somewhat elegant traveling costume, which added much to his personal
appearance. But his strong black beard, which the scissors had not
touched for some time, and his hair, a trifle long, imperiously
required the good offices of a barber.

"Good-day, friend, good-day!" said he, lightly striking Fragoso on
the shoulder.

Fragoso turned round when he heard the words pronounced in pure
Brazilian, and not in the mixed idiom of the natives.

"A compatriot?" he asked, without stopping the twisting of the
refractory mouth of a Mayouma head.

"Yes," answered the stranger. "A compatriot who has need of your
services."

"To be sure! In a minute," said Fragoso. "Wait till I have finished
with this lady!"

And this was done in a couple of strokes with the curling-tongs.

Although he was the last comer, and had no right to the vacant place,
he sat down on the stool without causing any expostulation on the
part of the natives who lost a turn.

Fragoso put down the irons for the scissors, and, after the manner of
his brethren, said:

"What can I do for you, sir?"