“What narrow streets!” exclaimed Frank, as they passed along, the boys having elected to walk, in order to see the sights more fully. “Why they are no better than alleyways. This sidewalk is barely two feet wide.” “That is the way they used to build the streets,” answered the professor with a laugh. “They know better now, and the new part of the city has some very broad and well-shaded highways, and also a great number of beautiful fountains.” “I don’t see how wagons can pass each other--especially those long things they call _volantes_,” came from Hockley. “There used to be a regulation that carriages and carts could only pass through a street in one direction. I presume that is still in force in the old part of the town.” It was not long before they came to the main thoroughfare of Havana, with its quaint Spanish name of _Isabel Segunde_. Here, as the professor had said, were broad walks with numerous trees, and many fountains. Here was also located the hotel for which they were bound, a large three-storied affair, with broad verandas upon all sides, and the usual courtyard, or _patio_, in the center. “This is quite like home,” declared Darry, as he looked around. “I have heard half a dozen folks speaking English. It’s a good deal different from Caracas.” “The war made the difference, Dartworth. Before that time Havana was as foreign a town as one could find on this side of the Atlantic, and that too although it is but a short journey from Florida.” The walk to the hotel had tired the party, and all of the boys, especially Hockley, were glad to rest in the _patio_, with its easy chairs and its cooling fountain. From a distance came the sounds of a band playing some popular air and the effect was most soothing. “This is what I want,” was the tall youth’s comment. “Beats walking in the hot sun all to pieces.” “Tell you what, Glummy, the next time you walk you had better ride,” said Frank, with a yawn. There was a laugh at this “bull” and Hockley’s face grew sour at once. “How many times must I tell you not to call me ‘Glummy’? I don’t want it and I won’t stand it.” “All right then, sit down--it’s what we are here for,” returned Frank. “But I’ll try to remember,” he added, as he saw that Hockley’s anger was rising. “See that you do,” growled the big fellow, and then he dropped into an easy chair and soon fell asleep. “He hasn’t got over that affair on the steamer,” whispered Mark. “He thinks one of us ought to have had that knock-down from Captain Sudlip.” “Oh, let us forget Captain Sudlip,” said Frank. “I never want to see him again. He was too mean to live.” Professor Strong had to attend to several matters, including the getting of money on his letter of credit, and while he was gone the boys made themselves at home at the hotel. The quaint hostelry possessed every comfort and all would have been content to have remained there a long while.