"Now, lads, are you all ready for the trip?" questioned Robert Menden.
"We are," came in a chorus.
"Remember, you may have some dangers to face. Don't go if you would rather remain behind."
"Who's afraid," came from Bob. "I'm not."
"Nor I!" came from the others.
"I'm out fer dat hundred dollars wot was promised to me," put in Danny. "Just youse lead de way an' I'll be close in yer footsteps, see if I ain't."
Each of the lads had provided himself with a hunting suit, and a small pack containing a change of underwear, comb and brush, and the like. All carried a little money, which, in the city, was exchanged for Spanish silver; for it was correctly surmised that the natives in the interior would not take United States coin. To-day that is, of course, changed, and Uncle Sam's coin or paper money is as good as any.
The party of seven soon found themselves on the main street of San Juan. Robert Menden had made some careful inquiries, and without delay they set off for Caguas.
They had hired a native turnout to take them to the place, but the driver failed to turn up, and at last they set out on foot for the village.
The many sights to be seen at every hand were
