Chapter 26 CHAPTER 11 THE SANTA JUANA MISSION

Thirteen years before this story happened, there was not a village, a farm, or a settlement in the area where the Torrida River flowed.Indians seldom come here, except to find grass for their herds.Stretching across this region are vast plains, fertile but uncultivated, with dense impenetrable forests and swamps that flood in winter.This is a land that is almost untouched. The beasts, snakes, monkeys, and birds that are active here must not forget insects, especially mosquitoes.It is no exaggeration to say that this is a wilderness in the Republic of Venezuela, where the footsteps of merchants and explorers have never reached.

Walk a few hundred kilometers north or northeast along the gradually rising terrain, and you're in an extraordinary region.The terrain here should probably be regarded as belonging to the Andes Mountains, and the water of the major lakes in the interior pours into the deep Atlantic Ocean through an intricate network of rivers.The terrain here is undulating, the mountain ridges surround the mountain ridges, and the terrain is strangely shaped. I don't know why nature created such rivers and mountains.The boundless land gave birth to the Orinoco River flowing north and the Blanco River flowing south.The Roraima plateau dominates the mountains. A few years later, Im.Cerne and Perkin will make their first ascent of Mount Roraima.

This remote place in Venezuela is so desolate and dead.It was not until the arrival of a foreigner, a missionary, that its appearance began to change. Most of the Indians scattered in the vicinity belong to the Guaharib tribe.Usually, they live a migratory life in the plains or forests north of the right bank of the Orinoco.They are full-fledged savages who have never been in contact with modern civilization. They live in simple thatched huts, wear bark and leaves, and eat grass roots, palm sprouts, ants and psyllids. No.They seem to be the most unfortunate branch of the human family, small, frail, and slender, with protruding stomachs like the soil-eaters who sometimes have to eat mud in winter when they have nothing to eat. .Their red hair fell over their shoulders, and in their features the keen observer sensed an untapped intelligence.Compared with other tribes such as Kiva, Piaro, Barai, Marikitare, Baniwa, etc., their skin color is lighter.In short, no matter how you look at it, the Guaharib people are an inferior tribe.

But for some reason, these Guaharibi were rumored to be so terrible that other tribes of Indians were too frightened to come to this place.They were said to be robbers and murderers so that San Fernando merchants never dared to cross the Okamo and Mahuaka rivers. The notoriety of the Guaharib people took root like this, and it was still like this until Xia Fangrong came here five or six years ago.Xia Fangrong ignored the panic and retreat of the boatmen and insisted on sailing to the source of the Orinoco River.He finally saw the weak-looking, gentle-natured Guaharibe people at the foot of Mount Monua, and only then did he know that those rumors were pure nonsense.

When Xia Fangrong arrived, quite a few Guaharib people had already gathered around the Spanish missionaries, forming the first core force of the Santa Juana mission.The missionary worked selflessly and put all his energy into it.All his joy in existence was to let the light of religion shine into the savage heart. Father Esperante decided to go among the unfortunate people of Guaharib and have a face-to-face, or rather, heart-to-heart exchange with them.It was with this purpose that he came to settle in the deepest part of the Palima Highland Grassland.He was determined to start a village here, which would grow into a town in time, and he thought the best use of what was left of his means would be an act of kindness, which he would Do it safely and make it a long-lasting career behind you.

When Father Esperante arrived in this wilderness, he had only one entourage by his side, a young man named Angelus.He is a novice monk in the overseas missionary group, and like Father Esperante, he has a very high missionary enthusiasm. This enthusiasm has produced many seemingly impossible miracles.The two went through all kinds of difficulties and dangers, never feared, never flinched, and built Santa Juana from scratch. They completely transformed a whole tribe from the mind to the body, giving them a new life.At present, the population of Santa Juana, including the adjacent plains, is more than a thousand.

Father Esperante chose the site of the future town about fifty kilometers northeast of the source of the Orinoco and the mouth of the Torrida.This choice is well suited to the exceptionally fertile land where the most useful species of trees and shrubs grow, such as marima with bark like natural felt, banana, plane tree, coffee tree, bucarre, rubber tree under the shade of tall trees with bright red flowers , cocoa trees, sugarcane fields, sarsaparilla fields, and tobacco fields. The black cigarettes made of tobacco are used by the locals for smoking, and the dried cigarettes mixed with saltpeter are shipped outside for sale.Rare and popular tonka beans, tonka beans whose pods can be used as spices, etc.It doesn't take much effort, just plow the land and sow the seeds, and it can produce large quantities of cassava, sugar cane and corn.The corn here is ripe all year round, and one grain is sown. After germination, cutting, and fruiting, it becomes four hundred grains when harvested.

The reason why this land is so fertile is because it is still a virgin land.Abundant nutrients have not been exploited.So long as the cultivation method is right, the fertility of the land can be maintained.Surface creeks are criss-crossed, and they flow continuously in summer, all of which flow into the Torrida River. In winter, the Torrida River injects a large amount of river water into the Orinoco River. The Torrida River originates from the side of Mount Roraima, and the first few houses of the mission were built on the left bank of the river.These are not rough huts, but strong and comfortable dwellings comparable to those of the Baniwa or Marikitare, the ones of Urbana, Kekara, or Atabab. The residents of San Fernando will be envious when they see it.

The village is close to an independent hill on the Palima Heights, built at the foot of a slightly sloping hillside, with a clean and pleasant environment. Down a slope, Santa Juana Church is shaded by a big tree.The church was built with stones quarried from the high ground, with a simple style. Every time Father Esperante preached, he attracted many believers, and there was almost no room in the small church.Various Catholic ceremonies are also held in churches, and Spanish has gradually replaced Guaharibu native language.About fifty white Venezuelans also stayed at the mission and were warmly welcomed by Father Esperante.

