YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY i^ErVE^ THE LIBRARY OF THE DIVINITY SCHOOL * THE DAY MISSIONS LIBRARY cTW AR JO R Y *&& With The ^ CHAMORROS MARY C. STEVENS (Mrs. E. H.) ILLUSTRATED WITH KODAK PICTURES TAKEN BY THE AUTHOR PRINTED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY NEW YORK Copyright, 1!)07, By MARY C. STEVENS. This book is affectionately dedicated to our daughters, Florence, Esther and Ruth. CONTENTS. PAGE i. The Journey . . . ... 5 11. The Island Home 14 in. Lolita . . . . . 19 iv. A Reception . , . 24 v. A Thanksgiving Lesson . . 29 vi. The Picnic .... 33 vn." A Birthday Party ..... 37 viii. One Sunday . 43 ix. The "Viajo" and "Bruja" . 50 x. The Fourth of July . . . 56 xi. A Pascua in Agana ...... 61 xn. Good-Bye ......... 68 The stories "Lolita," "A Thanksgiving Lesson," "A Birthday Party" and "A Pascua in Agana" were originally published in the "Mission Dayspring" during the years 1901 and 1902, and are added to these others with many changes and additions. THE JOURNEY. "Oh ! Oh ! Oh !" Marjory Graham was as excited as a little girl could be. She had left the house in a great hurry to find and tell her bosom friend, Gertrude Dean, who lived across the street, the news; and, now that she was with Gertrude, her excitement almost prevented speech. "Gertrude, Oh! Gertrude," she cried, "what do you suppose is going to happen? Papa, Mamma, and I are going to visit Aunt Katherine and Uncle John." And then she hugged and kissed her chum and her chum hugged and kissed her, until Mrs. Dean coming in said, "Why, girls, what is the matter? What has happened to make you so happy and excited, Mar jory?" Whereupon both girls endeavored to explain. "O, Mrs. Dean, we are going out to Manila where we are going to live, and on the way we will stop to visit Aunt Katherine," said Marjory. "And, Oh! Mamma, just think, Marjory is going to cross the ocean," excitedly exclaimed Gertrude, and then again they fell to embracing each other and making plans for letter writing; and, yes, even arranged that Ger trude should visit Marjory some time in the rosy future. 5 6 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. "Well, Marjory, I know your aunt and uncle will be glad to see you, living as they do among those heathen islanders, and just think of all the things you will see and hear, so new and strange to you," and Mrs. Dean sighed, for an unsatisfied ambition of hers had been to travel. "But, Gertrude, you and Marjory will have plenty of time to talk things over, and now you must come with me, for the breakfast dishes are waiting to be washed. Marjory, tell your mother I'll be over to see her soon ; I shall miss her when she leaves, as much as Gertrude will miss you," and the mother gave both girls an affectionate pat. "Good-bye, Gertrude. Come over this afternoon, if you can," and Marjory ran away to think of the aunt and uncle whom she was so soon to visit, who were missionaries on the island of Guam, way out in the Pacific Ocean. After Marjory's work was done, she took down the atlas and found Guam on the map. "Why, it's quite small, isn't it, Mother? and near Manila where we are going to live. Why, we'll be quite near Aunt Katherine, won't we?" For her father, Aunt Katherine's brother, had secured a position in Manila, Philippine Islands ; and it was to be on their way out there that they were to stop in Guam, sailing in three weeks on the naval transport Solace from San Francisco. Gertrude went over to Marjory's the afternoon before the Grahams left for their new home. The little friends went out under the apple tree, and there plighted their troth in whispered words of fealty. THE JOURNEY. 7 "Now, Marjory, write me everything," said Ger trude. "Yes, I will," replied Marjory, "and you be sure and write to me, Gertrude." And then they sat still, quite still, with clasped The Island of Guam from the Harbor. Orote Point at Entrance to the Harbor. hands, and the wind shook the pink apple blossoms in showers over their heads and shoulders, and a robin red-breast hopped up quite close and cocking its little head sideways stood still a moment, then hopped silently away. All the glory of the trip and 8 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. the anticipated joy faded into insignificance as Mar jory remembered she was leaving her best friend. Then across the yard and through the apple blossoms came a call. "Marjory?""Yes Mother." And then— "Good-bye.""Good-bye." And two little figures wended their way in different directions, and the apple tree was left alone. What a journey that was across the continent, through the large vineyards belonging to the Shaker Community in Ohio, and through larger farms than Marjory had ever seen, farms that looked like immense cornfields, larger than her Grandpa's farm up in Ver mont ; then up through the mountains where she was close to the great ice rivers or glaciers she had studied about in geography ; and then on down the Pacific coast to San Francisco. On board the Solace they were given a pleasant stateroom, and Marjory's interest was greatly quick ened by the Japanese boys who waited on the pas sengers. They had such funny, slanty eyes, and spoke such queer English, and called her mamma, "Lady," instead of Mrs. Graham. She and her mother sat on deck watching the officers and men preparing for the long voyage, and at five o'clock the Solace steamed out of San Francisco Bay, past docks teeming with life, past vessels of all descriptions, leaving behind the bustling, noisy city, facing toward the great, quiet sea. The Grahams THE JOURNEY. 9 were out on deck as the ship passed through the Golden Gate, and Marjory was thinking of what a lovely time she was going to have when suddenly something hap pened, things moved around and a queer, shaking, all- gone feeling possessed her, and she crept wearily down stairs and went to bed — yes, she was seasick, very sick for several days — but when she got over that she had such a good time on board the steamer, playing games and taking long walks on the deck, watching the sun set at night and the moon rise later in the evening, until, the seventh day out, the Sandwich Islands were sighted. All the passengers rushed on deck eager to see the "Paradise of the Pacific," but Marjory let the older people rave over the mountains and the water and the beautiful color. She saw only the little, shiny, brown-skinned boys who dove in the waters of the bay for the nickels, pennies or dimes which the trav elers threw over for them. "Hello, Marjory, what do you think of those fel lows ?" said the captain, as he stepped up to the railing over which Marjory and her mother were watching the lively antics of the little Hawaiians. "Oh ! Captain, aren't they funny ? But I should think they would be afraid or get drowned ; they stay under water so long. See that little one now, why, the steamer is almost going over him. Oh! no, there he comes up safe and sound, and I do believe he has the nickel I threw over. Yes, he has, he is waving his hand to me." And Marjory jumped up and down in her excitement, but the captain called her attention to the wharf swarming with people of many nation- 10 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. alities. There were Hawaiians, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, and Americans, each in his own peculiar dress and talking his own peculiar language. "Do you see thut Hawaiian woman over there in what you women call a Mother Hubbard?" asked the captain. "Yes." "Well, that dress is called a 'holokau' out here, and almost every woman wears one. It is cool and com fortable. That's where these women are sensible," he added, "dress for comfort instead of looks." "Captain, how long shall we be here?" inquired Mr. Graham. "Oh, three or four days, long enough to coal and plenty of time for you to see the sights," was the reply. And the captain, as he turned away, told Marjory to be sure to go up to the Punch-bowl. It would take a book to tell of all Marjory's expe riences in Honolulu, and how she did indeed try to "see the sights." They spent nearly a day in driving around, down the Waikiki road which winds along the shore, and where, for the first time, Marjory saw the cocoanut groves and banana fields ; and through the beautiful grounds of the Victoria Hos pital where a large banyan tree shaded one corner of the yard, its branches forming a canopy under which they drove. Down in the city Marjory was delighted with the novel spectacle of the native women seated on the side walks, stringing flowers into wreaths or "leis," as they are called. They visited the large, open market where THE JOURNEY. n they saw many varieties of fish, of as many colors as the rainbow, almost ; red, blue, yellow, green, speckled, striped, and plain. Marjory admired some black ones with yellow fins. They visited the Kame- hameha schools and the museum where Mr. and Mrs. Graham felt they could have spent a day, but Marjory was eager to go up the Punch-bowl which, you must know, is only an old crater. On Sunday they visited the Japanese and Chinese Sunday Schools, and the old native church where the raised seats, used formerly for royalty, especially interested Marjory. Monday morning Marjory stood watching the natives as they passed the house. "Oh ! Mamma, what a very interesting place Honolulu is ! How I wish we were going to live here! What a long letter I am going to write to Gertrude, but I can never tell her all I have seen, never," said Marjory. "But, Mother, I am so eager to see Mr. and Mrs. Bingham. When are we going over there?" "This afternoon, daughter, after you and Papa take a plunge in the ocean." "Oh! Mamma, are we? Oh! Papa, you are a dar ling," and Marjory gave her father's arm an ecstatic squeeze, for she had been longing to go in bathing ever since they had been ashore. "Oh ! Papa, what a jolly time we'll have ! Let's go in right away. Oh ! hurry, do hurry." "Yes, daughter, all in good time," replied her father, as he put his arm around his girl. The mother smiled and called them her pair of 12 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. lovers, but Marjory drew her mother close and put her arm around her and said, "No, Mamma, we are a trio of lovers, aren't we ?" "Yes, Marjory," replied her mother, as the three walked on down to the beach. That afternoon their destination was a little, white cottage, nestling in a bower of green, the home of Hiram Bingham, his wife, and Mrs. Titus Coan. As they drove up, Mr. Bingham came out and wel comed them, his strong, gentle face and kindly eyes winning Marjory's love immediately. "Mr. Graham, I am very glad to see you. We know your sister and her husband, and the work they are doing. Mrs. Bingham and Mrs. Coan will be de lighted to welcome you," as, indeed they were. There sat Mrs. Bingham, almost a helpless invalid, out of whose eyes, however, looked courage and trust and love and toward whom Marjory's impulsive little heart went with a bound. Then Mrs. Coan came forward ; and, after greeting the strangers cordially, said to Marjory : "Here, my dear, is a chair in which you must sit, the first rocking chair ever made in the Sandwich Islands, with a pocket knife as the only tool." And so Marjory sat in that famous chair and listened to the conversa tion carried on by her parents and Mr. and Mrs. Bingham, hearing of some of the thrilling experiences the latter had had in the Gilbert Islands. And then Mr. Bingham showed them his volumes of the Scrip tures translated into the language of the Gilbert Islanders, a small colony of whom the visitors had THE JOURNEY. 