ea by the Continental
Congress. So you see the marines can claim priority in point of
service."

"And priority in point of landing in Cuba," added "Hod." "Here's to
them."

Our discussion on the subject of marines was cut short by a summons to
coal ship, a task which had come to form the greatest thorn in the flesh
of all on board the "Yankee." The ship was run alongside the collier
"Sterling," and the port watch was set to work at once.

From four to six and from eight to twelve p.m., and from four to eight
the next morning the port watch shovelled, hoisted, and carried coal.

Coaling in the tropics is a very different thing from similar work in
northern latitudes. The exertion of shovelling, or lifting the heavy
baskets, added to the intense heat of the weather, makes of it a task
extremely trying even to those of the strongest physique. During the
time thus spent in Guantanamo two of the "Yankee's" crew were overcome
by heat and exhaustion, and compelled to ask for medical attendance.

Our appearance beggared description. The exertion brought out a profuse
perspiration on our half-naked bodies, to which the coal-dust stuck,
thick and black. The black rubbed off in spots, showing the white skin
beneath, the result being a most ludicrous mottled effect. A dime museum
manager would make a fortune if he could have exhibited some of us as
the piebald wild men from Guantanamo. It was not till afterward,
however, that we could appreciate the humor of our looks. During the
thick of the work we were too busy to note the funny side of things; in
fact, we felt quite sure that there was nothing funny about it. It is
impossible to awaken the sense of humor in a man who is plying a heavy
shovel in the hold of a collier, or lugging a weighty basket, while the
temperature is soaring to unknown altitudes.

The ship had to be supplied with fuel, however, and as the crew had
neglected to ingratiate themselves with a good-natured fairy to wish it
aboard for them, they had to do the work with the best grace possible.

During a "spell" of resting, "Hay," who was a bit of a philosopher in
his way, glanced about decks at the groups of panting, perspiring men,
and remarked:

"It would be an object lesson to some of our friends in New York if they
were to see us now. Just look at those fellows. Not one had ever before
been compelled by ill-fortune to soil his hands with toil, yet when war
threatened, and it was necessary to man ships