“Have you nothing, young man, to declare?” “…Butterflies!” “Exempt of duty. Pass.” Floor of silver, floor of pearl… Trailing a muslin net, and laughing for happiness, Charlie Mouth marched into the town. Oh, Cuna-Cuna! Little city of Lies and Peril! How many careless young nigger boys have gone thus to seal their Doom! Although the Sun-god was scarcely risen, already the radiant street teemed with life. Veiled dames, flirting fans, bent on church or market, were issuing everywhere from their door, and the air was vibrant with the sweet voice of bells. To rejoin his parents promptly at their hotel was a promise he was tempted to forget. Along streets all fresh and blue in the shade of falling awnings, it was fine, indeed, to loiter.
