After flying along the coast for abou t three hours, he pointed the plane out toward an island, which I judged to be about 30 miles from the shore. This seemed to be our destination be- cause in the center of the island there was a large clearing which served as a landing field.
From the air the place seemed to be uninhabited, for all that could be seen was tropical jungles. After circling the island a few times,the man at the wheel brought the plane to a landing. As soon as the plane landed, we taxied toward a hangar, which had been cunningly hidden so that it could not be seen from the air. After turning off the motors, the stranger stepped into the cabin and untying my hands and feet, he motioned me to follow him. He led me into a house that stood between the two hangars.
As we entered the house I glanced back and saw the pilots of the plane being taken away. Inside the building my captor motioned me to sit down on a stool, which seemed to be the only article of furniture in the room. Here I was left alone. About ten minutes later, my captor returned accompanied by a tall, bearded man. The newcomer told me in very broken English that, from now on, I was to consider myself a prisoner of the notorious air pirates called the "Black Hawks. The room was dark, for the onlylight came through a small window on one side of the room.
I was so completely exhausted, that I lay down on the cot and soon was fast asleep. About five hours later I was awakened by a man whom I thought, at first, to be one of my captors. He proved to be one of the pilots of the plane that had been captured. He whispered to me to follow him.
We jumped out of the window and landed in the tall grass which surrounded the building. After crawling though the grass for a short distance, we met the co-pilot, who had been waiting for us at the edge of the clearing. About 20 feet from us stood a trim Lockeed Vega, its motor idling as it stood out in the moonlight.
The only person in sight was a mechanic, who was walking toward the hangar. As soon as we saw our chance, we made a dash for the plane. As the last one of us entered the plane the mechanic saw us and gave the alarm, but it was too late. Although we had a fast plane, they soon caught up with us and after circling around us a few times they began to "pepper" us with their machine guns.
We were helpless since our plane was unearned. Our pilot was wounded twice, so I took him to the rear of the cabin to give him first aid while the co-pilot took the controls. Suddenly there was a great explosion and a blinding flash and I immediately knew that our gas tank had been hit. I could see the pilot of the plane fighting the flames in the control cabin. As the plane fell out of control the earth seemed to rush up to meet us. Then there was a crash and everything went black;. TIo my gr-eat diisappoint- ment I realized that it had all beecn a dream.
There is a time in everyone's lIfe when his troubles seem the greatest and his work the hardest. Since I am no exception, this grievous time in my life is during examinations. I n- variably let things go until the last minute and then try to strengthen myself for the puzzling tests. Every year I make a resolution to be prepared, but I have never kept it. That is what happened this year.
Before melay books of all kinds which I glared at with contempt. My mind was crammed with English, Geometry, Latin, and History. I was unaware of anything around me but my books- Suddenly I became aware of the roaring of the ocean and the wind. I was no longer in my home but on Colon Beach. The moon was full and all the stars were out. The palm trees stood majestic and tall in the moonlight, their fronds waving to and fro.
While I was wondering how I came to be there, I noticed a ship in the bay. On observing the ship I discovered it was a Spanish Galleon. Next I heard voices and soon four men came upon me. Never have I seen a more picturesque group. One was a pirate, another a court dandy, another an ancient Greek, and the fourth an ancient Roman. Their faces seemed strangely familiar. The pirate saw me first and cried, "WThat have we here? I can find out by- Geometry. He is a modern. Do you know- if the fronds of these palm trees are equal'" "I have told you many times, 'Clid, old boy, that they- were unequal when I conquered Colon.
Nekst I sent my airplanes to drop tear bombs on the city. I next entered the city- in my- Ford. It did my heart good to see the English laughing. I had performed the almost impossible; I had conquered the English.
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The tear bombs and laughing gas did not affect us, for the English are not easily con- quered. The thmng that did break us and send us into hysterics was Caesar. Wihen he entered Panama in his Ford, the people howled. I never expect to see anything funnier. Drake and I were dining with the French Ambassador when all of a sudden our dinner was interrupted by a soldier bringing news that Caesar had eloped with a Spanish Senorita in his tin-lizzy. I can just see Jubius driving his rattle- trap with one hand.
But they didn't get far, for Caesar ran out of gas and the Spanish soldiers captured them. Euclid sulked because no one would listen to him talk about geometry. Drake and Morgan were growing happier every minute.
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I gathered all my courage together and cried, "All of you are wrong. Caesar never captured Panama. Morgan never conquered Colon. The English never occupied Panama, and Euclid can't prove the palm tr-ees are equal. In fact, you are all liars. Caesar and Euclid could hold in their wrath no longer. Mlorgan and Sir Francis stopped laughing. Then my one-time friends turned on me and soon I would have been no more if suddenly everything had not been shattered by a loud noise.
