"The time spent at the table was exceedingly pleasant, and after the dessert had been served we adjourned with the ladies to the veranda for our coffee, which was served by a powerfully built negro who answered to the name of Antonio. I have often thought how different that poor slave's life would have been had I not asked for a second cup.
"As Antonio extended the tray toward me he struck its edge against my chair, and emptied the hot black liquid over my white duck coat and trousers.
"My host jumped to his feet in a passion.
"'You worthless black scoundrel!' he cried, 'I'll cure you of your carelessness." Then he turned to me, and with an air of great politeness said, 'I ask you pardon, Señor Capitan, for my slave's miserable clumsiness.
"Immediately following, two of the plantation overseers, whom he had called, dragged the negro on to the lawn before us, stripped off his jacket and shirt, and produced short cruel-looking whips.
"'Señor,' I said, 'I beg of you to pardon him this time; it was purely an accident, for which I excuse him.'
"'I cannot allow your generosity to be taken advantage of, Señor Capitan,' replied my host. 'You have received an indignity under my roof, and I must render you ample proof of my regret.'
"At a sign from the master, the two plantation hands were about to ply their whips upon the back of the house slave, when, jumping over the railing to the lawn, I interposed between the negro and the overseers, bidding them to hold. My interference angered our agent, for he approached me, and said, haughtily:
"'The Señor Capitan will remember that he is not master here, that this is my slave, and he will oblige me by not concerning himself in the management of my affairs.' Then he added, sneeringly, 'Besides, I understand that Yankee shipmasters are not so humane in the treatment of their crews as to be shocked because a clumsy slave receives a sample of what American captains enjoy to inflict on their own men for little or no provocation!'
"'Señor Gonzales,' I answered, hotly, 'your brutality is only equalled by the discourtesy and contempt that you show to me as your guest. I demand an immediate apology for your language in the presence of these overseers and this slave, before whom you have insulted me!'