“A good part of the sugar is sent to our country in its raw state,” said the professor, as they were coming away from the mill. “It is refined at large refineries, where the proprietors make a specialty of catering to our own peculiar tastes. Some time ago I saw a statement printed that Americans use more sugar per capita than any other nation, and I believe it is true.”
“Sure,” said Darry. “And you know why? Because the girls eat so many caramels and so much fudge.”
“And because some boys like their coffee and tea doubly sweet,” returned the professor, dryly, and then a laugh went up, for all knew this was one of Darry’s weaknesses.
They had put in what Mark called “a big day,” and all were glad enough to go back to the steamer by nightfall. In the evening Cape Haytien is a dull place, poorly lighted, and with only a few amusements, and those usually of the commoner sort. But before coming away they listened to a number of natives who played guitars and sang, and the music was exceedingly sweet.
The following day found the Clarissa leaving the harbor and turning eastward for Porto Rico. So far the weather had been fine, but now the sky began to cloud over, showing that a tropical storm was approaching.
“I hope we don’t catch much of it,” said Frank to Darry. “I’ve had enough of that sort of thing.”
“I should like to see a little storm, and that at night,” answered Darry.
“A little storm at night? What for?”
“So I can pay Hockley for the trick he played us.”
“But I don’t understand, Darry.”