I woke u'p when I fell off my chair. It was on a Monday during vacation that I first became a bit suspicious. I was busy in the kitchen when the iceman's vell greeted me. I turned back to my work and was occupied fully three minutes before I heard the iceman slam in the ice. I turned suddenly just in time to see an understanding glance pass: I went on with my work and the maid disappeared into the next room.
As I left the kitchen, I met the maid reentering.
I went on, not even glancing toward her. I heard the iceman leave, and now, when the door slammed again I knew that she, too, had left. My curiosity being aroused I went to the window, from which I had a clear view of the back yard. I was not surprised at what I saw and heard.
This peculiar calling sound, by the way, is called the "Panamanian love call. My anger was rising, as I could not understand what was detaining her. When I remembered, I rose quietly, went into the kitchen, and began to serve the dessert myself. Sounds of voices came to me from the yard. The dishes were washed to the tune of "I can't give you anything but love, baiby. Some special ceremony- was going on within. The church was crow-ded, and the in- creasing odor of incense and cheap perfumnes became quite unpleasant.
The choir joined the organ; then the whole mob rose and sang regar-dless of the fact that very few hy-mn books could be seen. As the hymn ended and the people sat down again the organ began "Here comes the bride. They sav-e for months. Then they deck themselves in all their finery and strut proudly to church. The wvomen havce the most expensive qluality- of material in their clothes. This wedding was certainly- a typical one. I heard the procession entering from the back of the church, so I tunrnd to get a clear view of the bride and "lucky!
In her arms she held an immense bouquet trimmed w-ith big white bows. He wore a suit of white striped f-lannel tr-ousers and a long black swallow-tail coat. His black shoes shone and gleamed as the light reflected on them. As the procession neared I turned to see the face of the blushing bride. One thought came to me.
The call came fr-om box 2;, at the Agua Clara Pump Station. Tlhe man driving kept at the horn, the other man rang the bell. The road to the pumping stations turned off the main road at the bottom of the hill, but the car went straight past the turn. TIhe firemen had to go a quarter of a mile farther before they could come to a stop.
T'he firemen attached the hose to the plug; one man started with the hose toward the house, giving the signal to turn on the water as he r-an. A1 fire hose nozzle can be regulated so as to send any size stream of water desired. At this time the nozzle waHs closed. A-gain the woman screamed and pointed to a ladder leading to the roof. The tiremnen, thinking the fire was on the roof, immediately climbed the ladder.
Still no signs of fire. A v-oice fr-om below cried out, "It's on the strip of tinl along the peak of the roof. The noble fire fighters saverd the cat, wrere proutssely thanked by the woman, and began the homeward struggle. Gates will open, gates will close, And the water as it changes From each chamber, roars and flows.
Little thought comes from the docks Of the mighty power of the locks. Edwar-d Conkling, '3" Second place in poetry contest. The people on the billboards, They have lots of fun; They smoke a certain cigarette And all their goals are won. They never fret or worry, They're always bright and gay They use the right electric range And their work becomes as play. The people on the billboards Wear everlasting smiles, They always pick the tire that lasts Some ten thousand miles.
They always choose tobacco That can not bite the tongue, And the soap that keeps the woman's face Always fresh and young. I'm glad that on the billboards Life is full and free, Because along the public roads There is little else to see. What Poe Forgot to Mention. Third place in poetry contest. Hear the tolling of the bell--wretched bell! What a day of tiresome toil it's noist clangs foretell!
How we hasten lest we're tardv when we hear the second knell Of that bell, bell, bell, bell, bell, When we hear the second knelling of the bell! As interpreted by Fitty. I'd fight for you, I'd spite for you, I'd sit up all the night for you. I'd fuss for you, I'd cuss for you, I'd smash an omnibus for you.
I'd read for you, I'd speed for you, I'd go without my feed for you. I'd row for you, I'd go for you, I'd spend all of my dough for you. I'd ride for you, I'd slide for you, I'd give up all my hide for you. I'd tail for you, I'd boil for you, I'd eat a peckr of soil for you. T'he reason for this attitude I shall proceed to tell, For ere this reason halppenled John thought that girls were swrell.
One girl to him was all the world; Her name was Lila Crutch. She was his Greta Garbo, and He worshipped her as such. But Lila Crutch was p'opular And rather indiscreet; Shie treated himn as nothing But the dirt beneath her feet. One day, idling in Studly Hall He thought he'd wcrite a note; He poised his pen, then set about; Aind this is what he wrote: He wrote this out with flourishes, But not without a blot While thinking what a genius For poetry he hadl got. Or I'll read your note in English class.
