It is inhabited by whites and blacks, the former sugar
planters, and the latter un-planters--that is, they gather the sugar
cane.
"St. Croix was discovered by Columbus in 1493, and at times the
Dutch, British and Spanish owned it. In 1733 Denmark bought it, and
has owned it since. The average temperature is--"
"That'll do you!" interrupted Walter. "We can read a guide book as
well as you can. Come again, Jack."
"Well, I thought you'd be wanting to know something about it, so I
primed myself," chuckled Jack.
Curious eyes regarded our friends as they reached the hotel. Walter
and Jack left the girls in the parlor while they, themselves, went to
make inquiries at the office. And more curious were the looks, when
it became known that Jack and the others were seeking traces of those
wrecked on the Ramona.
Curious looks, indeed, were about all the satisfaction that was had.
For no news--not the most vague rumor--had come in regarding the
ill-fated vessel. The wreck had not even been heard of, for news
from the outside world sometimes filtered slowly to St. Croix.
"Well, that's our first failure," announced Jack, as, with Walter, he
rejoined the girls. "We must expect that. If we found them at our
first call, it would be too much like a story in a book. We have a
long search ahead of us, I'm thinking."
"That's right," agreed Walter. "But, Jack, if this island is
twenty-two miles long, might not the refugees have come ashore
somewhere else than on this particular part of the coast?"
"Yes, I suppose so.
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