Chapter 17 Chapter 2 Phase 1

Garineta and Moriche have been under the command of the two captains of the ship, Valdes and Pashaer, since they sailed from Kecara.For Jacques.Alloch and Germain.Paterna's request to continue the journey, Pashaer and his crew readily agreed.Originally, there was no time limit for the investigation of the two passengers. For the crew, as long as they can get a good reward, it doesn't matter whether the trip extends to the source of the Orinoco River or all its tributaries. Valdez's boat will have to be negotiated separately.When we set off from Kaicara, we said that the boss of the ship would just send Uncle and Nephew Martial to San Fernando.That was all we could say at the time, as the passenger's next move depended on what was gathered in San Fernando.We know that Valdes is a native of San Fernando, and he usually lives here.This time he had said good-bye to Sergeant Martial, and was about to draw another merchant or traveler down the river.

Martial and Jean are very satisfied with Valdez's superb skills and work enthusiasm along the way, and the next journey will undoubtedly be more difficult. The uncle and nephew really don't want to lose Valdez, so they asked Valdez Ross offered to continue to hire him and his ship, Garineta, to go up the Orinoco. Valdes immediately agreed.However, there were only five of his nine crew members left, and the four of them went to tap rubber, which earned more money than sailing a boat. Fortunately, the boss of the boat hired three more Mariquitare Indians and A Spaniard, who refilled Garineta's crew.

The Mariquitare tribe lives in eastern Venezuela, and they are also good sailors.And they have a good understanding of the hundreds of kilometers of the Orinoco River after it leaves San Fernando. The Spaniard is called Holles, who arrived in San Fernando two weeks ago, and is looking for a chance to go to Santa Juana. According to him, Father Esperante will absorb him into the missionary group.However, when he heard that Colonel Kellmer's son had traveled thousands of miles to find his father and was going to Santa Juana, Horace was greatly moved and offered to be a crew member for the boy's ship.Valdez was one man short, so he accepted him.The Spanish man was hard-lined, bright-eyed, not very amiable, but obviously very intelligent, taciturn and seemingly unsociable.

The boat under the command of Valdez and Pachar has come to the Mahuaca River, a tributary on the left bank of the Orinoco River, 350 kilometers downstream from the Palima Plateau, and the Orinoco River The first trickle of the river was conceived in the Palima plateau. Boats traveling the upper reaches of the Orinoco are generally lighter in construction than those in the middle.And Garineta and Moriche, which are relatively small in size, are also suitable for sailing upstream.Before leaving, they have been carefully inspected, thoroughly repaired, and returned to their best condition. Although October is the dry season, the water level has not yet dropped to the lowest level, which is slightly deeper than the draft of the two ships.Passengers on the two ships have been on board for more than two months and are already used to it, so it is better not to change ships.

At the time of Xia Fangrong's adventurous feat, only Kodaz had published a map of the area, but it was very rough, and Xia Fangrong found and corrected many inaccuracies.So this time, the people who embarked on the second stage of the journey used Xia Fangrong's redrawn map. The wind was tailwind and quite strong.The two ships hoisted their sails to the top, and they were almost abreast.The crew was concentrated in the front of the ship, and the boat was going quickly without using the boat at all. The weather was clear, and the faint clouds floated slowly in the west. Both boats left San Fernando fully loaded with dried meat, vegetables, tapioca, canned food, tobacco, tafia, schnapps, knives for exchange, hatchets, glass beads, mirrors, cloth, and Clothes, bedding, and ammunition, it is good to be thoughtful, for further upriver it is difficult to obtain anything but food.As for food, there is Jacques.Elloch's hammer and Sergeant Marshall's carbine were there, and no one needed to bother about it, and the fishing was no small feat, for there were plenty of fish romping about in the mouths of the many upstream tributaries.

At 5 o'clock in the afternoon, the two boats took advantage of the wind and sailed to the tip of Mina Island opposite Malaywa, and the mooring cables stopped.A pair of capybaras was shared among the passengers and crew, and the cache of food remained intact. The next day, October 4, the weather conditions remained the same.Garineta and Moriche traveled twenty kilometers a day in such a straight section that the Indians called this section of the Orinoco the Nube Cannon.The two boats moored at the foot of Shihua Mountain. The stone carvings on the mountain have been partially submerged by water, Germain.Paterna stared at it racking his brain for a long time but couldn't decipher what it meant.It was impossible to figure it out, not to mention that the precipitation in the rainy season made the water level of the river high and covered some of the stone carvings. When we reached the mouth of the Kasikiare River, we would encounter another stone painting mountain, which was also full of stone carvings. This kind of esoteric pictographic symbols is unique to the Indians, and it still survives despite the passage of time.