13 seen since their arrival. And it was then that Marjory picked an orange from the tree for the first time in her life to the great interest of the veteran missionaries. As they were leaving, Mrs. Bingham took the little girl's hand in her own, saying, "Give our love to your Auntie, little one." Marjory never forgot the thrill the gentle hand-clasp gave her, and always says, "When I go to Heaven, one of the first people I shall wish to see will be Mrs. Bingham." But the days in Honolulu were soon ended and the time for leaving came. Marjory, with the pretty Ha waiian "leis" or flower wreaths around her neck, stood again beside the deck railing as the Solace slowly, moved away, while the Hawaiian band played "Amer ica" and "Aloha," but, as the steamer sailed down the bay, Marjory thought of that little white cottage in which sat a patient, sick woman with the wonderful light in her eyes ; and the determination called into life by her Honolulu visit expressed itself in the words, "When I grow up I want to be a missionary like Mrs.' Bingham." THE ISLAND HOME. "Land Ho! Land Ho!" Marjory with her father and mother and other pas sengers hurried on deck, for, after two weeks on the ocean, the sight of Guam was very welcome. A long First Sight of Guam. coral reef lay at their left as they passed through the narrow entrance into the harbor. Mountains towered up out of the sea and, as they drew nearer, they saw 14 THE ISLAND HOME. 15 many cocoanut trees along the shore ; at the landing place, one mile distant, they saw a house or two, but that was all. When the Solace had dropped anchor in the harbor of San Luis D'Apra, Marjory could hardly wait for the boats to be lowered, and, as they neared the shore, her eyes were the first to descry her aunt and uncle among the crowd of natives, men, women and children, waiting to see the strangers walk ashore on a two-foot plank. How glad Aunt Katherine and Uncle John were to see them ! Native carts, two-wheeled vehicles, very crude and rough, with carabao, or water buffaloes, as steeds, were there the usual mode of conveyance to Agana, four miles distant, where the missionaries lived ; but Aunt Katherine said that Uncle John had arranged for a horse and carriage to take them up, so they sat down in the shade of a near-by house, and Marjory tried to make friends with a little girl whose big, black eyes watched the little white girl so stead ily. By and by their conveyance arrived and they all, with their boxes and bags, began their ride to Agana. The drive was very beautiful, with the sea lying on the left and the hills towering up on the right, while along the road were clusters of small, native houses, and Marjory's eyes were busy trying to see everything at once, while the natives whom they met were just as curious about the party of Americans. "Oh! Auntie, what a funny house!" said Marjory, as they stopped before an opening in a wall, and, indeed, it was funny to Marjory. The house was made 16 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. of coral taken out of the sea at low tide and dried, and then the coral stones were covered with lime. "You see we have no front door," said Uncle John, "but enter the yard from the street, and find our door is at the back of the house. There are no windows, Home of the Missionaries. only those larger openings in the outside of the walls, which we close with shutters when it rains." Then as they entered the house, he pointed to the roof. "You see there is no ceiling between us and the tile which is like flower pots broken in two and placed on the roof in rows. These make hiding places for the lizards during the day. No, they won't hurt you, Marjory ; they are only from four to six inches long, and come out on the walls at night to catch flies. THE ISLAND HOME. 17 Sometimes we have ten out at once, and it is great fun to watch them, they are so quick. Yellow wasps have great building bees among the tiles, making their nests, you know. Besides the wasps and lizards there are thousands of ants of all kinds. They get into every thing, books, clothes and food; and, of course, we have many flies, but they are not like our American flies, they are so slow. When the flies and wasps go to bed, the mosquitoes and lizards get up, so we have company all the time." "The kind of company I would rather not have," said Mrs. Graham. "Why, I should be frantic with such things around me all the time." "Oh, no, you wouldn't, you would get used to them," said her sister-in-law. "Well, perhaps I would," replied Mrs. Graham, somewhat doubtfully, as she brushed an ant off her hand, and looked about the tiny little house which was home to the missionaries. Very small and poor it appeared to her. Marjory was looking out of the big windows, and then into the lean-to, or kitchen, ex claiming over the novelty of it all, and watching the little boys and girls, wishing she could talk to them. She did say "Buenas dias," which the captain on board ship had taught her, to the great delight of herself and the native children who were staring in wonder at the little white girl. "As the Solace sails to-morrow, I must get my let ters ready," said Mrs. Grant. "I guess I'd better get my letter to Gertrude fin ished and mail it with yours, Aunt Katherine." And 18 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. Marjory sat down on the stone steps and gazed at the cook who was drawing water from the well. I am sure Marjory will excuse us if we look over her shoulder and read an extract from her letter to Ger trude. "There are a great many little boys and girls here, and some live in houses like ours, built of stone, and some live in houses made of boards, with roofs of co coanut leaves. The girls have brown skins and long, black hair which they twist into a coil, very tight and smooth. They wear long skirts of colored print, and tuck the back of their skirt into their belt in front, so that it will not drag on the ground. The waists are made of cheesecloth, with low necks and short sleeves. The boys wear cotton shirts and trousers and straw hats. The girls wear white handkerchiefs on their heads when they go out to walk. There are no side walks here and the streets are quite narrow, and babies, dogs and pigs play in them, Auntie says. Nearly all the boys and girls can sing the "Star Span gled Banner" and "America" and other American songs, and a great many of them can speak English a little. I do wish you could hear them, Gertrude. Auntie says that every Sunday she has a class of these children to tell about Jesus, for they do not know Him, and I am to go with her next Sunday. Gertrude, I wish you could see all these things that I am seeing, but I am going to write you long letters just as often as I can. Write me very soon. With heaps of love, I am, Your loving friend, Marjory." LOLITA. "Carne ! Carne !" The word was shouted in a high, shrill voice which penetrated into the farthest corners of the largest houses in Agana, and was easily heard Lolita and Her Home. in Aunt Katherine's house where Marjory ran to a window to see who it could be. "It's Lolita," she cried. "Hello, Lolita." 19 20 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. "Hello," answered the little meat-vender, a little girl about nine years of age, who wore the customary chimeza, once white, now soiled and dirty, a ragged, faded, dirty skirt, the back hem of which she had gath ered into her waist band in front. Straggling locks of hair fell over her eyes, and on her head, steadied by her right hand, she carried a large, woven bamboo tray in which was heaped pieces of dried meat. The week before Lolita's father had killed a deer up in the jungle, and bringing it home, had cut the meat into strips which he hung in the sun to dry. Then Lolita and her mother had tied the tough, leathery strips into little bundles to sell. As the girl walked through the dusty street, readily disposing of her wares to those of the natives who were fond of the dried venison, she met another little street vender of her own age and appearance. They greeted each other warmly and stopped to compare notes. "^"Lolita, we're going to have a fandango at our h'Ouse next week," said Joanna, her bright eyes glisten ing. "We're going to have Aunt Maria's big table and Aunt Caroline's blue plates and bowls, and Uncle Vicente is going to play the accordion for us all to dance." Lolita was deeply interested and asked Joanna if her sister was going to have Juan for a husband (a fan dango, you must know, is a social gathering when a wedding is about to be celebrated). "Yes, and Anna has new skirts and hairpins and we are just planning for a beautiful time," finished Joanna, LOLITA. 