BABBAD08 379 



he is within ear-shot the passenger La assailed by a clamor 

 of voices begging the privilege of carrying his baggage. A> 

 yon land upon the mall they beg, cajole, and grab you, 

 until in sheer desperation yon sit down upon your trunk, 

 and with a oane defy the imploring mob. Then they 

 laugh at you, and defy you to strike them, grinningly be- 

 seeching a blow. " 1 wish you would hit me, massa; I '11 

 take the law on you, -ah." YOUSOOU learn that there is no 

 viciousness on the island. You are merely witnessing the 

 struggle for existence, which is keener here than anywhere 

 else in the world. Everywhere you go upon the island 

 you meet the grinning faces of these Macks, who stop you 

 upon the road, and, after seeming your attention with a 

 salute both gracious and flattering, politely inform you 

 that they would "t'ank you for a penny, sah." 



This island is one of the few places in the world wdiere 

 human labor is so cheap that it competes with the beast of 

 burden. On the densely crowded commercial streets of 

 Bridgetown may be seen great drays loaded with mer- 

 chandise, sugar-hogsheads, or lumber. In some instances 

 these are drawn by teams of Kentucky mules, while nearby 

 is a vehicle of the same character pulled by a sweating 

 team of human brings. Yet never have I seen a people 

 who were withal so cheerful and good-natured; with them 

 the very struggle for existence seems to have increased 

 their cheerfulness and good-natured impudence, and in no 

 manner to have quenched their spirits. 



Notwithstanding the fact that the island is now devel- 

 oped to its fullest capacity, these people are so attached to 



it that they can hardly be forced to leave, and are as proud 

 of their nationality as if they were citizens of some great 

 country. 



