of being molested?"

"Yes, mamma and I do, because they sometimes come very near us; but papa
says he does not think there is any danger. They know what his
sentiments are; besides, he is an _Americano_, and they have a great
respect for _los Americanos_."

"And isn't he afraid, then, of the Spanish government?"

"No; he takes no active part on either side; only his feelings are with
the liberal party. I think papa is not much of a politician."

"I know how he feels," said Ralph; "he is good and kind, and wants
everybody to be free. He is one of the best men I ever saw."

"He really is!" exclaimed Camilla, enthusiastically. "He is just as good
as any one _can_ be. And," she added, with childlike earnestness, "he
likes you ever so much, too."

Ralph was perfectly happy upon this ride; and when the party reached
home, it was to be greeted by the unaffected welcome of the negroes,
old and young, who were evidently much attached to their master and his
household. The parrots chattered, and the song-birds sang, while the
odor of the orange blossoms was well in keeping with the rest.

CHAPTER XV.

A NEW PROPOSITION.

Next day the planter and his young guest visited the city, and returned
with Captain Weston. He was thrilled by the story of Ralph's encounter
with the wild boar. It shocked him to think how narrowly a dreadful
calamity had been escaped, and he all the while attending to his
ordinary duties, in ignorance of the danger.

"Captain," said Mr. Arthur, as they sat conversing together after
reaching the plantation, "I have a proposition to make. Why not let
Ralph remain with me till your return from Philadelphia? I may take a
journey or two about the island within the next few weeks, upon
business, and probably he would enjoy going with me. It would give him
an opportunity to see more of Cuba than he is likely to see in any other
way."

"I don't know what his mother would say," replied the captain. "She
expects me to bring him home, and I am afraid she would be troubled
about it. Besides, I like to have him with me, though I know you would
take every care of him."

"I understand your feelings," said the planter; "but my wife is about
writing to Mrs. Weston concerning the debt of gratitude we owe him; and
should you consent to his remaining, I think her letter will place the
matter in such a light as to remove any objection on his mother's part."

Mrs. Arthur seconded her husband very earnestly.

"Y