As a rule, the Americans he had met on the Caribbean coast were abstemious, while the half-breeds and Spaniards were satisfied with small copitas of fiery spirits distilled from the sugar cane. The English, German, and Scandinavian adventurers consumed them freely, and perhaps the Germans drank the most. "How do you like it here?" Olsen resumed when he put down his glass.

Alvarez took him to the table where the refreshments were served and clapped his hands. A waiter came up, but Kit said, "That is not the boy." "Where are your companions?" the president asked. "One is washing the glasses, señor. I do not know where the other has gone." Alvarez opened a door and Kit saw a man putting small copitas into a pail.