21 scarcely answering the question as to Juan, so occupied was she in thinking of Anna's wardrobe. Lolita looked down the long street, which, with its whitewashed houses, reflected the hot sun with a burn ing glare and, spying a familiar figure, said, "Here comes Joaquin on his way to the well for water." As she spoke, a lad of ten or so, dressed only in a dirty cotton shirt which barely reached his knees, and carry ing his "water pail," a bamboo stick four or five feet long and one in circumference, over his shoulders, stopped to talk with them. "Quin," said Lolita, "Joanna says your brother is going to marry Anna next week." Joaquin swelled with visible pride as he answered and volunteered the information that Juan had bought some dishes from the Americano's store with which to begin housekeep ing; and not only dishes but a stove, a real American stove. This bit of news eclipsed all that Joanna had said of Anna's wedding finery, and the three children were soon deep in conversation as to the wonders of that unknown, untried article newly introduced to the Guamites, an American stove. Suddenly upon the little group descended the mother of Joanna, who bade her to hurry "sell the bread." So the two little girls went their different ways, while Joaquin slowly walked down to the well where he filled his bamboo up to the brim with the clear water for his mother. Lolita walked through street after street, with such success that her tray was soon empty, and her handker chief, tightly clasped in her hand, held the precious, 22 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. brown coppers. As she turned a corner, she came face to face with Marjory, her mother and aunt. Lolita loved Mrs. Grant, the white-faced missionary who loved little girls ; and, slipping her hand into that of the lady, said, "I am going to the river." "So are we," said Mrs. Grant. "I want to see your mother." So all four walked slowly to the river, the great lavatory and laundry of the Agana citizens. Tall cocoanut trees on either bank sprang from masses of luxuriant shrubs and lilies ; the quiet river reflecting the green foliaged banks made a pretty picture, the beauty of which was heightened by the natives in all sorts of dress and undress. Those who were washing stood waist deep in the river ; long, wooden troughs hollowed out of tree trunks held the clothes which were rubbed with corn cobs. Some who were not fortunate enough to possess the cobs and trough slapped the garments furiously on large stones. Hard usage for the clothes, but they emerged beautifully clean and white. Lolita spied her mother among the women, and run ning to her gave her the coppers for which she had sold the meat. It did not take many minutes then for the little girl to slip off her skirt and waist and plunge into the water with the others ; where immediately fol lowed such a splashing and jumping, diving and screaming as is seen and heard only among children of the tropics ; and Marjory on the shore thoroughly en joyed watching the children's sports. When the ablutions were completed, the Americans said "good-bye," and went further down the shore, LOLITA. 23 while Lolita trotted home, carrying on her head a bun dle of clothes, while her mother, who washed for the Americanos, carried the large trough filled with gar ments all washed and ready to be hung out to dry. The tiny, wooden shack which they called "home" was sur rounded by the pigs, chickens and children waiting for something to eat ; after a supper of rice, meat and tor tillas, the chickens flew up on the ridge-pole where they settled themselves for the night ; the pigs, grunting and quarreling with each other, finally quieted down under the house. Lolita, with her brothers and sisters, played awhile and then they, too, sought rest on the woven mats spread on the floor, and were soon sound asleep on their hard, uncomfortable bed ; but Marjory, that night, knelt by the side of her little white cot and asked Jesus to help her auntie to lead Lolita to Him. A RECEPTION. There was great excitement in the home of Don Luis de Torres y Castro. The six children gathered around their father, who held in his hand a large, square, white envelope left at the house by the native messenger. The contents were an invitation from the governor and his wife to the reception at the palace. A similar invi tation had been left at the missionaries' home, and Marjory was" all excitement for she was eager to go. Ramona Castro came down to see them in the after noon and told Marjory that she was going to the pal ace reception with her father and mother. Her father was a prosperous merchant in Agana, and his home was one of the best in that village. One stepped from the hot, dusty street into a large cool hall paved with colored tile, where stood a cane-seated lounge and a couple of chairs. At the end of the hall were broad stairs leading to the rooms above, which were large and airy. There were lace curtains before the win dows, several rocking chairs, many ornaments, a few poor pictures, a piano, one of several in the island, and a polished, hardwood floor. During the days between the arrival of the invita- 24 A RECEPTION. 25 tion and the reception, Ramona's brain was very busy wondering what would happen at the palace. At length the long anticipated day arrived, and Ramona in a pretty white muslin dress started for the palace with her father and mother. They walked through the narrow streets filled with dogs, pigs, chickens and children, past the neat, white, tile-roofed houses of Chamorbo Girls. Every-Day Dress. Dressed Up. the better class, and the wooden, unsightly, thatch- roofed houses of the poorer class, until they reached the plaza. The government house, or the palace, as it was usually called, was the largest building in the island of Guam. It was painted white, with green blinds, and stood at the base of Tutuan Hill. Before it was a 26 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. wide, open space, or common, called the plaza. At its left were the barracks for the soldiers and public school buildings ; at its right, more barracks, the im posing cathedral and the hospital. A smooth, white roadway led through the center of the plaza to the main entrance of the palace. As Ramona and her parents reached here, they met our American friends, and Ramona and Marjory walked on together until they reached the entrance. There Ramona drew a long breath, as she passed through the great hall with her parents ; and, directed by the native guard in a blue trimmed uniform, up a wide stairway, found her self in the long, high room where the governor and his wife were receiving their guests. The Senor and Sefiora de Castro were greeted warmly and Ramona shyly shook hands with them both, nodding to the few friends who were present. Soon she spied Marjory who stood at the upper end of the long room, quietly looking about her. On either side of the room was a long row of peo ple, some dressed in black, others in colors, all hold ing themselves very stiffly. The governor's daughters and the naval officers tried to talk with the natives, but it was hard work. One of the daughters ap proached Ramona ; but, as she spoke little Spanish and the Cham.orro girl no English whatever, they did not progress very rapidly. During their conversation a heavy storm came up and the rain poured down in torrents, but no one ap peared to mind it in the least, not even Ramona in her A RECEPTION. 27 pretty, new gown, for they knew the storm would soon pass away and the sun be shining again. Marjory was very happy as her bright eyes took in the gaily dressed women. Much to the delight of the native women, she tried to talk to them in Spanish, a few sentences of which she had learned since coming to Guam. Soon refreshments were served and to Marjory's surprise she saw ice cream. "Why, Aunt Katherine, look there. I haven't seen any ice cream since we left the Solace," she cried. "You see, Marjory, the United States government has established an ice plant here, among other good things, so that all officers, marines and others in the United States service may have all the ice they want, and if one is fortunate enough to know how to make ice cream out of condensed milk, as 'Mrs. Gober- nador' does, why, one can have all they want." "Well, I believe it is the first time some of these people have seen such cold milk, just look at Ramona." When Ramona received her plate she was almost afraid to touch it, it looked so queer to her, and then she looked up and saw Marjory standing by her side. "See, it is ice cream," said Marjory, "it is good, very good. See?" and she ate some. After a little persuasion, Ramona swallowed her first spoonful of cream, another spoonful pleased her more, and she finally decided that American "mirienda" was quite fine, although it was funny. After standing awhile longer, Ramona with her parents bade the governor and his wife "adios," and 28 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. others soon followed their example. On the way home in the bright sunshine, after the storm, Marjory begged that her mother and father should go with her to the beach and gather shells, to which they con sented, and the "trio of lovers" went down to that treasure store of good things, the beach, while Ra mona in her home was telling of her experiences, where the family were eating their "mirienda," sitting on the floor, and the baby brother with his dirty little shirt up under his armpits fell sound asleep on the hard wood floor, which was his only bed. A THANKSGIVING LESSON. The day before Thanksgiving Marjory was spend ing the period of daily Bible study in her Aunt Kath erine's school-room. "Good morning, pretty sunshine, How did you wake so soon?" sang the bright-eyed, brown-skinned, little boys and girls in the primary department that warm, sunshiny morning. There were a dozen or more sitting around the table upon which their folded hands rested and, their song finished, they gazed inquiringly at their teacher, waiting eagerly for the questions she might ask. "Ignacio, what did you see on the way to school this morning?" The little lad squirmed in his seat, glanced out of the window, and finally faltered, "Pigs— and hens — and houses — and, and — that's all." "Luis, what did you see?" "A cow — and pigs — and a cocoanut tree — and — pigs — and cows," answered the boy, nervously repeating his words. "Very good," said the teacher, smiling. "Now, I wonder if anyone here saw something that Ignacio and Luis did not. They saw pigs ar\c\ c.0ws 29 30 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. and hens, a cocoanut tree and a house." A moment of silence, then a tiny girl said that she had seen "clouds, the sea and two kittens" ; still another's eyes had discovered butterflies and birds. "What a number of things we have seen this morn ing," said the teacher. "Now, how many of my boys and girls know where all these beautiful and useful things come from?" Not one answered. "Does no one know who made the clouds and the sea and the butterflies and the cows and the doves?" A moment of silence and then Dolores, the oldest scholar, said, "God." "Yes, God made them all ; do you know why, Do lores?" Quick as a flash came the reply, "To make us happy." "Yes. Amelia, why did you bring me those chick ens this morning?" "Because I love you." "Well, what did I say to you, dear?" "Why, you said, 'Thank you, Amelia, I am very glad to have them.' " "Yes, I thanked you. Joe, why did God give us so many beautiful things?" "Because He loves us," was the reply. "Yes, He loves us ; what ought we to say to Him then?" Joe did not know and Dolores answered, "We ought to say 'thank you' to God." "Now," said the teacher, rising, "each of you think of something God has given you and for which you want to say thank you, and I will draw the various things on the blackboard ; I am thankful for the stars A THANKSGIVING LESSON. 