Noises of all kinds; Instruments and voices; Sound mn the tumult Of happy rejoicers. At last come the floats So majestic, serenle, Coveredl with confetti, Red, yellow, anld green. Grab your books the bell has rung' Cramn and be pushed andi for y-our class run. Enter your class aund hear his song "Get an admit you are lalte, You and that other girl," Oh!
Fate; Then you go to the office on a run The Principal says, "I can't give y-ou one. Her stately arms she stretches high To both the left and right, The sun upon then shines all day And the moon throughout the night. The gentle breeze blows through her leaves And whispers tales of old; It tells of kings anld riches royal, Of ladies and piraltes boli. A breaking, creaking crash was heard, 'Twas only- a frond that fell. It hushed and then continued, This tale of men of old.
The Frenchmen were the next in line; Of their deeds it readily told. They- slaved all night and day by hand And never did get rich. A4nd looking down at my knee I behold, A mece red ant sitting there so bold. I sweep him from his chosen place, And he lands upon a grassy space. The place of my dreamy rest Was a nice big red ant's nest. Whenever my shoes become unlaced, You tell me! And if I've gained a pound or two; If there are freckrles breaking through; It doesn't matter what I do- You tell me!
A dreary day, a stormy night, Oh, how the wind does fulme and fight. The gods of storm to battle ride 1Vith darkened clouds against the sky. The rain in torrents fills the streets, Like marching drums the thunder beats. The sky is lighted aund we see The gods of storm ride to victory. A stillness o'er the land is sent; Again is joy, peace, and content.
As I sit galzing at the sky; Watching. The years may come; the years may go; The rains may fall; the winds may- blow! The hands of Time mayr move quite fast, And many a man be of the past. But, the memory lives on. The memory lives; the thoughts come back! Ah, there's the field, and there's the shack! The place lights up as if to show Me the faces I used to know. Yes, the memnory lives on. My heartstrings tug; my eyes grow damp. I hear their voices!
I hear the tramp Of feet as up the aisle they walk, And I try hard but can not talk. Yet their souls live on! My- poor head swims. I can not see! Myv ears don't hear! W'hat can it be? I'll join thee, schoolmates, in aI long, deep sleep, For the hand of death shall make its sweep. But, more'll come on! The seas may roar and mountainls falll; ,Cities crumble; e'en Death may call, Aind pals go down in the cold, damp ground, Their souls on an upward journey bound, Still the memory lives on!
When October rolled aIround once more, School bells began to toll. We all were there, prepared to work, W'hen the teacher called the roll. The Freshmen all grew grey with fear Of the horrors to be seen, If the clippers revealed their foolish heads Till they looked like a Boston bean. The Soph's strutted 'round like Indian Braves, But still had a1 secret fealr That the clippers woulld work on their coconuts As they- did in their freshmann yrear.
The Juniors looked worried, no one knew why, But they thought of the drastic way- That teachers halve of making them wrork, W'hen they much preferred to play-. The Seniors paraded through the halls, All ablaze in their nlew-found glory, Then the faculty worked on them-- But that's another story.
This school term is ending falst, And soon no more will be, n'e know next week will be the last Of work, of bells, of geometry-. Then we'll sigh, and groan, anld say, "I know that school is past, But when I think of the work and play, I'm1 sorry. But nowa days, with apartmentss up so high, Soon, the kids 'll have to dust the sk-. But then o' course, I'm not complainin' Not fur all th' world do they need tamin' Because for all this modern science Those kids have got their self reliance. The boy stood in the bath tub, All covered up with soap, Rocking gently to and fro, For he was on a boat.
A woman came walking down the hall, When all of a sudden she fell The boy grabbed up a bathrobe, And stammered, "What the-Well! The woman turned up her nose and said, "Oh, such language vile. Only those who have lived in the magic zone long enough to make it their home, have ex- perienced the magnetic power which makes them want to return after they have left. Notwith- standing their assertions to the contrary, it is the mysterious call of the tropics that lures them back. Perhaps it is speaking too broadly to say, that everyone upon arrival is immediately enamoured of the place, because there are many people who develop a dislike for the country and leave by the next boat.
It may be because they can not adapt themselves to a different type of life. But there is no medium. The place is either loved or hated. There must be something which makes the tropics so favorable. Is it the jungles that sur- round us? Is it the rainy season with its sudden, breath-taking downpours? Perhaps it is the happy-go-lucky life about the the tropics that is part of the lure. Perhaps it is because Panama is progressing so rapidly and is getting to be a "big place" in the world.
