To Cuba and Back by Richard Henry Dana, Jr.

-- Visit to the Bishop, at Jesus del Monte -- Coolie mart, in the Cerro -- The condition and prospects of the Coolies; their importation, contracts, and treatment.

The people of Cuba have a mode of calling attention by a sound of the tongue and lips, a sort of "P -- s -- t! " after the fashion of some parts of the continent of Europe. It is universal here; and is used not only to servants and children, but between themselves, and to strangers. It has a mean sound, to us. They make it clear and penetrating; yet it seems a poor, effeminate sibilation, and no generous, open-mouthed call. It is the mode of stopping a volante, calling a waiter, attracting the attention of a friend, or calling the notice of a stranger. I have no doubt, if a fire were to break out at the next door, a Cuban would call "P -- s -- t!"