31 and the moon, so I will make them up in this corner. Joe, what are you thankful for?" "The ocean, so I can go swimming," said he, and then there gradually grew on the board a picture — the ocean with the sun setting in the distance, an island on which were trees and houses, flowers, birds, butter flies, animals, and even a father and mother with a dear little baby. The children watched eagerly the growth of the picture and did not hesitate to name everything they could think of which made their lives bright and happy ; several mentioned the school and its teacher, so the words were written on the board. "Who made all these?" And every child answered, "God." "Yes, so I will write over the picture, ' GOD MADE ALL THINGS ' ; and what shall we say to God?" "Thank you, God," answered one of the boys. "Yes, so under the picture we will write the words, ' THANK YOU.' " "Presently," said the teacher, reseating herself, "we will fold our hands and bow our heads and sing our morning song, not forgetting Him who made all things and that He wants us to say ' Thank you ' to Him." Then heads were bowed, and slowly there rose from the children's lips the morning hymn of praise : " Father, we thank Thee for the night, And for the pleasant morning light ; For rest and food and loving care, And all that makes the day so fair." 32 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. That night as Marjory was preparing for bed, she called her mother and said, "Mother, Aunt Kather ine told us children this morning that we ought to be very thankful for everything God gives us, and, mother, I am very thankful I have you and father." "We can never be too grateful to God for all He has done for us, and can never love Him too much, dear." "Mother, do you know," hesitantly, "I would like to be a missionary like Aunt Katherine, when. I grow up." "Well, dear, if God calls you to that work, we will not keep you, but now it is time to shut your eyes and go to sleep. Good-night, daughter mine, sweet dreams." "Good-night, mother darling." THE PICNIC. Aunt Katherine had promised to take the children of her school on a picnic, and of course Marjory was going also. She remembered picnics at home and what jolly times she and Gertrude had had with their friends, but the little girls in Guam never before heard of such a thing as a picnic. To Marjory's great joy, her mother and aunt said she might wear a native dress on that day, so she twisted her dark hair into a tight knot on the top of her head and put on a long skirt with a "really truly" train and the funny little waist with its flowing sleeves. Very early in the morning they left home, riding in a native cart, a two-wheeled vehicle drawn by a black bullock. There were no seats. A mat woven of the pandanus leaves was spread across the narrow boards, thus making the floor space upon which the picnickers sat. They had to squeeze to get in, there were so many of them, four beside Marjory and her aunt, and they had to take turns in holding the basket of lunch. The roads were very rough, and the large, solid wooden wheels jolted in and out over deep ruts and 33 34 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. stones until the children were well shaken up. They passed many shacks, built on piles three or four feet above the ground, with thatched roofs. Numerous fowls lay in the shade under the houses, and woven Eeady for the Picnic. baskets were hung on the end of the ridge poles of many shacks for the benefit of the hens who laid and hatched their eggs in them. They went about a mile from home, up the beach where there were some great big rocks. There the girls went in bathing and had a THE PICNIC. 35 great time, playing in the water and gathering shells. By and by, after the sun set, they ate their supper under big palms, just like those Marjory had often seen in the florists at home. The meal consisted of baked sweet potatoes, or "camutis," as they are called, A Native Saw-Mill. "tortillas," fried cakes made of ground corn, bread, jam and a cake. Cups were made of the large leaves of a trailing vine near the table, and it was all the more fun because more water ran out on the ground than down dry throats. Mosquitoes, ants of all kinds, and tiny crabs were very active in trying to get their share of the feast. One of the boys, Manuel, climbed 36 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. a cocoanut tree and threw down some of the nuts, then with his "macheta," a long knife which every man and boy possesses and wears in the sheath attached to his belt, he cut a small hole in one end of the nut and handed it to Marjory, telling her to drink. "Oh, Aunt Katherine, isn't it good?" she said as she tasted the cool, delicious fluid. "Yes, it is very refreshing," replied her aunt, as she handed the nut back to Manuel with, "mucha gracias" (many thanks). By the time they had fin ished eating the moon was shining, and they played "tag," "London bridge is falling down," "hide and seek," and other games on the sand, which was fine and hard, almost like a floor. All too soon it was time to go, and Mrs. Grant called her children together and they scrambled into their island chariot and started for home. The bul lock ran very fast and jolted them on the rocky road, but they were all happy and did not mind the bumps. They sang all the songs they knew, English and Cha- morro; and, when the equipage drew up at Mr. Grant's gate, a very happy crowd of children jumped out. Rosario said, "Americano peeckneeck funny but nice," and she wanted to go again. "Oh! mamma, I had such a good time," said Mar jory, as she combed out her hair before going to bed, and that night Mrs. Grant said to her brother, "Mar jory certainly did enjoy herself to-day, and the native children enjoyed seeing her. I am sure the ' Ameri cano peekneeck' will not soon be forgotten." A BIRTHDAY PARTY. Dolores had two birthdays every year, at least she celebrated two. The first came in February and was her real birthday, while the other occurred in March, and was the so-called birthday of St. Dolores, whose name our brown-eyed maiden bore. This March birthday was made a great "fiesta," or feast day, by all the little girls, big girls and women who were named Dojores, and all their sisters, brothers, fathers and friends united to help them have a good time. The moihers and grandmothers and aunties made cakes and custards and, what the girls and boys liked very much, "meringues," a sort of sweetmeat. When the morning of the March fiesta dawned, the sun shone bright and clear, and after Dolores had helped her mother with the cooking, she went out to invite her friends. Over to Lolita's she went, then to Rosario's. "Lolita and Rosario, fisinsi nana mu (ask your mother if you can come over to my house for supper). We are going to have meringues, you will come?" Of course the little girls will come, and Dolores went on to invite Marjory Graham, who was to be the guest of honor, to the unique fiesta. Marjory 37 38 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. was as glad to accept as Rosario and Lolita had been, and Dolores went home with her heart full of joy to wait for the hour of her birthday party. About five o'clock in the afternoon, the little girls started for Dolores'. Marjory, especially, was full of excitement as she walked through the dusty streets. Shortly she arrived at her destination ; and, following^ Some of the People at the Party. the little path around the house, she found the family waiting to welcome her, standing in the doorway, which was reached by wooden steps, swaying and creaking as she ascended them. Not only the people, but the numerous hens, chickens, dogs and an enor mous black pig suspended their various occupations A BIRTHDAY PARTY. 39 in order to demonstrate their interest in the American visitor. The interior of the house was divided into two rooms, the larger contained several tables, a bed and a number of chairs, arranged in stiff rows around the room, while a few highly colored Japanese pictures adorned the whitewashed walls. The smaller room held several images, before which were burning can dles. In the thatched roof centipedes and tiny lizards scuttled hastily out of sight, and a very large black spider calmly crawled across a rafter. But the family greeted their guest very warmly, all chattering at once in their unexplainable jargon. A little four-year- old boy said, "Hello, baby," very proudly ; he was anxious to display his knowledge of English. The old grandmother, bent and brown, with a black clay pipe between her lips, dusted a chair with her scanty cotton skirt before offering it to Marjory. A table in the center of the room was covered with a white cloth, in which the letters "M. F." were em broidered in red cotton thread. Plates were laid for six, three on each side, with an equal number of steel knives ; three cakes of a light spongy nature, called "broas" by the natives, were set forth in a row through the middle of the table, while the place of honor was occupied by the meringues, the dish being decorated by a fringe of white paper, cut in various designs. Dolores wore a pretty silk gown, with a gold chain wound twice around her neck, one loop falling to her waist, while the other women of the family wore 40 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. clean, starched chimezas and skirts ; two little cousins looked very pretty and quaint in their long skirts and "done-up" hair. The room was lined on all sides by relatives, children predominating, and all as still as mice. Soon, however, they began to talk. Our Guam Family and Their Home. little Marjory knew very little Chamorro, but no one said very much, for all eyes were directed toward the table, to which very soon Dolores and her aged grand mother and four invited guests drew their chairs. Then Dolores spoke one word, "chochu," meaning eat, whereupon they followed her example, and helped A BIRTHDAY PARTY. 