Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Fragoso Returns to His Old Business

Braza means burning coals.This is a word that has appeared in Spanish since the twelfth century.From this word the word Brazil was coined to refer to certain trees that gave red dye.Later, the vast area of ​​South America crossed by the equator and rich in this tree was called Bresil (ie: today's translation name Brazil translator's note).This timber had long ago been the staple commodity in the great trade with the Normans.Although the wood is called Ibirapi Tonga in the place where it is produced, people still use the term Brakiel to refer to this tree.Later, the word became the name of the country, because it looks like a huge coal of fire under the tropical sun.

The Portuguese first occupied the land.As early as the beginning of the sixteenth century, the navigator Alvarez.Carralal occupies here.Although France and Holland also occupied some areas later, this land still belongs to Portugal, which has all the advantages of Portugal, a small but very brave nation.Now, in the clever Tang.Under the rule of King Pedro, it has become one of the largest countries in South America. What rights do you have in your tribe?Montaigne asked this of an Indian he met in Le Havre. Be the first to rush to the battlefield right!The Indian simply replied. As we all know, for a long time, war was the most reliable and convenient means of spreading civilization.So the Brazilians did not differ from what the Indian did: they fought, they not only defended what they had won, but they extended it.They are at the forefront of spreading civilization.

In 1824, sixteen years after the founding of the Luzzo-Brazilian Empire, the Don François, who was expelled from Portugal by the French army,Juan himself proclaimed Brazil's independence.The next problem for the new empire was the border between it and its neighbor Peru. Things are not that simple. Brazil intends to expand westward to the Napo River, while Peru claims to extend its territory to Lake Ega, that is, Peru will also expand eight more longitudes west of Brazil. During this period, Brazil also had to step in to stop the trafficking of Indians in the Amazon.Spain | Missions in Brazil have benefited greatly from this trafficking.So, in an effort to stop the trafficking, the Brazilian government has stepped up its defenses and established a guard post on Rund Island, north of the Tabatinga River.

This is indeed a solution.Since then, the border between Brazil and Peru has passed through the very center of the island. West of this line, the river belongs to Peru and is called the Marañon as it used to be.East of this line, the river belongs to Brazil and is named the Amazon. On the evening of June 25, the big raft stopped at Tabatinga, the first city in Brazil.The city is situated on the left bank of the great river, the source of the river of the same name.The city belongs to St.Parish of Paul. In order for all the staff to have a good rest, Joam decided to stay here for thirty-six hours.In this way, the big raft could set sail on the morning of the 27th.Yaquita and the boys are going to land to visit the town, because this time, they probably won't be a delicacy for mosquitoes like they were in Iquitos.

At present, there are about 400 residents in Tabatinga, almost all of whom are Indians. Of course, they also include nomadic tribes who do not want to settle on the banks of the Amazon River and its tributaries. For several years the sentry post on Rund Island had been abandoned.The post has now been moved to Tabatinga.Therefore, we can say that this is a city with a garrison.In fact, the defenders consisted of only nine soldiers, almost all of whom were Indians.There is also a sergeant who is the real commander of the place. On a river beach with a height of about nine meters, several weak steps were dug out, leading to a small fort in the open space on the river beach.The commander's mansion was two thatched huts arranged at right angles, while the soldiers lived in rectangular houses under a big tree a hundred paces away.

If it weren't for the Brazilian flag hoisted on the outpost (there are usually no sentries in this post), if it weren't for the four small copper cannons (which can be used if necessary to bombard ships that do not follow orders), then this house It can really be said to be small villages scattered along the Amazon River. As for the real village, it is located below the plateau.The village can be reached in a few minutes by a path, or rather a ravine shaded by fig trees and meritis.The village is built on a somewhat parched silt cliff.Around the central square, there are more than a dozen houses covered with Poyaxu palm fronds.

None of this is very new.However, the surroundings of Tabatinga are very charming.Especially on the wide Yavari River, which can accommodate the Alamazar Islands.Here, there are some towering trees, many of which are palm trees.The fibers of this palm are so flexible that they are used to make hammocks and fishing nets, and it is a staple in some trades.All in all, this region is one of the most scenic in the Upper Amazon. Also, not so long ago, Tabatinga had been designated as a shipping station of considerable importance.The city will no doubt grow rapidly.Brazilian ships traveling upstream and Peruvian ships traveling downstream will stop here.Passenger transfers and cargo transactions will also be carried out here.Within a few years, the city would become an important commercial center.However, it does not take so long for an English or American village to develop.

