There were boys with newspapers for sale, the same as in the United States. On every hand persons were lifting hats and greeting friends. Street venders, with their wares hung about their necks, were crying, “Largo, largo.” A band of music was playing. The fountain shot streams of water high into the air.
The streams crossed beautifully, shimmering in the gaslight, and fell tinkling into the fountain basin. There was a feverish gayety that immediately seized upon the two American lads, causing their blood to leap through their veins and bringing laughter to their lips.
“By Jove!” exclaimed Frank. “This is the only city that I have seen in Spain that impresses me favorably. It is like Paris, or a little more so, if anything.”
“I dunno but this air travelin’ will sp’ile me for ther farm,” grinned Ephraim. “It’ll be kinder monotonous to go back there and dig ‘taters arter seein’ so much uv the world.”
They strolled about, taking note of everything that pleased them. They gazed into the lighted windows of the shops, and they watched the shifting crowds. As the hours advanced, the crowds seemed to grow denser.
More than once did Frank hear himself spoken of by those who were discussing the bull fights. He heard enough to learn that his action was regarded with surprise, wonder and admiration. It was universally acknowledged that he must be a trained bull fighter.
At length he was recognized, and it was not long before the boys found a group of young men and boys following them about. That was not pleasant, and they set about shaking them, which was found rather difficult. After making some quick turns, Frank darted into a café, with Ephraim at his heels.
The café was an immense saloon, ornamented with large mirrors. There were tables everywhere, and from two to eight persons were seated around each table, smoking and playing dominoes. The clicking of the markers as they were turned and re-turned by a hundred hands sounded like a rain of hailstones. Mingled with this was a steady hum of voices.
Many of the men wore, upon their shoulders, mantles of dark cloth, with a large hood. All seemed very earnest over their games. They were sipping chocolate from little cups, or indulging in stronger drinks, and eating small, soft cakes.
As Frank and Ephraim came in quickly a party of three arose from one of the tables in a corner not far from the door. Frank made for that table, and the boys sat down there.