41 themselves to the feast spread before them. A small, blue bowl, containing sweetened coffee without milk, was given to each one ; but the crowning feature of culinary effort was a dish of "flan," a sort of boiled, baked or steamed custard, which was very good. No one talked at all during the feast of good things, and Marjory looked at all the children who were gaz ing upon the favored few with longing eyes, and she wondered if they were to have no part in the feast; but, evidently, it was not so planned. When every thing eatable had disappeared, chairs were pushed back, and in a trice the table was cleared and moved to one side, and the floor swept by a little girl who wielded her broom, or brush made of fine twigs tied together, as if she were to the manner born. The family and guests were seated in a row around the room, while old Maria displayed an accordion, of ancient make, from which she drew most weird and mournful music. Dolores rose from her seat and, walking over to Marjory, said solemnly, "You dance with me?" "I do not know how," answered the guest, as she saw all eyes bent upon her ; "I do not know Chamorro dance ; what is it ? You dance, Dolores ; show me how." Evidently it was not etiquette for the hostess to dance alone, for she refused, as did they all, until the "Americana" should first accompany Dolores ; but to this she objected, until suddenly Maria, the ancient, flung her accordion into the hands of her brother, who took up the strain with scarcely a break, and running 42 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. across the room grasped her hand and pulled her to her feet, saying, "Me show you dance," and then followed an indescribable attempt on the part of the guest to imitate the motions of Maria ; a graceful, un trained exercise which left the performers breathless and tired, and which caused the family to laugh very much at how the little American girl danced the Cha morro dance. The natives seemed to feel that the best way to en tertain their foreign guest was to keep her employed every moment ; consequently when she had been given time to recover from the effects of the calisthenics, they asked her to sing an English song, which she did, and then, to the delight of her friends, began a simple Chamorro song which she had just learned. With one accord they all took up the strain, and the volume of sound waxed louder and louder, aided by the squeaky accordion. When the song was finished it was time to say "good-bye," and Marjory shook hands with each one, saying, "Adios," and backed cautiously down the creaky steps, landing among the friendly animals on the ground, who made way for her at once, with all due respect for her nationality. Then she ran as fast as she could home to her mother and aunt to tell them what a good time she and the little native girls had had at Dolores' birthday party. ONE SUNDAY. Out in the street, the slip-slap, slip-slap of slippered feet broke the silence. Marjory turned in her cot restlessly. From the rafter overhead hung mosquito Tutuan Bill. Next Door Neighbors. netting which, tucked in under the mattress, made a secure covering to keep out the cockroaches, spiders, lizards and other kindred insects, and thus insured a 43 44 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. feeling of safety from such intruders on the part of the one occupying the bed. Again the slip-slap, slip-slap was heard; Marjory was wide awake now, and looking out of the tiny opening called a window on the six or seven cocoanut trees standing up straight and tall on the very brim of Tutuan Hill. Marjory loved those trees, and yet they were so very different from that old apple tree at home, under which she and Gertrude had so often played at keeping house, dressed up in their mothers' cast-off clothes and making use of broken china for dishes. The day was breaking and the sound she had heard was the natives going over to the ancient church for early mass. She could hear them now talking dis tinctly as they passed under the window opposite the little one. "How open everything is here," she thought, "almost like camping out." Her eyes wan dered around the little room where the quickly coming light was making everything visible. Above her was the tile roof; on rude shelves were Aunt Katherine's and Uncle John's precious books, and, hanging against the rough whitewashed walls, a few prints of choice pictures. As she looked, a big cockroach which had been feasting on one of the books, whisked him self away out of sight. In another cot near Marjory lay her Aunt Kather ine fast asleep ; but not for long — in a moment the house and bed moved strangely and things rattled about. "Aunt Katherine, Oh ! Aunt Katherine, what is it ? ONE SUNDAY. 45 Wake up, oh ! do wake up," she cried in terror. But Aunt Katherine was awake and by Marjory's side before she had stopped calling for her. "There, little girl," she said, taking hold of her hand, "that is nothing. See, it is over now. It was only an earthquake, and we have them so often here we grow used to them." "Oh ! I know I would never be used to such things, Auntie. Suppose the island should snap off? You know that old man on the whaling vessel said Guam was like a big bouquet with the stem- part under the water, and "hat it would surely break off some day." Aunt Katherine laughed softly. "._ "You need not worry, dear, you are as safe here , as '. anywhere. I guess the island won't, snap off yet awhile anyway," and with a kiss she went back to her bed. Marjory lay and thought— she had. really been in an earthquake, she, Marjory Graham ! ;»Wft4t a, thrilling adventure to write '-'to Gertrude, ; and * maybe there would be another before they left for: Manila — and a queer little thrill ran up and down her ' spine at the very thought. Soon it was time to get up. After breakfast they had prayers, and then they departed to study the Sun day School lesson, and in other ways to get ready for the Sabbath services. Marjory sat in her favorite place on the stone step with her quarterly on her lap, and her bible in her hands. From where she sat she could see little, woebegone Maria next door building a fire. Her stove was a long box filled with earth in which she scraped a hole to lay the fire. For a mo- 46 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. ment Maria's mother and brother stood in the door way, and Marjory called out, "Buenas dias, Buenas dias," to which they responded smilingly, and then were gone. As the missionaries were leaving the house for church, Marjory said, "Rosario said she would go to the Protestant church this morning. Let's go by her Interior of First Congregational Church. house and get her." Sure enough Rosario was ready to go, much to the surprise and joy of Aunt Kather ine, but when they reached the house where the Prot estant service was held her courage failed her. She hesitated, turned, then fled like a deer down the street. Marjory was disappointed, but Aunt Katherine said ONE SUNDAY. 47 that she would soon learn that the Protestants would not hurt her. The church was the home of a native Christian who had gladly given it up to be used for religious serv ices. It was small and poorly furnished ; a wheezy organ was in one corner, wooden benches arranged in rows, and a blackboard hung on the wall. The con gregation soon gathered, a few women in their clean dresses, more men and a few boys and girls. Hymns were sung, the missionary read, prayed and preached, and then they separated into classes and had Sunday School. The international lessons were used and the order of service was similar to Marjory's own Sunday School at home. After the opening exercises, the classes formed for instruction ; five young girls were taught in the native language, and there were other classes in Spanish and English. After the Sunday School there was 4:he walk home through the wide, sunny streets, then dinner and siesta. A Sabbath quiet pervaded the missionary home, but ou* in the streets the people were gathered, talking or singing. On the street below the house, a number of boys were playing "craps," as it is called in America; and a man walked by carrying a fighting cock under his arm, on his way to the cock-fight ; over on the next corner Marjory saw a number of marines stop, talk a few moments and walk away around the corner. "I wonder why they do not come to church and Sunday School," she thought. "There are so many of them here !" for Guam was a naval station with a company of marines always on duty. 48 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. Later in the day the missionaries went down on the shore for a little while. They stood and watched the surf as it rose above the reef. No sound disturbed the silence until they heard a voice saying, "Buenas tardes," and they saw Anna, one of the Christian women, with her little sister Rosa. Anna had her Bible under her arm, and her face was shining from her inward joy. Aunt Katherine said that all her friends had left her when she became a Christian. "Yes," said Anna, "but," holding her Bible close to her breast, "me no care. Jesus — father, mother, broth ers, sisters, friends to me, He's enough." Marjory, girl as she was, was thrilled by Anna's words. That night there was a baptism in the little church. One convert came with his wife and three-weeks-old baby. "How uncomfortable the baby looks," whispered Marjory to her father, and surely it must have been in its long christening robe, and the tiny bonnet which fitted its head so closely. The service was very sim ple, and Marjory watched as her uncle took the baby in his arms ; and, in the impressive silence, christened her "Mary," or as the Spaniards call it, "Maria." Soon after this service the melody of a hymn stole out through the windows as a greeting to the group of bareheaded and barefooted men and boys standing in the street, afraid to enter, yet eager to know of the new religion. On the way home Marjory said, "Wasn't that a dear little baby, mother, and wasn't it funny to see her ONE SUNDAY. 