Generally speaking, those who cruise the Orinoco do not want to travel at night.They found a few big trees, tied the hammock to a low tree branch, and slept in the open.In Venezuela, the stars are particularly bright when the night sky is clear of clouds.But hitherto our passengers had spent the night on board, and this time it did not occur to them to abandon ship and disembark. In fact, heavy rains are coming in this area, and it is really not safe to sleep in the open air. In addition, there are other worrying factors. That night, the two captains, Valdes and Pashare, were talking about exactly this issue.

If camping can save you from mosquito bites, Valdez said, it might be worth a try.But the mosquitoes on the shore are no less than those on the river Besides, Pashaer said, there are ants on the shore, which will make you have a fever for several hours. Are they what people call 24 [Note: This is originally Spanish.Translator's Note]?Jean asked.He has flipped the guide book so well that he knows almost everything. Exactly, said Valdez, and there's the chipita, a bug so small it's almost invisible, that bites from head to toe, and the termites, which drive Indians out of their houses. run away

And don't forget the fleas, says Pashall, and the vampire bats that suck the last drop of your blood And snakes, Germain.Paterna also added it, such as the viper, which is more than six meters long!I'd rather be bitten by a mosquito than a snake. I want neither!Jacques.Alloch announced loudly. His ideas are everyone's ideas.Passengers therefore continued to spend the night on board, except when heavy rain or winds forced them to take shelter ashore. In the evening, it was only five o'clock when the boat reached the mouth of the Ventuare River, a large tributary on the right bank, and it would take two hours to get dark, but following Valdez's suggestion, the boat stopped at the mouth of the river. down.Because as soon as the Ventuare River was crossed, the rocks in the Orinoco River became more and more, blocking the channel, especially now that it was getting dark again, it would be very dangerous to go forward at this time.

Dinner is eaten together.Jean's secret had already been known to the two compatriots, and Sergeant Martial couldn't object anymore.It is now evident that JacquesAlloch and Germain.Paterna was extremely cautious when interacting with young girls.They don't hang around girls anymore, especially Jacques.Elloch, so as not to embarrass her.Whenever Miss Kellmer was present, JacquesAiloch always has a special feeling, a little unnatural.Of course the girl couldn't fail to see it, but she tried her best to look like she didn't notice anything, and behaved as frankly and innocently as before.Every night, she invited the two young men to her boat, talking about the events of the voyage, talking about the possibilities in the future, how great the chances of success were, and guessing what happened after arriving at the Santa Juana mission site. What news will you get.

