steamers. No; very few people land in Coralio. An investor now and
then--tourists and sightseers generally go further down the coast to
one of the larger towns where there is a harbor."

"I see a ship out there loading up with bananas," said Smith. "Any
passengers come on her?"

"That's the ~Karlesfin~," said the consul. "She's a tramp fruiter--
made her last trip to New York, I believe. No; she brought no
passengers. I saw her boat come ashore, and there was no one. About
the only exciting recreation we have here is watching steamers when
they arrive; and a passenger on one of them generally causes the
whole town to turn out. If you are going to remain in Coralio
a while, Mr. Smith, I'll be glad to take you around to meet some
people. There are four or five American chaps that are good to know,
besides the native high-fliers."

"Thanks," said the yachtsman, "but I wouldn't put you the trouble.
I'd like to meet the guys you speak of, but I won't be here long
enough to do much knocking around. That cool gent on the beach spoke
of a doctor; can you tell me where to find him? The ~Rambler~ ain't
quite as steady on her feet as a Broadway hotel; and a fellow gets
a touch of seasickness now and then. Thought I'd strike the croaker
for a handful of the little sugar pills, in case I need 'em."

"You will be apt to find Doctor Gregg at the hotel," said the consul.
"You can see it from the door--it's that two-story building with the
balcony, where the orange-trees are."

The Hotel de los Extranjeros was a dreary hostelry, in great disuse