The streets were alive with people, and the boys were surprised to see how many were Americans. English signs were everywhere in evidence, and one reading, “Shooting Gallery, 3 Shots for 5 Cents,” made Darry laugh.
“We are in an American town now for sure,” he observed. “You’d never see such a sign elsewhere.”
“To be sure we are on United States soil,” cried Frank. “Hurrah for Porto Rico and its people!”
He had scarcely spoken when a hack driver rushed up to them.
“This way, gents!” he bawled. “Any hotel in the city. Take the six of you for a dollar! Best keb in the city!”
“Well!” ejaculated Mark, stopping short. “That sounds as if we had struck the Grand Central Depot in New York.”
“Oh, they are going to be up-to-date,” laughed the professor. “No, we may as well walk to the hotel and see the sights on the way,” he added, and shook his head at the cabman, and also at the crowd of native drivers who swarmed around them.
“I see they have gas and telephones,” said Sam.
“Yes, and also electric lights, Samuel—in fact they now have everything which you will find in any well-kept town in the States.”
“But the streets are narrow,” put in Frank.