Maybe some day someone will have thought it all out. Panama and Colon, gateways to the great Canal, were established long before the oceans were united. In fact, in no more than a century after the discovery of the New World, both of these towns were important in romance, explora- tion, and commerce. After Columbus had sailed along the coast of what is now Panama, a host of other Spaniards came, establishing the little settlement of Darien.
Using this as a base, Balboa explored the jungle, and finally, from a hill in Darien, saw the great Pacific. The settlement which became known as Panama, however, was not established until 15'9. This name Panama is a native name meaning "One who fishes in river or ocean. This governed the territory far north and about r00 miles south.
As other settlements grew up and colonists arrived led by the stories of gold and treasure, an immense traffic grew. Finally from a mere path through the jungle a "camino real" was construct- ed across the Isthmus. The terminus on the Atlantic side was Porto Bello, which figured greatly in shipping, also. Sir Francis Drake raided the settlements many times.
His body is said to be buried in the bay of the town which is now Colon. It was Henry Morgan, however, who completed the entire destruction of Panama, in r Only vine covered walls and half ruined bridges remain to-day of this town. Most of the seawall remains to-day. An attractive walk or promenade has been made of it, and it has been named "La Boveda. The streets were narrow. The dun- geons, several of which mnay be seenl to-day, were horrible.
As years went by, Panama grew but slowly. The first great move toward its progress was made in r, when the two towns at either coast, Panama and Colon then Aspinwall , were united by rail. The financing and building of this long-needed railroad was done by Americans, among whom were William Aspinwall and John Stephens. The work was accomplished after five years of difficulties and danger-s.
Aspinwall was also the leading spirit in the establishment of the trans-Pacific line of steam- ships and the Pacific Mail Steamship Company. Then came the French attempt to build a canal, For seven years the work went on. But disease, waste, and theft finally overcame this enterprise and the work was finally discontinued. The United States realized the possibilities, or in fact the need of this waterway, and they pur- chased the rights of the French company.
This time the work was carried through and in the great way was opened. The sanitation, which had been a vital factor in the building of the Canal, was also completed by the United States. Gorgas was appointed chief sanitary officer, and under his strict and efficacious inspection, Panama gradually became a healthful place.
The Republic of Panama is divided into nine provinces. Panama and Colon are under control of the Panamanian Government, although they are within the area of the Canal Zone. Panama City is the capital, and therefore the home of the President, the seat of the Assembly, and the residence of local officials. The total population of the Republic of Panama exceeds , people.
This, of course, does not include those in the Canal Zone itself. Of this population the whites, or pure Spaniards make up 60, The total number of half Indian and half white is somewhat greater than , persons. Strange as it may seem, there are over r, of the yellow race in Panama. These people however, do not go into the interior so much, but are center- ed about Colon and Panama City principally. A4 few, however, take to gardening on a small scale. There are 75, foreigners on the Isthmus and 10, more men than women. Only about three-eighths of the country of Panama is occupied, and of this area but a small proportion is properly cultivated.
The Unitedl Fruit Company has about 35, acres devoted to banana raising, this being the most important cultivated product. Every tropical product may be grown to perfection, and in the hills and mountains practically all fruits and vegetables of temnperate zones may easily be raised.
Other products besides the banana include coffee, cocoa, coconIuts, sugar, tobacco, and various dyestuffs and medicinal products. W;5ith the present program of motor roads penetrating the interior, there is no reason why a good living should not be made by agriculturists in Panama. In the old Spanish colonial days, cattle raising was the chief industry aside from mining, but to-day there are not over 2oo,oco head of cattle in the entire Republic. Good horses are not raised in the Republic, but fairly good native ponies are.
The majority are miserable, undersized, thin and weak. Mules are scarce and very high priced. Estimates place the total number of horses and mules in Panama at about 4opoo0. Around the Perlas Islands the pearl fishing is very lucrative, but it is not carried out to any great extent. The waters of Panama teem with fish, but the present fisheries do not fill all of the demands of the cities and of the Zone.
Panama possesses nearly every common mineral except coal, but they are scarcely mined. Among them are granite, limestone, copper, iron, lead, mica, nickel, oil, silver, tin, and gold. In the old Spanish days, Panama was sacked by pirates for its gold, and gold is still found in the famous Darien mine and in practically every stream. Panama is very rich in timber. In the forests are many valuable cabinet, building, ornamental, and dye woods. As a rule, the valuable woods are scattered and are therefore not so accessible. Panama, the land of eternal romance has had, from early days, an important position- in the world.
