“They use some, but I am sorry to say the most of the butter coloring goes to the United States. There are also trees here which produce a variety of gums and resins, some of them very much in demand, and which, consequently, bring fancy prices.”
“It’s certainly a land of plenty,” said Frank, who had come up while the professor was speaking. “The Porto Ricans ought to be happy.”
“They will be as soon as they have gotten used to the new order of things, Frank. But I doubt if they will ever get used to what we call hustling. They are used to taking their own time about everything, and the climate is against the strenuous life.”
The town of Aguas Buenas is perched high up on the side of a mountain, with a broad valley lying below,—where the flood had occurred. The place is of small importance and contains little but thatched huts, with here and there a building of prominence. There is an old church, and a hotel or two is springing up, ready to accommodate the American tourist when he comes, and he surely will come when this fine climate is better known.
By nine o’clock they were again on the way heading along the smooth road leading to Caguas, five miles away. As they went down into the valley the tropical vegetation became more luxurious than ever, the out-spreading branches of palms and other trees often brushing them as they passed.
“Not far away from here is a wonderful opening,” said Professor Strong. “It is called Dark Cave, and is said to extend over a mile underground. I was never inside, but the interior is said to be very beautiful.”
“Let us go and see it,” cried Frank.
“No, we haven’t time, and besides, it is said to be a very dangerous cave to visit, on account of the numerous pitfalls.”
As they journeyed along the professor pointed out the Luquillo Mountains far to the eastward.
“That highest peak is Mount Yunque, the highest peak on the island,” he said. “It has quite a history. Years and years ago Porto Rico was swept by hurricanes and earthquakes, and then the natives thought that Mount Yunque was angry and did all they could think of to appease the monster.”