on our way to New York. You are to
proceed to Guantanamo."

The hurrah, as we spelled out the first sentences, was followed by a
groan, as we read the last. We were glad, indeed, to know that peace had
come, but it was hard to see that great fleet homeward bound, and know
that we must go back to our old post, to stay indefinitely.

"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick."

CHAPTER XX.

TAPS.

The days following our arrival at Guantanamo were days of keen
expectation and equally keen disappointment. A rumor that we were to
return home at once would start up from nowhere in particular, and
circulate until it was believed. Then would come a denial and consequent
discontent. The enforced idleness of riding at anchor day after day
became so monotonous at last, that any little incident served to create
excitement. Visiting parties between the ships were permitted
occasionally, and the "Yankee's" crew grasped the opportunity to inspect
some of the other auxiliary cruisers. One or two liberty parties were
allowed ashore at Camp McCalla, from which the men returned, tired and
warm, but full of enthusiasm and interest for the things they had seen.
The amount of "curios" and souvenirs brought aboard would fill a museum.
Pieces of projectiles and Mauser cartridge shells, fragments of an
unusual red wood, and pieces of fossil rock, of which the cliff was
composed, were stowed away in bags and ditty boxes.

The bay now had a very deserted appearance. All the battleships and many
of the cruisers had gone North. The auxiliary cruisers, "New Orleans,"
"Newark," "Marblehead," and a number of converted yachts were all that
remained, besides our own vessel. It was still a goodly fleet, but in
comparison to the great squadron, seemed small.

For the first time we were at a loss for something to do. Time hung
heavy on our hands. The routine work, including morning "quarters," was
finished by half-past ten every morning, and the balance of the day was
spent as pleased us best, within certain well-defined limits.

Much time and thought were spent in chasing down rumors, and watching
signals from the flagship.

Troopships from Santiago, laden with homeward-bound troops, sailed by
the mouth of the harbor, but we, the first volunteers to reach the seat
of war and to see active service, still lingered. The "Resolute" and
"Badger" left at last, and it was rumored that we would follow next day.
But still we lingered.

Occasionally we g