49 screw her face up so when Uncle John took her in his arms?" "Yes, she was a dear baby, and how proud her father and mother were of her! I was reminded of your baby days, Marjory. The first time we took you to church you kept saying, ' Tant we do home ? I want to do home,' " and the mother laughed at the rec ollection of the restless, curly-headed tot in church in the dear home land. "But, Oh ! Marjory, this visit to Aunt and Uncle ought to show you what it means to be born in a Christian land. I am so glad my little girl doesn't have such a home as the little girls here in Guam." "So am I, mamma. Just think what it would be if we lived here," and Marjory pointed to the shack they were passing, in which they saw the candle burn ing before a small, gaudily dressed image of the Vir gin Mary before which the worshipers prostrated themselves, and heard the weird, mournful song pen etrating the night air. THE VIAJO AND BRUJA. Over in the East above the brow of Tutuan Hill there hung a heavy bank of dark clouds ; overhead the stars were shining brightly and in the distance was heard the heavy rumble of ocean breakers on the coral reef. Near by, outlined against the evening sky, were numerous chickens on the ridge poles of as many roofs, while now and then the silence was broken by one or more slipping on the thatch and their efforts to regain their resting places. The wail of a baby was borne on the night air to the ears of Maria Torres, who stood in her tiny courtyard looking anx iously at the clouds ; would they pass around over the sea, or empty their contents upon Agana? Yes, rain was needed, but a rumbling of breakers told of an electric storm, and this neither Maria nor her family particularly liked. Last Sunday Vicente, the brother of Maria, had carried a large palm leaf to church which the Padre had sprinkled with holy water and blessed ; when it had been brought home Maria had rolled it into a long roll, wound with colored paper ribbons which ended in a long fringe near the lower end, until the whole thing resembled a sword in a sheath ; and, should a 50 THE VIAJO AND BRUJA. 51 thunder storm arise, this dried roll would be lighted, and as the smoke ascended, the family on their knees pray hurriedly for the "hulu y lumlum" (thunder and lightning) to stop. They believed the palm leaf pos sessed of some miraculous power. But even with a "palma" in the house, Maria breathed a sigh of relief as she watched the clouds slowly move toward the North, and knew that there was now no further need for anxiety at present as to the storm. Turning she made her way through the court, up the unsteady steps, into the house where the family of fifteen or so were entertaining a few guests. Maria joined in the conversation for a while, and then with her little niece, Locha, started to visit the American missionaries. There they were warmly wel comed, and all sat fanning themselves and smiling broadly upon each other, until the strain was soon re lieved by the arrival of a friendly native understand ing and speaking English and Chamorro, and then such a chattering ensued as would have done credit to any sewing society in America. The conversation soon led around to ghosts and fearsome things, and the callers told of the great "Viajo" — pronounced "Behu" — or old man of the mountains, and of the "Bruja" or witch. "Oh ! de Viajo," said Maria, in her broken English, "me mucho fraid Viajo. Some night we untunguck (hear) palangpan (noise) on wall, me go up para candelero; no see nada (nothing) hum, me say, ' Viajo,' " and she laughed as only Maria could laugh, full and hearty. 52 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. "What is the Viajo?" asked Marjory. "Superstitious beliefs inherited from the Chamorro forefathers," said her aunt. "Ask Maria to tell you about it." Marjory hastened to follow her aunt's advice, much to the old Maria's joy, who told all she knew of the superstition. "The ' Viajo ' is a large, headless thing clad always in white, and almost always found in the jungle roads and mountains and is a cause of great terror to the timid people. Maria's sister had seen the frightful apparition one evening on her way home from the ranch, and so Maria knew it really existed. The "Bruja" was never seen, but committed most awful deeds on people and property. One night a man was eating his supper when he heard the peculiar click, click, which told him "Bruja" was there ; in a sudden fit of bravery he invited the unseen to eat with him, adding that he was not afraid, when, without a mo ment's warning, the candle was blown out, dishes broken and the man himself attacked until his face was covered with blood and his hair lay in tufts around the room. This was the work of the terrible witch, until at last frightened away by the terrified man's prayer to the saints, "Jesus, Maria, Jose," from whom protection was craved. Maria then went on to tell the story of how the image of the Virgin Mary, kept in the cathedral, came to them. Long years before, a group of men standing on the beach during a storm saw the heavens open and something fall from the clouds into the water. They THE VIAJO AND BRUJA. 53 immediately took a canoe and rowed out to see what it might be. There they met two crabs towing a third, on whose back stood the image of the Virgin. Very carefully they brought it in shore ; and, midst the hush of the assembled people, carried it up and put it in the barrack hall, the place where the Spanish sol diers used to congregate. One night the soldiers no ticed that the image had turned its face to the wall. They turned it around again very quietly, and then they noticed that whenever they swore or got drunk or fought with each other the holy Virgin would turn her face away from them, until finally they could stand it no more, and took her over to the church where she had been ever since that day, only being taken out once a year in the procession. The Americans listened to these tales of Maria's with much interest; Marjory especially tried to re member all she said in order to write it to Gertrude. Then Maria asked if they knew about the fiesta to be celebrated (manana) to-morrow. "No," said Mrs. Grant, "but tell us about it, Maria," which, of course, Maria was ready to do. About fifty years ago a severe earthquake visited the island ; and, since that time, a special day has been set aside every year to invoke the blessing of a certain saint; one of the features of the "fiesta" was a pro cession through the village streets. When the Ameri cans took possession of the island in 1899, Governor Leary forbade any public demonstrations of the Cath olic church ; and, of course, this procession had been omitted the year before. As a result of this compul- 54 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. sory neglect, the natives believed, occurred the awful typhoon of 1900, and so the Padre had petitioned the present governor for permission to hold the regular fiesta of former years. The governor had granted the old priest's request and so the following day was to be a holy day. "Will there be a procession like Easter?" queried Marjory. "Yes, mucho men, no more earthquake, no more big wind and sea," and at Maria's words, little Locha's eyes shone at the prospect of such a good time. But the pleasant evening soon drew to a close, and the two Chamorro palowen (women) bade the Amer icans good night, and went homeward. The next afternoon Marjory began to watch for the procession. About four o'clock in the afternoon peo ple in gayly colored costumes began to gather at the church, and at five the procession started. Three boys in bright red gowns, with white shirts, walked first carrying a banner with some queer device on it ; be hind them were some boys carrying lamps on long poles, looking like our street lamps ; after these was borne a gayly decorated float with a tiny image of the Virgin Mary with a tinsel halo waving in the air a few inches above her head. This was the same image that Maria had told Marjory about the night before. She could not understand how the people could believe such a story. The old Padre, or priest, wore a very fine gown and was attended by several boys. The af fair was a very gorgeous one, and the people appeared very happy, singing as they walked, and believing THE VIAJO AND BRUJA. 