human
I am very desirous to see Porto Rico, said Harold.
gpt
It must be a garden spot--fertile and beautiful. As we draw near it I mean to be on the lookout for El Yunque.
human
What's that, uncle?
gpt
The highest point of land on the island, nearly four thousand feet high. The meaning of the name is the anvil.
human
Porto Rico being in the torrid zone, it must have a very hot climate. The weather must have been very oppressive for our troops--taking it in the height of summer,
gpt
Yes, said Grandma Elsie;
human
It is a beautiful and delightful island, remarked Harold.
gpt
I have often thought I should, some day, pay it a visit.
human
Are we likely to land there?
gpt
I do not know, mother, he answered;
human
Yes, I am sure father will say we may all do exactly as we please, said Lucilla;
gpt
It cannot be now the delightful place to visit that it was before the hurricane of last August,
human
No, said Grandma Elsie,
gpt
What mischief did it do, grandma? asked Ned;
human
Yes; a great many, she answered, with a sigh.
gpt
I have read that in one district it was estimated that the damage done to houses and crops would reach nine hundred thousand in gold, and that in the valley of the Rio de Grande over a thousand persons disappeared, and were supposed to have been drowned by the sudden rise and overflow of the river.
human
And you, mother, I know gave liberally to help repair the damages,
gpt
I was better able than many others who may have been quite as willing, she responded,
human
Yes, mother dear, you seem always ready and glad to help any one who needs it,
gpt
Quite true, Harold, he said,
human
We were talking of the losses of the unfortunate Porto Ricans in last August's fearful storm, replied Harold.
gpt
Mother, as you know, has already given help, and expresses herself as ready to do more if it is needed.
human
And will do it, I know,
gpt
I hope, though, that my dear grandma wont give everything away and have nothing left for herself,
human
I should not like to have her do that either, the Captain said, with a smile.
gpt
But the Bible tells us, 'He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again.'
human
A promise that none of us need be afraid to trust, said Grandma Elsie, with a happy look and smile.
gpt
Do you think of visiting any part of the island, Captain?
human
That shall be as my passengers wish, he replied;
gpt
Will this be your first visit to Porto Rico, Captain?
human
No, I paid it a flying visit some years ago; and then went up the mountains to Caguas and visited the dark cave of Aguas Buenas.
gpt
Did it pay?
human
Hardly. The outside journey, though difficult, did pay, but the darkness of the cave, the multitudes of bats flying in your face, and the danger of the guides' torches going out, leaving you unable to find your way to the opening, make the expedition anything but safe or pleasant. I shall never venture in there again or advise any friend to do so.
gpt
Are you going to take us to Cuba, too, papa?
human
If my passengers wish to go there.
gpt
Oh, I think they will; this one does, anyhow,
human
Don't you think it would be pleasanter to visit it after it has had time to recover from the war?
gpt
Perhaps papa will bring us a second time after that?
human
That is quite possible,
gpt
Please, papa, tell us something about Cuba now, won't you?