In the fifteenth century it was named "The Bridgeofthe World. During the eighteenth century, conditions in Panama became very bad, and she soon lost her name, "T'he Bridge of the WMorld. Thousands of people went by way of Panama, which was then a veritable pest hole of disease. Panama soon realized her opportunities and built a railroad in Then the "Bridge of the World" was again fulfilling its name.
The year saw Panama win her independ- ence from Colombia. This event is celebrated every year on November 3, with fiestas and fire- works. Then, in r, the great Canal was open- ed to traffic by the Americans, and Panama, "The Bridge of the World," became the world's highway in truth. Panama has also been called "The Crossroads of the World. Aspin- wall, Henry Chauncey, and John L. Stephens in , to build a railroad across the Isthmus.
From Gamboa it crossed the divide through the present site of Culebra, from there through Paraiso and the bed of what is now Mira- flores Lake to Panama. It was acquired by the United States in , but is was not found possible to use much of the old road when the Canal was built, so it was relaid to run almost parallel with the Canal to the eastward. The crossing of the Isthmus by train takes two hours or approximately one quarter of the time taken by steamers.
The San Blas Indians habitat islands less than miles from Colon. These islands are said to be free from the usual pesky- insects of the tltropics, and from wild animals. The San Blas Indians cultivate only what they need for themselves. On the mainland can be found patches of corn, yams, sugar cane, and rice. Unlike most uncivilized people, their women do little wor-k in7 the field. Their language which is very simple, consisting of onl words, and their culture shows South American origin. The white Indians are also found amongst the San Blas people, but this has been caused onlyfrom heredi tary-albinism.
The San Blas Indians have kept their independ- ence byT opposing all foreign settlement. TIhey used to take great pride in boasting that no stranger had ever passed the night on their islands. Their women are well guarded and seldom seen. The San Blas Indians are found to be very intelligent and eager to learn. They hav-e a very peculiar appearance, however, being very- short and having large box-sized heads. They have somewhat the same color as the North Aimerican Indian. They are fond of bright colors, and their dress is very odd.
The women wear skirts which are merely long pieces of cloth wrapped around them. They wear no rings on their fingers, however, until they are married, and then it is customary only to wear the wedding ring. The women are very adept at copy-ing all kinds of patterns. The scenes on the callse" and "avenidas" of Colon are varied, numerous and interesting.
People and customs from the wor-ld over are represented, although our- more frequent street companions are Panamanians, Americans, WVest Indians, Chinese, and Hindus. Of all these scenes, the more local is the "Alma- cen. They are run by WVest Indians and are therefore located in the negro sections. There are more of them on Bolivar Street than in any other one street of Colon. Whli na combination; but they- are sold just the same. T'he "Almacen" is really- a curious looking scene. During the building of the Canal the Chagres valley was flooded in order to make what is now known as Gatun Lake.
The animals, who in- habited this region, were forced a little farther back each day as the water rose. Finally- when the lake was full, many of these animals found them- selves stranded on hilltops that were now islands. The largest of these islands inl I, was set aside by- the Govesrnor of the Canal Zone as a forest preserve.
It is known as Barro Colorado, which in English means "red clay. No hunting or destruction of trees is permitted there, as the island is to be kept as a place wher-e people may come and see animals in their native haunts. Barro Colorado is also the home of several scientists w'ho are studying the animals and their habits. These men live in a small building over- lookring Barro Colorado's little harbor. Many beautiful birds may also be seen on the island. Snakes, spiders, and all. To me, just the sight of any of these creatures in their native homes would make a trip to the Barro Colorado well worth while.
It seems funny these days to hear of the days in and r when the first American families started to come to Panama. Product details File Size: Alba Editorial May 17, Publication Date: May 17, Sold by: Not Enabled Screen Reader: Enabled Amazon Best Sellers Rank: Share your thoughts with other customers.
Write a customer review. Showing of 6 reviews. Top Reviews Most recent Top Reviews. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. Es una historia divertida que entretiene.
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Es un libro para pasar un rato entretenido. One person found this helpful. I'm English and want to improve my Spanish. I do this by reading Spanish novels, but find many modern novels superficial. This book is excellent. Well written and very funny. I t is a good book to disconect from your working day. See all 6 reviews. Amazon Giveaway allows you to run promotional giveaways in order to create buzz, reward your audience, and attract new followers and customers. Learn more about Amazon Giveaway. Set up a giveaway. There's a problem loading this menu right now.
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