And it certainly was, for to-day Havana has a sprinkling of nearly every nation under the sun. As Darry put it, there were white folks there and black folks, and a good many who weren’t one or the other. But all were well dressed, and in the assemblage were a number of ladies who were truly beautiful.
The Shakespearian play was well produced, and all followed it with interest, although the boys understood but little of what was said. Between the acts they strolled around and looked into the various smoking and lounging rooms, and had some soda water at the refreshment place. Nearly everybody was smoking and the atmosphere was decidedly “hazy” in consequence.
“They used to have a curious custom here,” said the professor. “By paying a little extra you could go behind the scenes and see how the play looked from the actor’s standpoint.”
“Well, I’d like to see it that way, once,” answered Sam. “Especially when they were playing something with great mechanical effects, like a snow-storm, a landslide, a waterfall, or a smash-up on a railroad.”
At last the play was over, and they walked out to where their carriage was in waiting. A good part of the crowd lingered, and some went for a stroll in the cool night air.
“They don’t believe in going to bed early,” was Mark’s comment. “Well, I don’t blame them, it’s so nice and cool now and so hot during the middle of the day.”
It had been arranged that all the boys should occupy two large rooms, while the professor had a smaller room adjoining. As they went in Amos Strong cautioned them not to disturb Hockley should the latter be asleep.
“Why, he isn’t here!” exclaimed Mark, who was the first to look around and make the discovery.
“Isn’t here?” came from the professor.
“No, sir, and the bed hasn’t been disturbed either.”