Vasco, Our Little Panama Cousin

e a rap at the door of Vasco's home. Inez, always alert, ran to t

Inez," said the

visits to Vasco, and was always glad to see him. So she gave a cheerfu

ked Harlan, as he came

ourtyard. If you will si

Vasco. Generally at this time of day he was ou

and, boylike, Harlan stated his erran

e way, particularly at the Culebra cut. Perhaps, too, he will go up the Chagres River to the place where i

whelmed by the thought of the proposed journey that he nearly forgot to thank Harlan for the invitation. When

haps for more than a week, and it might be necessary to consult his parents before accepti

should go with Harl

boy was very anxious for fear that when she d

ur father has no objection, I t

o ask him. Come on,

y great difficulty in gaining his father's consent to the journey. As the result proved, his hopes were well foun

r was decided. "Meet me at the railway station nex

y and Monday passed-oh, so slowly! It

n which later turned out to be of value. "You say

n told me," wa

sco Herreras. The last I knew of him he had a plantation not far from Palo Grande. I hope, if you

before the hour appointed was ready to start for the railway station. He was so impatient to be on his way th

patient lads, and in due time Harlan

" said Harlan. "We are goi

who saw no sign of anythin

side in the train-yard. We are

ld ask no questions. In a moment Mr. Andrews called to th

t. On the flat car were fixed several seats, and an awning had been erected as protection from the fierce rays of the sun. In t

vate car," said Harlan.

suit me all rig

rk, and this train had been placed at his disposal. He was glad, in connection with his work, to give

e flat car and taken seats. Then, with a wave of the hand to the engineer,

or grassy plains, which lie near Panama it moved with greater speed. To Vasco it seemed very fast indee

Miguel, and Paraiso. Most of these places were small settlements. Near the little railway stations would be seen a few wretched houses. Wha

rain was run on

r the regular passenger-train for Pan

we have to wai

come when they please and go when they get ready. Yo

e to run across the I

Harlan, you can't be sure of anything on this road. They ought to give

wait very long, and when they again had

ob to build this road," sa

OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN A

ion multitudes of men were killed by the deadly fever, but finally Chinese labourers were im

ge. As it approached Culebra Mountain Vasco's eyes opened wide at the sights he sa

n it is swung around and its load emptied into a gravel-car. In this manner train-load after train-load is taken

ys watched them at their labour Harlan said to his friend: "Well, those fellows can't be accused of trying to work thems