The Amazon water flow in this section is very beautiful.Obviously, since Tabatinga is 2,400 kilometers away from the Atlantic Ocean, the usual tides cannot affect it.However, here there is a raging tide called Porologa, which can cause the Amazon River to swell a lot during the three days of synodic high tide, and push the river forward at a speed of 17 kilometers per hour.So, it is claimed, the fury can extend all the way to the Brazilian border. The next day, June 26, the Galars were going to take a tour of the city before lunch. Joam, Benito, and Manoel had been to several cities of the Brazilian Empire.However, it is the first time for Yaquita and Mina to set foot on the territory of Brazil, so they will definitely attach great importance to this tour.

On the other hand, as an itinerant barber, Fragoso has traveled all over the provinces of this South American country, but Lina, like her young mistress, has never been to Brazil. Before leaving the big raft, Fragoso found Joam.Galar, say to him: Mr. Galar, from the day you took me in at Iquitos Manor, you fed me, clothed me, and housed me.In a word, you have received me so warmly, I owe you You owe me nothing, my friend, Joam.Galar replied, so you don't have to insist Oh, don't worry, said Fragoso hastily, I can't even talk about how to repay you!I just wanted to say that you took me on the big raft so that I could go down the river.Now we are in Brazil, a land I had no hope of ever seeing again!without that vine

Then you should express your gratitude to Lina, and to her alone!Joam.Gallard replied. I know, said Fragoso, that I will never forget her and your kindness to me. Fragoso, continued Joam, you seem to come to say good-bye to me, don't you?You don't intend to stay in Tabatinga, do you? Absolutely not, Mr. Gallard.Now that you have allowed me to go to Belem with you, I can resume my old business there, at least so I think. That's fine.But, my friend, since that is your intention, do you have anything to ask for when you come to me now? I'm here to ask your permission if I can continue my business along the way.I don't want to waste my craft.In addition, there are a few small handfuls of ris [note: the name of the old coin of Portugal or Brazil. 】It's not a bad thing to have in your pocket, especially when the money is earned by myself.You know, Monsieur Gallard, a hairdresser and beautician, and, out of respect for Monsieur Manoel, I dare not say that I know anything about medicine.In these villages in the upper Amazon, I can often find a few customers.

