"No, I paid it a flying visit some years ago; and then went up the mountains to Caguas and visited the dark cave of Aguas Buenas."
"Did it pay?" asked Chester.
"Hardly. The outside journey, though difficult, did pay, but the darkness of the cave, the multitudes of bats flying in your face, and the danger of the guides' torches going out, leaving you unable to find your way to the opening, make the expedition anything but safe or pleasant. I shall never venture in there again or advise any friend to do so."
"Are you going to take us to Cuba, too, papa?" asked Elsie.
"If my passengers wish to go there."
"Oh, I think they will; this one does, anyhow," laughed the little girl.
"Don't you think it would be pleasanter to visit it after it has had time to recover from the war?" asked Lucilla.
"Perhaps papa will bring us a second time after that?" Elsie said, with a smile up into his face.
"That is quite possible," he answered, returning the smile.
"Please, papa, tell us something about Cuba now, won't you?" pleaded Ned.