It's a good sign that the missionary is called that name, Jacques.Elloch said yes!That's a good sign, because you happen to be called by that name too, miss. Mr. Jean, please call me Mr. Jean!The girl interrupted him with a smile, and Martial's brows were already frowning. Oh yes sir!Jacques.Elloch made a gesture as he spoke, which meant that the crew did not hear the lady he called just now. The talk of the evening was the Ventuare, a tributary at the mouth of which the fleet anchored. This is one of the most important tributaries of the Orinoco River.The bend of the Orinoco River in this area is the largest in its entire course. It is an acute angle and bends deeply inward. Orinoco River.This tributary runs northeast|southwest from the inexhaustible lakes in the Andes of Guyana.Inhabited mostly by the Marco and Mariquitare Indians in its course, the Ventuare has a much greater volume than the slow-flowing tributaries on the left bank. That's why Germain.Paterna would shrug his shoulders and say: Really, if the three gentlemen Miguel, Varinas and Felipe are here, there will be another fight!How can the Ventua in front of you be inferior to their Atabab or Guaviare?They would talk like thunder all night long. It is quite possible, Jean said, that the Ventuare is the largest river in the region. Tell the truth, Germain.Paterna couldn't help exclaiming, I feel like I'm crazy about geography too!Why can't Ventuare be the later Orinoco? I don't bother to discuss this with you!Jacques.Elloch said. why not?It's on par with Varinas and Felipe's formulations. The same is not up to standard. Why? Because Orinoco is Orinoco. So convincing, Jacques! So, Mr. Eloch, let me say that you agree with Mr. Miguel. Exactly, my dear Jean. Poor Ventuare River!Germain.Paterna also laughed, it seems that it has no hope of success, so I'd better give up. The three-day voyage on the fourth, fifth, and sixth days was quite strenuous, and all the crew members went into battle, stretching and paddling to cope with it.After passing the Shihua Mountain, we encountered a seven to eight-kilometer long river full of small islands and reefs. The boats circled around in it, and the progress was extremely slow. It can be said that every step was not easy.Although the wind is still blowing from the west, what is the use of sailing on this maze of rivers.Then it rained again, and the passengers sat for hours under the canopy. After finally passing this section, and then the Santa Barbara rapids section, fortunately, both boats passed through without unloading.According to Xia Fangrong's book, there used to be villages built by some settled Indians, but now even the ruins are gone. It was not until after Congueiro that sailing conditions returned to normal.Just after noon on October 6, the two boats stopped at the village of Guachapana. The reason why Valdez and Pashaer stopped here was not because the road ahead was difficult, but to let the crew members rest for half a day. There are only six or seven small thatched houses in Guachapana Village, which have long been abandoned.The reason is the infestation of termites on the surrounding plains.Termites' nests can be up to two meters high.Facing the invasion of wood lice, man has only one way to give way to them.That's what Indians do. You see, Germain.That's the power of something too small, Paterna said.Once the number of small animals is large enough, they are invincible.Tiger populations, leopard populations people can repel and even drive them from an area The threat of extermination of tigers and leopards is never enough to make people abandon their homes Except for the Piaroa Indians, Jean said, from what I read. However, the Piaroa fled out of superstition rather than fear, Germain.Ants, termites, and the like can render an area uninhabitable, Paterna said. At five o'clock, Maurice's crew caught a tortoise, and made a stew out of it, the meat of which was no less delicious, and which the Indians called Sanchocho.In addition, it seems that on the edge of the surrounding forest, which seems to be deliberately saved for the passengers, there are a lot of monkeys, capybaras, and wild boars. They are hit by a dozen, and they are served on the table obediently. Pineapples and bananas.On the embankment, ducks, white-bellied pheasants and black pheasants flapped their wings and circled up and down non-stop.The fish in the water swim in groups, and the local aborigines can catch them by throwing arrows into the river.Put a dinghy down from the boat and return with a full load in less than an hour. Food, therefore, was no problem for those traveling up the Orinoco. After passing Guachapana, the width of the river drops below 500 meters.However, there are still many small islands in the river, causing rapids one after another, which brings great difficulties to sailing.That day Moriche and Garineta did not sail to Peru de Agua until it was almost dark. The next day and night was followed by a whole day of rain. After passing Kamukapi Island, the wind direction changed several times inexplicably, and we had to take out a pole to support the boat.Finally the boat sailed into the Karida Lagoon. There used to be a village here, inhabited by the Piaroa people.Later, a villager was eaten by a tiger, so the villagers abandoned their home and found another place to live. Xia Fangrong said so.When he came here, there were only a few cottages left in the village, and there lived an Indian named Barre, who was not so superstitious, or so timid, as his countrymen.Barre built a small plantation, Jacques.Eloch and his companions have witnessed its prosperity.Corn, cassava, bananas, and pineapples are all growing well.In addition to the owner and his wife, there are twelve or thirteen workers in the Indian plantation, living a harmonious and happy life in Calida. The hospitable Barley came over as soon as the ship docked, and the passengers offered a glass of soju.He accepted, on the condition that the visitors also come to his house for a few glasses of tafia and a few cigarettes.The host was so sincere that it was unreasonable to refuse the invitation, and the travelers promised to visit after dinner. At this moment a trifle happened, which no one noticed, and besides it was impossible to suspect that it had any great significance. When Barre came down from the Garine Tower, he took a second look at one of the crew members, who was Holles hired by the ship's boss in San Fernando. We all remember that the Spaniard offered to serve the fleet because he was going to the Santa Juana mission. Barley looked at Holles for a while with a curious expression, and asked: Hey!Friend, I said, why do I feel as if I have seen you somewhere? Holles frowned slightly, and hurriedly replied: Not here anyway, certainly not, Indian, because I've never been on your plantation. Strangely enough, so few strangers came to Calida that once I saw their faces, I could easily forget them, even if only once. Maybe you saw me in San Fernando?said the Spaniard. How long ago were you there? It's been three weeks. No, it won't be there, because I haven't been to San