Page:A narrative of travels on the Amazon and Rio Negro.djvu/255

 1851.] BAD NEWS. 223

left little hope of his recovery. The only additional informa- tion brought since, was that the Princess Victoria, with a valuable cargo, had been lost entering Para ; and that the con- sequent excitement and anxiety of Mr. Miller, had led to an attack of brain fever, which had terminated in his death. From no one could I obtain a word of information about my brother, and so remained in a state of the greatest suspense. Had he recovered, he would himself, of course, have written ; but, on the other hand, it was strange that none of the English resi- dents in Pari had sent me a line to inform me of his death, had it occurred.

I was a fortnight in Barra, busily occupied buying and sell- ing, and arranging and packing my miscellaneous collections. I had to make insect-boxes and packing-cases, the only car- penter in the place having taken it into his head to leave a good business, and, like everybody else, go trading about the rivers.

In the evening, and at all spare moments, we luxuriated in the enjoyments of rational conversation, — to me, at least, the greatest, and here the rarest of pleasures. Mr. Spruce, as well as myself, much wished that we could ascend together ; but my canoe was too small to accommodate us both, and my men were too few for his, loaded, as it would be, with our combined cargoes. No men were to be obtained at Barra for love or money. Even the authorities, when they require to make some journey on official business, are obliged, frequently, to beg men of Senhor Henrique or some other negociante. To such a state is this fine country reduced by Brazilian misrule and immorality !

Just as I was about to start, the Subdelegarde sent to inform me I must take a passport, an annoyance I had quite forgotten. However, there was no remedy, as the clerk does not like to lose his fee of a " crusado." I had first to get paper stamped (and the Stamp-office was not open), and then to go the other end of the city to where the clerk lived, to get the passport. As everything was on board and all ready, this was a great bore, and Senhor Henrique advised me to go without a pass- port, and he would send it after me. As I knew the Subdele- garde would not send after me to fetch me back, I took his advice and started. Mr. Spruce came with me for a day's trip, taking a couple of boys and a montaria to return in. We had