CHAPTER XX.
TAPS.
The days following our arrival at Guantanamo were days of keen expectation and equally keen disappointment.

A rumor that we were to return home at once would start up from nowhere in particular, and circulate until it was believed.

Then would come a denial and consequent discontent.

The enforced idleness of riding at anchor day after day became so monotonous at last, that any little incident served to create excitement.

Visiting parties between the ships were permitted occasionally, and the "Yankee's" crew grasped the opportunity to inspect some of the other auxiliary cruisers.