Fernando in over two years. Then you are mistaken, Indian, you have never seen me, said Holles coldly. This is my first trip up the Orinoco. I would like to believe what you say, said Barley, but That's the end of the conversation.Jacques.Although Eloch heard it, he didn't pay attention to it. Also, if Horace had really been to Calida, why did he have to hide it? From Valdez's point of view, he also admires Holles. This Spaniard is strong and skilled, and he will not shrink from hard and tiring work, but there is one thing, of course, even this is not a good one. Disadvantages: He always stays far away from others, keeps his mouth shut, and listens carefully to what the passengers and crew say. Jacques.After Elloch heard the conversation between Barley and Holles, he decided to ask the latter himself why he went to Santa Juana. Jean was very interested in everything about this mission, and eagerly awaited the Spaniard's answer. Without the slightest hesitation or embarrassment, Holles immediately replied: I joined the church when I was a child, in Cadiz [Note: Port of Spain, near the Bay of Cadiz.Translator's Note] as a novice monk at Melside Abbey.Later, I wanted to go out and travel. I worked as a sailor on a state-owned ship for several years, but the work of a sailor was too tiring, so I decided to pursue my original ambition and plan to join a missionary group.Six months ago I went to Caracas on a merchant ship, and there I heard about Father Esperante and the Santa Juana mission he founded a few years ago, so I wanted to join him, I am confident that this thriving missionary organization would gladly admit me.I left Caracas and sailed for various ships all the way to San Fernando, where I waited for an opportunity to go up the Orinoco, just as I had my means, that is to say, what I had accumulated during my travels. When that little money was running out, your boat reached the town.Everyone was talking about Colonel Kelmer's son, saying he was going to Santa Juana in search of his father, and as soon as I heard that Valdez, the ship's boss, was recruiting a crew, I asked him to count me in, so I became Gary A member of the inner tower.I therefore have every reason to say that it was impossible for this Indian to have seen me in Calida, since I was in the place for the first time to-night. The Spaniard's way of speaking as if stating the truth made Jacques.Ailoch and Jean were quite surprised.It would not be surprising, however, if the man had received a good education from an early age, as he claimed.They suggested to Holrace that another Indian should be his crew on the Garineta, and that he himself be a passenger in one of the ships. Horace thanked the two Frenchmen.He has been working as a crew member along the way. Now that he has reached the Calida plantation, he should just stick to it to the end. If, he added, I cannot be accepted by the mission, gentlemen, I beg you to continue to employ me and return me to San Fernando.When you return to Europe, take me back with you. The Spaniard's tone was calm. Although he tried his best to soften his voice, it still sounded rough and difficult, which matched his hard appearance and firm expression.He has black hair, a ruddy complexion, and thin lips, revealing a mouthful of white teeth when he speaks. There was another peculiarity about this man, which had never been noticed before, but since that day, Jacques.Elloch has observed more than once: the weird look Holles casts on the boy.Has Holles seen through the secret that Valdez, Pashaer and the entire crew have been unable to discover? Jacques.Alloch was worried about this.Although neither the girl nor Martial had the slightest suspicion, it is better to be more careful with the Spaniard.Jacques.Elloch thought that once his suspicions were confirmed, there would still be time to take decisive measures, and he could put Holace there when the ship was anchored in a certain village, such as Esmeralda or something.It wasn't even necessary to give him reasons at all.Let Valdez pay him his wages, and let him find another way to go to the Santa Juana mission. Jean asked the Spaniard many more questions about this mission, and asked him if he knew the Father Esperante whom he was looking for. Yes, Mr. Kellmer, Horace replied after a little hesitation. have you met him Saw it in Caracas. When did you meet? In 1879, I was on a merchant ship. Was that Father Esperante's first trip to Caracas? Yes, the first time, that's where he went to create the Santa Juana Mission. That man looks like Jacques.Elloch cut in and said, what did that man look like? About forty years old, tall and strong, with a curly beard, which was gray at the time, and I am afraid it is completely white now.You could tell he was strong-willed and energetic, the kind of missionary who risked his life to educate the Indians. Noble mission!Let's talk. Greatest mission I've ever known!Holmes said too. That concludes the conversation, and it's time to visit Barley's plantation.Marshall, Jean, Jacques.Alloch and Germain.Paterna left the ship and went ashore.They walked through cornfields and cassava fields towards the house of the Indian couple. The house was much more presentable than the average Indian house in the area.There was a lot of furniture in the house, a hammock, farm implements, cooking utensils, a table, a few baskets for clothes, and six or seven benches. Barre, who was in charge of entertaining the guests, spoke Spanish fluently, but his wife could not understand a word.The hostess is an Indian woman who is still in a semi-savage state, and her status in the family is naturally lower than that of her husband. The host, who was quite proud of his plantation, talked endlessly about his business and its prospects, and regretted that the guests could not see the whole garden.I must make up for the places I haven't seen next time. When the two ships return, he will keep the passengers at home for a longer period of time. The hospitable Barre entertained his guests with his best things, cakes made of tapioca flour, big and sweet bananas, tafia made from his own sugarcane and homemade cigarettes, which he put on the table. Tobacco leaves that grow freely in the ground are pulled out and rolled into a roll.The guests happily enjoyed it all. It is useless for the master to persuade one person to insist on not smoking.He only slightly dipped his lips in the Taffy.A wise move indeed, for this wine is as strong as fire.Jacques.Elloch and Sergeant Martial drank with composure, Germain.Paterna couldn't help making a grimace, that look was even funnier than the monkeys on the Orinoco River. The master was very satisfied with such a reaction! At ten o'clock the guests rose to take their leave, and Barley escorted them all the way back to the ship with some plantation workers.The crew members were soundly asleep at the moment. When they broke up, Barre couldn't help mentioning Horace again: I distinctly remember seeing the Spaniard near the plantation. Then why doesn't he admit it?let ask. You just saw a man who looked like him, my good Indian.Jacques.That's all Eloch said.