anchor--the "Oregon," "Marblehead," "Dolphin" (of railway-train fame),
the ambulance ship "Solace," the "Panther," "Suwanee," and three or four
colliers and despatch boats.

But that which attracted our instant attention and brought an
involuntary cheer from us, was the sight of Old Glory, flaunting proudly
from a tall flagstaff erected on the site of the former Spanish
blockhouse.

"Hurray!" shouted "Stump," "it's the first American flag to fly over
Cuba. And we dug the hole to plant it."

"That's right," assented "Dye." "We are the people."

"What's that camp on top of the hill?" queried Flagg, indicating a
number of tents gleaming in dots of white against the background of
green foliage.

"It is the marine camp," explained "Hay." "Didn't you hear about it in
Santiago? Why, man, it's the talk of the fleet. The marine corps has
been adding to its laurels again. The other day eight hundred of them
landed from the 'Panther' and fairly swept the place of Spaniards,
fighting against three times their number. It was great."

"The marines have a fine record," put in Tommy. "I've been shipmates
with them for years, and I am free to confess that they always do their
duty."

"And are always faithful," remarked "Dye."

"That's their motto, 'Semper fidelis.' They have lived up to it in every
war. They antedate the navy, you know."

"How's that?" asked the "Kid," who was willing to absorb knowledge at
times.

Tommy produced an ancient book from his ditty box, and proceeded to
read an extract in a loud, sonorous voice. It was as follows:

"Resolved, That two battalions of marines be raised, consisting of one
colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors, and other officers, as
usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of
privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken that no
persons be appointed to offices or enlisted into said battalions but
such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be
able to serve to advantage on sea when required, that they be enlisted
and commissioned to serve for and during the present war with Great
Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress, that
they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of
Marines."

"The date of that resolution," added Tommy, with the air of a
schoolmaster impressing a particular point, "is November 10, 1775, which
was before any naval vessel had been sent to s