55 with all their hearts that the year to come would be free from all severe earthquakes and typhoons. Marjory turned from the window just as her father came in the door with a very large lizard, or iguana, which he had found in the jungle, and which he said he was going to keep for a pet. "Oh ! father, dear, please give it or throw it away," she pleaded. "I'd rather see cockroaches, mice and big spiders around all the time ; but, father, did you see the big procession just now, and the image Maria told us about?" "Yes, daughter, I saw it and it made me feel sorry to think that the people believe a saint appealed to in such a way will help them, but come with me and I'll give my 'pet' away, seeing you think you would not like him to live in the same house with you," with a tweak of her ear. "Oh! papa, you dear tease," and the two went off toward the river, while Mrs. Graham called after, "Good-bye," or a la Chamorro, "Buenas tardes." THE FOURTH OF JULY. For such a tiny place as that little island in the Pacific Ocean Marjory thought the celebration of our national holiday was unique, and she thoroughly en joyed it. At midnight of the Fourth loud explosions woke the Grants and Grahams from their sleep. These can non firecrackers continued until dawn. People were about in the narrow streets of the village very early in the morning, and an air of great excitement was felt everywhere. To the natives this American fiesta was a strange spectacle, for the Spaniards, in previous years in dulged in such displays only at their religious festi vals, instead of national, as the Americans did, but the men and boys were eager enough to take their part in the celebrations. The American missionaries and their guests had been invited to spend the day at the palace, and the governor's victoria was sent over for them about half past two in the afternoon. The governor and his wife were waiting to welcome them at the entrance, when they all went up stairs together and Marjory was 5fi THE FOURTH OF JULY. 57 given a good place where she could see the day fire works. These fireworks had been ordered from Japan and now attracted everybody's attention. Preceded by loud explosions, fantastically adorned horses, jin- jfa^fr*** "Hi- 115 " Fifth Avenue " where some of the Races took place. Tutuan Hill in the Background. rikshas, bicycles, etc., floated through the air to the de light of many boys surrounding the plaza. After this a baseball game was played between the marines stationed at Agana and those stationed at Asan, the score being in favor of those from Agana. The men and boys were wild with delight, and the 58 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. shouts and cheers carried Marjory back to the Univer sity games played in the United States. The governor's young son came up stairs and told Marjory about the races that had taken place on the plaza in the morning. Said he, "There were three- legged, running and sack races, and then the men let loose a greased pig which was to be caught by the swiftest runner. I caught him, but he dragged me a good ways through the dirt, he was so slippery it was hard work to catch him at all." About four o'clock everybody went over to the main street of the town, called Fifth Avenue, to see the pony, carabao (water buffalo) and chariot races. Oh! what a good time they had ! They laughed until they cried to see that carabao race. One of the men fell off his steed three times, and another one had a marine running along beside him prodding his carabao to hasten his pace. One of the officers said that his cara bao was the "slipperyest" thing he had ever ridden. Following the carabao race came the chariot race, or, as nearly everyone called it, the "bullock .cart" race. Marjory thought the drivers were pretty well jolted before they finished. Little Joe Custino won that race and how the other boys hulloed and cheered for him! After the races the Grants and Grahams returned to the palace and took dinner with the governor and his family, and Marjory never forgot that dinner. Everything was so dainty, and the girls looked so pretty with their bright, happy faces, and everyone was so excited talking over the races. THE FOURTH OF JULY. 59 Dinner was scarcely over, however, before the eve ning fireworks began. From the balcony where Mar jory stood she could see everything very plainly. A large balloon was sent up and sailed away through the air. Roman candles, pin wheels, crackers, bombs and sky rockets made the plaza a place of central in terest from seven to nine ; and, added to the other en joyments, the band played in their new stand. Very few women were out as their social customs demand that they should stay indoors, much to Mar jory's disappointment as she wanted Mariquita to see everything ; but nearly everybody voted that the Fourth was most successful. The carriage took Marjory and the others home about half past nine, tired but very happy. Uncle John said, as they bade each other good night, "This certainly is a proper and fitting Fourth of July." The next morning Quin and Anna talked a great deal of the American fiesta. Anna said, "Gobernador, Mrs. Gobernador, all Americanos good to Chamorros." They said that the balloon the Americans sent up was smaller than the ones the Spaniards sent up years be fore, but they liked Americano fiesta "mucho." Marjory was very much excited when she saw some of the Filipino prisoners of war, who were brought up from the "presidio" to witness the fireworks and gen eral demonstrations. Dolores told her that the Cha morros hate the Filipinos, although they are so nearly related. "No like Filipino, no good to Chamorro," she said. "You like Americans, don't you, Dolores?" 60 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. "Yes, Americans good." Just then they heard the clear notes of a bugle. "What is that, Dolores?" "Gobernador.""What do you mean by Gobernador?" "I don't know." "Auntie, what does the bugle mean ? I can't under stand Dolores." Mrs. Grant came out on the step where the girls were sitting. "Whenever the governor has a message for the people, or a new law to proclaim, he always sends out a bugler and a man with a torch who reads the message on all the street corners, so everyone will hear it." "Thank you, Auntie." "Buenos noches, Marjory, I must go home," said Dolores, rising as she spoke. "Buenos noches, Lola, buenos noches." A PASCUA IN AGANA. "Marjory," said Aunt Katherine, "will you please go over to Senora Cruz and ask her if she will let Vicente go on an errand for me?" Marjory was sit ting on the floor trying with bungling fingers to weave a small, native hat, as she had been taught by her Aunt Katherine's cook ; but she was glad, indeed, to get away to see Concepcion, Vicente's sister, so she gave one jump down on the stone step, and was off up the street with a rush. When she arrived at the house, Senora Cruz was busily employed in weaving a hat for her little boy Vicente ; the room in which she sat was airy and de void of much furniture — a large four-posted bed, like those of our grandmothers, in one corner, and several wooden benches, with one table, completed the fur nishings. The Senora herself sat on the floor, as did her daughter Concepcion, and the baby Isabel rolled over and over on her mat near her mother. Marjory gave her message and then stopped to play a little with baby Isabel, when she heard the Senora say, "Concepcion, run and bring me some water and then gather the nuts, it is growing dark." The little girl hastened to obey, and after filling CI 62 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. her bamboo at the well in company with others of her own age, she stood for a moment beside Marjory in the doorway, gazing down the street. She was a slight, pretty child and very attractive in her clean chimeza and skirt. Her hair was gathered into the usual knot on her head, but a few short hairs escaped, curling about her forehead. The fair skin told of the Spanish blood in her veins. The nuts of which her mother spoke were gathered from the Frederica palm, and after being soaked for several days in salt water were spread out on mats in the street to dry ; they were then ground into flour and made into tortillas. These nuts Concepcion must now bring in, for night was coming on. Marjory had bade her "Buenos noches," and gone down the street, threading her way between pigs, dogs and chickens with the ease of the born resident. Everywhere were signs of labor and many people ; all day there had been pouring into the island town from the interior ranches, men, women and children. Bullocks, cows and caribaos were heavily laden with corn, potatoes and rice. Many bullocks carried these articles in cocoanut baskets loaded on either side, while on their backs rode native women with their babies. And the reason for all this preparation was the observance of the coming Good Friday, the most sacred fiesta of the church during the year. After Marjory had gone and the nuts had been brought in, Concepcion wandered down the street toward the cathedral ; a desire to see if the decorations for the morrow were completed led her steps that way. A PASCUA IN AGANA. 63 She passed through the. open gateway and large yard where the green grass felt soft and cool to her bare, brown feet, until she stepped into the dim, cool interior of the ancient building erected by the Spanish priests in 1779. On either side of the entrance large shells fastened to wooden standards held the holy water, in which she dipped her fingers and reverently making the sign of the cross knelt on the hard floor murmuring a prayer. As yet the decorators had not begun their work ; the large, roomy interior was meagerly furnished with a few benches ranged along the walls for the use of the "high caste" people. The altar at the farther end of the building held several gaudy images and burning candles. Concepcion's bright eyes soon perceived the use- lessness of her errand and leaving the church she went home, her little brain full of what was to be during the coming days. The following day, Thursday, there was much ex citement in the home of Senora Cruz, for Vicente was to assist in the services at the church Thursday eve ning and Friday. All through the day hundreds of people visited the church, but the great service was held in the evening, beginning at seven o'clock and continuing without break until the following afternoon. Vicente and another boy, Juan, arrived early ; each was robed in black with a white overgarment reach ing to his waist. The two then took their places, 64 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. kneeling one at either side of the altar, which was elaborately decorated ; tall, massive, silver candle sticks held burning candles and the small images were nearly hidden amid flowers and palms, until the whole altar seemed one mass of light and flowers. Near the altar on its right and left were large images of Christ, Mary Magdalene, Peter and several other saints, each on a separate platform or float, surrounded by flowers and candles. The large room was full of kneeling people, the women conspicuous in their white veils ; over all fell a hush for a moment, then the people as with one voice united in singing a hymn. The song service continued for an hour and then ceased; many of the worshipers still knelt, telling their beads ; and, when finished, passed one by one into the small room ad joining, where was a life size image of the Christ on a cross, whose arms and limbs every worshiper kissed. The mothers held up their little ones that they, too, might have a share in the service. Not a sound was heard save the shuffling of many feet and the clink, clink of money dropping into the poor-box. All through the night people came and went. Vicente and Juan were relieved at the end of two hours by other boys who shared the honors with them, and alternating thus the boys kept their places before the altar. Good Friday dawned clear and cloudless. Many people clothed in their clean garments filled the streets on their way to and from the cathedral. Little Con cepcion was early, awake, dressed in her new, blue A PASCUA IN AGANA. 