ACROSS UNKNOWN SOUTH AMERICA 
I have a belief that quarrels are bad for one’s health. I 
spoke gently and kindly to the hotel-keeper, and said 
that, although I had ordered nothing, still, as he had 
kindly reserved that charming apartment for me, I should 
be very pleased to pay for it, which I would do at once. 
If he would excuse me, I preferred to go back to sleep 
in my private car. Upon hearing these words a nasty, 
tragi-comic scene occurred, which, had I not remained 
cool and collected, might have ended badly. 
“Do you know, sir,” shouted the landlord, with livid 
features and eyes shooting out of their orbits, so enraged 
was he, 64 do you know that I am the Chief of Police here, 
and that everybody is afraid of me? I have only to give 
orders, and every one will kill any one I like.” Here he 
discontinued shaking his somewhat grimy hands under my 
nose and, drawing himself up, stood upon the doorstep 
of the hotel in order to harangue the great crowd which 
had collected. 
“ We are all millionaires in Brazil,” shouted the land¬ 
lord, with an effort which seriously impaired the safety of 
his fully-congested jugular vein. 44 We are all atheists 
and anarchists in Brazil. Down with the infamous 
oppression and slavery of Europe! Down with kings and 
emperors! Down with Europe, the land of oppression 
and cruelty! ” And again: 44 We in Brazil are the richest 
people on earth. We are all millionaires in Brazil. We 
do not need foreign charity! ” 
44 Down with foreigners! ” answered the chorus of 
assembled natives. 
The railway inspector who had been sent by the 
Company to accompany me became scared at the turn 
matters were taking, and told me, against the instructions 
he had received, that I could not now return to the car. 
Upon hearing this, my new friends, believing they had 
me in their power, renewed their vocal attack. 
I remained some time endeavouring to collect my 
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