Especially Brazilian customers, Joam.Galar went on to say that because, for the natives I beg your pardon, said Fragoso, my customers are mostly natives!I don't need to shave them because nature has been stingy with them in that regard.But I need to do the latest hairstyles for them often!These uncivilized natives, both male and female, are very fond of trendy hairstyles!All I have to do is toss the ball with the bill and I'm good at it now and in the square in Tabatinga less than ten minutes there's sure to be a circle of Indians and Native Americans around me!It was the game that drew them to them in the first place.They scrambled to get my haircut!If I stay here for a month, all the Tikuna tribe will let me cut their hair!They'll soon know, perm clips they all call me back to Tabatinga again!I've been here twice and my scissors and comb have worked wonders here!oh!certainly!In the same market, you can't come too often!Unlike our elegant Brazilian women, Native Indian women do not have their hair done every day.Once they get their hair done, they keep it for a year.Throughout the year, they will do everything they can to maintain the hairstyle I give them.Dare I say, this hairstyle takes a bit of genius to pull off!However, I haven't been to Tabatinga in almost a year, and the haircuts I've done for them must be falling apart.So, if you have no objection, Mr. Gallard, I would like to regain my reputation in this place.I want to make some money first, not for my self-esteem.Please believe this! go!My friend, Joam.Galar replied with a smile, but hurry up!We can only stay in Tabatinga for one day.We have to go tomorrow morning! I won't delay a minute, replied Fragoso, and I'll go ashore right away with my hair-tools! Do it well!Fragoso!Joam.May Rhys fill your pockets like raindrops, said Gallal! Yes, it will be such an auspicious rain as never fell upon my faithful servant! After speaking, Fragoso left quickly. After a while, except for Joam.Galar, the whole family went ashore.The big raft is docked very close to the shore to facilitate everyone to go ashore.Through a somewhat dilapidated stone ladder dug out of the cliff, several tourists climbed to the high ground. Yaquita and the children were welcomed by the post commander.The poor fellow also knew some etiquette in hospitality.He invited everyone to have lunch at his residence, and soldiers from several outposts walked back and forth.At the gate of the outpost were their Tikuna wives and their children.These children are the inferior product of a mixture of different races. Yaquita did not accept the sergeant's invitation.Instead, she invited the sergeant and his wife to lunch on the big raft. Without waiting for Yaquita to say it a second time, the sergeant readily accepted.Lunch is scheduled for eleven o'clock. Then Yaquita, Mina, and the young mulatto girl, accompanied by Manoel, took a walk around the post.Benito, on the other hand, remained to negotiate with the commander to pay the transit tax.Because this sergeant is also the customs officer and the military chief. After the negotiation, according to custom, Benito should go hunting in the nearby grove.This time Manoel did not go with him. After leaving the raft, Fragoso did not board the sentry post, but walked towards the village through the ravine that led to the right bank.He didn't count on the customers of the outpost very much, but pinned his hopes more on the native Indian customers in Tabatinga.There is a good reason for him to do so.This is because, although the soldiers' wives are eager to let his skillful hands dress them up, their husbands don't want to spend money to satisfy the vanity of their other half.With the natives, the situation is quite different.The happy barber knows that the natives will welcome him warmly, whether husband or wife. And so Fragoso was on his way, following the beautiful fig tree-lined path all the way to the center of Tabatinga. On reaching the square, he, the famous barber, was at once spotted, recognized and surrounded. Fragoso didn't have drums, trumpets, or even those decorated with polished steel, beautiful lanterns, and small cars with glass bodies to attract customers. He didn't have sun umbrellas, he didn't have anything to attract customers. used things.In the market, people use these things to attract customers.However, Fragoso had his Bill throw the ball away.look!How well that ball played in his hands!How deftly he fits the ball on the tip of the handle!And how gracefully he throws the ball in a profound arc!I am afraid that those mathematicians who established the curve of the dog following the owner have not yet calculated the value of his arc! All the native Indians came.Regardless of men, women and children, they all wear rather primitive clothing.They all watched and listened carefully.The lovely performer, now in Portuguese and now in Tikuna, spouted to them his prologue in the most convivial tones. What he said was the same thing that all walkers say when they want to start a business.In fact, whether they were the Figaro of Spain or the barber of France, they were both so sure, and so aware of human frailty; they both told the same jokes, and their hands Equally nimble and agile.And as for these natives, they were always astonished, curious, and gullible, just like those spectators in the civilized world. And just like that, ten minutes later, the crowd came alive.They scrambled to get closer to Fragoso.Fragoso stood in front of a Roya in the square, a small shop used as a hotel. This Roja is owned by a Brazilian who lives in Tabatinga.Here, as long as you spend a few vatems (a local coin, each vatem is worth 20 riis. About six centimes), you can buy some local wines, especially Asai According to wine.It is a half solid, half liquid soju made from the fruit of the palm tree.This wine is usually served in half a gourd of Gouyi.In the Amazon Basin, people often use this kind of gourd. At this time, men and women are no less anxious than women are rushing to sit on the barber's stool.Fragoso's clippers would be out of work, for the Indians did not demand a short cut of their thick, fine hair, but demanded a great use of his combs and curling clips, which were burning in a brazier in one corner of the room. . Our artists inspire the crowd: Come and see!My friends!As long as you don't press it when you sleep, this hairstyle can last for a year!This hairstyle is the most popular style in Belem and Rio de Janeiro!The same goes for the hairstyles of the noble ladies accompanying the queen.You will see that I do not skimp on pomade! Yes, he is not saving on pomade!In fact, his hair wax is just a little bit of oil mixed with the juice of several flowers.But it sticks to hair like cement. Therefore, we can also give these hairstyles from Figaro the name of hairstyle architecture, and they include all architectural styles!Loops, curls, coils, braids, waves, tumblers, spirals, the list goes on!Nothing was fake, and Fragoso used neither decorative headbands nor knots nor wigs.The hair of these aborigines is not at all like the dwarf forests that have become scarce after logging and flooding, but more like a virgin forest that has been kept intact!As for Fragoso, he is also happy to put a few flowers on it, two or three long fish bones, or exquisite animal bones or copper ornaments, which are brought to him by some local women who love beauty. of.I'm sure the fashionable women of the Directory would have dreamed of three or four layers, and the great Leonardo.Da Vinci would certainly feel complacent in front of his overseas competitor! In this way, a large amount of vatimem and handfuls of ris, the only currency used by Amazon natives to exchange commerce, fell into Fragoso's pocket like raindrops.Fragoso pocketed them with evident satisfaction.Of course, it is impossible for him to satisfy all the customers' requests before nightfall.The number of customers is still increasing.Because not only the natives of Tabatinga crowded at Roya's gate, but they also spread the news of Fragoso's arrival quickly.The Tikuna natives on the left bank of the river, the Mayohuna natives on the right bank, as well as the natives living by the Jiayuhu River and those who settled in Yavari Village all came from all directions. In this way, a long impatient queue formed in the center of the square.Those lucky natives, male and female, who had been dressed in Fragoso, proudly went door to door showing off their hairstyles like some older children, without daring to shake their heads violently. Until noon, the barber was so busy that he didn't have time to go back to the big raft for lunch, so he had to make do with some Acai wine, some tapioca flour and a few turtle eggs between his curly hair . For the hotel owner, he also gained a lot this time.During the haircut, people drank a lot of soju from Roya's cellar.Indeed, the arrival of the famous Fragoso, an ordinary but superb barber of all the tribes of the upper Amazon, was a great event in Tabatinga!