65 skirt and chimeza and spotless white head covering. No work was to be done, no visiting her little friends, or singing or playing games with them. After a din ner of rice and crabs, Concepcion started for the church with her mother, where they knelt in prayer for some time. A great black curtain on which was painted a single white cross was drawn before the altar ; strips of black cloth were draped about the pic tures and images, and everywhere was a solemn quiet. At five o'clock the procession formed. It passed right by the little home of Mrs. Grant, so Marjory saw it all. A large, black, wooden cross draped in white was borne by several white-robed men. This was followed by a float containing an image of St. Peter holding silver keys ; after this was carried an image of Christ bound to a stake and another of Christ bearing his cross. Several other floats of saints came next, after which was a large, glass casket borne by four men clad in blue gowns and white caps. Just behind the casket walked the Padre, robed in black and chanting in a loud voice ; another image was car ried after the priest and then followed a great many women, each carrying a lighted candle. Concepcion marched in the religious procession, holding up her little blue train out of the dust just like her mother. She was a very proud, happy little girl. Praying and chanting the great procession passed through the city streets, where burning candles in open windows signi fied its route. After the procession had returned to the church the image was carried in, and the people burst into song 66 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. (T ^ \= Ready for the Annual Pascua. A Street through which the Procession passed. J) . A -PASCUA IN AGANA. 67 just as the sun sank behind Tutuan Hill. But the music ceased, the candles were extinguished, and in the coming twilight Concepcion with her mother turned her steps homeward. The greatest day in the year had come and gone and now she must look for ward to the next Pascua. Marjory saw her as she walked up the street. "Oh! Auntie, isn't it too bad that Concepcion and everybody else here celebrates Good Friday in such a way?" "Yes, darling, and they do not commemorate Jesus' resurrection from the dead at all. Oh ! my poor peo ple," she cried, "they know nothing of the living God." GOOD-BYE. The missionaries were moving. Is there a child anywhere who does not revel in the general upsetted- ness of things at such a time? Marjory was no ex ception to the general rule, and she flew hither and thither ; and, although her zeal more often hindered than helped, she was just as busy as a bee. About a mile and a half below Agana a point called Puntan Adaluk had been purchased by the mission aries, after much trouble, and their small home having been erected, they were making ready to leave their little native house in Agana. That little home v/here there had been so much joy and sorrow! One day Marjory was quoting : " Three little bugs in a basket, And hardly room for two ; One was yellow and one was black, And one like me or you." when Aunt Katherine quickly said, " Five of us in this little house, And hardly room for two ; But for the sake of the Master's work, We make the little house do. And we are glad to do it, too," she added. GOOD-BYE. 69 "Never mind, Auntie, by and by three of us will be gone and there will be plenty of room," but her aunt replied, "Don't mention it, child, I can't bear to think of it." But now they were really going to move into a house where they could do better work for the Master. "And where there is plenty of room for five bugs," Marjory laughingly said to her aunt, with a mischiev ous twinkle in her eye. Vicente's father had been hired to move their furni ture, and Marjory and her father and mother had gone down early to the point. What a beautiful place it was, jutting out into the bay, with the near-by reef serving as a protection against the heavy ocean waves which were beating against it with such strong force. Marjory loved to watch them and never tired of the beautiful sight. All the natives prophesied an early death for Mr. and Mrs. Grant because they were going out to Puntan Adaluk to live. They claimed the point was the abode of many devils or "Behue," who would surely punish the Americans for going out there to live. Indeed, Antonio never went by the place without saying, "Con permisso" (by your permission). "But then," said Mr. Grant, "he is unusually super stitious." The afternoon of the moving Rosario had come down to the point to see Marjory, and the two little girls were busy making a native kite out of pieces of bamboo and brightly colored Japanese paper. When it was finished, and the wind carried it soaring high 70 MARJORY WITH THE CHAMORROS. up in the air, it brought shouts of joy from the little ones. Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Grant were watching the two as they played. "Although the children have not the wealth of toys our own favored ones have, they make good use of what they have ; they gather stones and shells, carefully selected from the beach," said Mrs. Grant, "and play a game similar to the game of marbles, and also other games ; but their favorite sport is swimming, for they take to water as naturally as ducks. When the tide is low they go out to the coral reef looking for crabs. I do enjoy watching them so much." "I have noticed how fond they are of singing and dancing to the music of those awful accordions so many of the people have," said Mrs. Graham ; "but that which impresses me most about these children is the respect they show to old people, although boys and girls are the same the wide world over, so full of fun and mischief." "Yes, they are taught reverence to the aged from their babyhood. Many a time I have seen little chil dren stop and greet old men on the street. Hark! what does Marjory want ?" "Mother, may I go down to the beach ?' Rosario has two bamboo boats Joaquin made for her and we want to sail them." "Yes, daughter." As she ran down the beach, Mrs. Grant said, "You do not know how I shall miss that child when you leave next week. I do wish you did not have to go." GOOD-BYE. 7i "So do I, but we must ; and, as the Solace may be sighted any time after Sunday, we really ought to be ready before that time." "Before you come again the cable will, probably, be here, and Guam quite a center of activity in the Pacific Ocean. Why, there comes Ben. I wonder what he wants. I had such an experience with him when we first came here ; I must tell you about it. Oh, Mar jory, you have come up just in time to hear about the funny time we had with Ben. When we first came to Guam we were very much troubled with servants. This Ben was the second one we had, and Uncle John dis charged him because he stole so much and so boldly ; one day I gave him the pan with six sausages to put on the stove in the cook house ; almost immediately I followed him and found only five sausages where there had been six. " 'Ben, where is the other sausage ?' " 'Five,' answered Ben. Ben. 72 GOOD-BYE. " 'No,' said I, 'there were six. Where is the other one, Ben?' " 'Five, Ma'am,' said he very solemnly. " 'No, Ben, there were six and one is gone. Where is it, in your stomach?' " 'Yes,' said the irrepressible, and after such a con fession I decided to let the matter rest." There was a hearty laugh from Aunt Katherine's listeners as she finished the story about Ben, just as the boy came up to where they were sitting. "Well, Ben." "Mr. Grant he send me down to say he coming with some more things, and for me to stay and help him when he come." "All right, Ben, you may go out on the Point there and wait for him. Marjory, I must tell you just one more story before we go in to work. One day Ben climbed up on the roof of the cook house and looked down the chimney to see where the smoke came from, for the first stove he had ever seen was the one we brought with us. When the smoke puffed out in his face, he choked and sputtered and climbed down, calling out to me the only English words he knew, T jess so,' " and Aunt Katherine, laughing at the mem ory of Ben up on the cook house roof, went into the house to her duties. A week later Marjory sighted the Solace as she sailed down past the island, and they all watched her round Orote Point. In a day or two they must go to Manila. What a good time they had had in that tiny island, and how lonely Aunt Katherine and Uncle GOOD-BYE. 73 John would be ! At the thought, Marjory's lips quiv ered, for she and her father and mother would be lonely too. Marjory loved the little girls she had met in Guam, and she whispered into her Auntie's ear as the good byes were being said, "Auntie, when I grow up, I want to come out here and help you, and every night I am going to ask Jesus to bless these little boys and girls who do not know Him." "Thank you, darling," said her aunt, with a hug and a kiss. In a few days the Grahams said "good-bye" to Guam and its people and their loved ones, and faced toward their new home in Manila. One of Marjory's choice treasures was a doll, made and dressed by Ra mona, and given to her as a parting gift. A great many people were on the shore to watch the passengers embark for the steamer. Marjory's eyes fell on Ben, resplendent in a new shirt made out of a flour sack, and it gave her a funny feeling to see "XXX Stockton Flour" printed on his back, as he walked around on the beach. But soon they were off ; and, as the Solace moved Westward, the last sound they heard were the words of the song the Chamorros used so often to sing, "Adios, murena, Adios," and the last sight Marjory's eyes saw was the "Stars and Stripes" waving in the . wind from the flagstaff on Puntan Adaluk. Finis.