318 



NOTES ON BRAZIL. 



holsters to the master of the house, desiring him to take good care of 

 them, as the pistols were loaded ; and in consequence of such seeming 

 confidence, have seen an immediate change in the most villainous-looking 

 features, and converted a rascal, as I imagined, into a zealous guardian. 

 The man who meditates ill is always jealous of his own safety and suspi- 

 cious of strangers, especially when he sees them armed. By giving up 

 your weapons, he unexpectedly becomes possessed of the fullest proof 

 of your confidence and good-will towards him. The favourable impres- 

 sion upon his mind will last longer than a single night, unless some 

 powerful cause operate upon his passions ; and no traveller in his 

 senses would first take pains to sooth a wild animal, and then rouse 

 him in sport or heedlessness. Well knowing that there are some among 

 the keepers of houses of public entertainment in this country, who are 

 anxious for the safety of their guests, and would defend them at any risk, 

 I would by no means mislead any one into the belief, that the whole 

 class is savage and villainous. But there are many such characters, and 

 among them a stranger is destined to spend some of his most un- 

 guarded hours. 



Soon after my arrival in Brazil, I was shooting in the woods alone, 

 when I encountered three most suspicious-looking men, whom I in vain 

 strove to leave. They made many attempts to induce me to discharge my 

 my gun, which I determined to avoid, if possible, while in their company ; 

 indeed, I thought the gun was the principal object of their wishes. Coming 

 to a small run of water, I laid my hat on the bank, and requested one of 

 them to hold the gun, while I quenched my thirst. They seemed aston- 

 ished at my confidence, spoke with each other in a low tone of voice, 

 and when 1 had drank, the man returned my gun with much natural 

 politeness, and bade me farewell. Had I laid down the piece, together 

 with my hat, I have little doubt that they would have made off with 

 both. But whatsoever is committed in trust to a Brazilian peasant 

 is sacred ; and bad men are not unfrequently the most superstitious. 



Our horses appeared to be as little satisfied with their accommodations 

 at Engeitado, as we were with our own. In the morning, we found them 



