"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 ?" "Cut my beard and my hair," answered the stranger.
"All right!" said Fragoso, inserting his comb into the mass of hair.
And then the scissors to do their work.
"And you come from far ?" asked Fragoso, who could not work without a good deal to say.
"I have come from the neighborhood of Iquitos." "So have I!" exclaimed Fragoso.

"I have come down the Amazon from Iquitos to Tabatinga.

May I ask your name ?" "No objection at all," replied the stranger.

"My name is Torres." When the hair was cut in the latest style Fragoso began to thin his beard, but at this moment, as he was looking straight into his face, he stopped, then began again, and then: "Eh! Mr.Torres," said he; "I seem to know you.