Mark says he don't think this is very tropical, because we haven't seen any bread-fruit-trees nor a single pirate; but they used to have them here--I mean pirates.

Anyhow, we have custard apples, and they sound tropical, don't they?
And we have sapadilloes that look like potatoes, and taste like--well, I think they taste horrid, but most people seem to like them.
"It is real hot here, and I am wearing my last summer's best straw hat and my thinnest linen dresses--you know, those I had last vacation.

The thermometer got up to 85 degrees yesterday.
"Do write, and tell me all about yourself and the girls.

Has Susie Rand got well enough to go to school yet?
and who's head in the algebra class?
Mark wants to know how's the skating, and if the boys have built a snow fort yet?
Most all the people here are black, and everybody talks Spanish: it is SO funny to hear them.
"Now I must say good-bye, because Mark is calling me to go to the fruit auction.

I will tell you about it some other time.
"With love to everybody, I am your own lovingest friend, "RUTH ELMER.
"P.S .-- Don't forget that you are coming down here to see me next winter." Before Ruth finished this letter Mark began calling to her to hurry up, for the bell had stopped ringing, and the auction would be all over before they got there.