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 sea 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.