The materials necessary for the construction of the village are continuously transported through the Orinoco River all year round. It is not difficult to understand why Santa Juana's reputation has spread so far, not only in San Fernando, but also in the city of Bolivar and Caracas. We all know it exists.Originally, the indigenous tribes in this area were degraded and impoverished, and they were about to die out, but the righteous deeds of missions saved them, enlightened their minds by civilization, and developed the land that had been in silence for a long time. use.How could Congress not give positive encouragement to such a good deed that benefits the country and the people?

When the tinkling bells sounded from the small bell tower emerging from the treetops, the well-dressed and healthy natives rushed to the church immediately. Who would not be amazed by this scene?Men, women, old people, and children all gathered around Father Esperante.The priest's hut was in the middle of a dense palm tree surrounded by a hill. The Indians knelt down in front of the hut with gratitude. How could they not be grateful to the priest? They are now so happy, prosperous and comfortable. , exchanging the produce of the fields for the industrial products of the lower reaches of the Orinoco River, their days became more and more lively.Other tribes also came to defect, the houses continued to increase, the size of the villages and towns became larger and larger, and they pushed towards the surrounding lush forests. The grasslands on both sides of the Orinoco River can be said to be boundless, and there is never any need to worry about the lack of land for growing crops. . It would be a mistake to think that the building of the Santa Juana Mission has not been difficult.oh!What devotion and persistent effort was required for its development!In the early days of its establishment, there were dangers everywhere. The neighboring tribes looked jealous, and driven by their barbaric instincts, they frequently came to destroy.Other tribes also had to take precautions, some wandered around the big bend of the Orinoco River, and some came from the mountains on the east coast. Father Esperante showed extraordinary courage and superb organizational skills, and directed everyone to take All necessary defensive measures were taken. All the Guaharibs in the prime of life assembled to drill their ranks and learn to use their weapons.At present, a company with a hundred soldiers is equipped with advanced rifles and stores sufficient ammunition. All soldiers are good marksmen, because Indians are born with excellent eyesight. any hope of success. For example, a year ago, Alphaniz led his fellow convicts and Kiva bandits to launch an attack on the village. The number of the two sides was roughly equal. During the battle, Father Esperante rushed to the front of the team and severely damaged the enemy. , while the villagers had only a small loss. It was after this failure that Kiva considered leaving the area and moving back to the area west of the Orinoco. Santa Juana was militarily organized both offensively and defensively.Of course, Father Esperante didn't want to conquer anyone, the current territory of the missionary land was enough to meet the needs; but he didn't want the village to be invaded by outsiders, let alone attacked by heinous bandits.It is to be safe from all danger that he acts like a soldier.Besides, isn't a missionary just like a warrior? He not only needs to dedicate his life, but also has the obligation to protect the believers who gather with him under the banner of Christianity! As mentioned earlier, the cultivation of crops played a large role in Santa Juana's prosperity, but it was not its only source of wealth.Adjacent to the grain fields, there is a large expanse of plains, where groups of cattle and dairy cows graze, and the grasslands and dwarf forests are very fat.Livestock farming is an important part of the trade, which is true in all provinces across the country.The Guaharibs also had a good number of horses. There used to be thousands of them around the various farms. Scout around. The image of Father Esperante corresponds exactly to that described by M. Mirabal, Gomo, and the so-called Horace.His appearance, attitude, and demeanor all indicated that he was a man of decisive action, ready to express his will at any time, accustomed to giving orders.His energy seems to never run out, and his mind is extremely quick-witted.His eyes are determined and calm, and he looks full of kindness, his beard has grayed with age, and there is always a smile on his lips.He was both courageous and generous. In many cases, these two virtues go hand in hand.Although he is over sixty years old, his tall body, broad shoulders, full chest, and thick limbs all show that his body is still strong, just as his mind is still flexible and his spirit is still hale and hearty. What experience did the priest have before coming here to carry out arduous missionary activities?No one knows, and the priest is also tight-lipped about it.But from the occasional sad expression on his strong face, it can be guessed that he has experienced unforgettable pain. Father Esperante's assistant, Brother Angelus, gave him great help. Angelus devoted himself to the priest's career, and Santa Juana's success undoubtedly had his share of credit. The best talents selected from among the Indians jointly manage the affairs of the village and town.Father Esperante is the head of the village and the priest. He baptizes newborns, presides over marriage ceremonies, and prays for the dying. Almost all missionary work falls on him. How could he not be gratified when he saw the prosperity of the cause he had devoted his heart and soul to?He has blazed a bright path, and as long as his successors follow this path, the mission land will always be alive and prosperous. Since the attack by the Kiva gang was defeated, the residents of Santa Juana have lived a peaceful life, and there is no sign of another attack. However, on November 1st, that is, Jacques.The day after Ailoch and his companions fell into the hands of Alfaniz, around five o'clock in the afternoon, the villages and towns began to panic. An Indian boy ran from the prairie in the southwest. He ran wildly all the way, as if someone was chasing him behind him. Several Guaharibi came out of the house, and the boy cried out when he saw them: Father Esperante, Father Esperante! After a while, Brother Angelos led the boy to the priest. The priest recognized the boy at a glance. The boy had lived with his father in Santa Juana, had attended the missionary elementary school, and studied hard. Is that you, Gomo?said the priest. The young man was speechless. Where are you from? I escaped, I ran all the way here this morning. The Indian boy gasped heavily. Take a break, my boy, said the priest, look how tired you are, would you like something to eat? I'll start by telling you why I'm here, someone needs help! help? the kivas are there three hours from here on the highlands over the river Kivas!cried Brother Angelus. And their leader.Gao Mo said. their leader?Father Esperante said, that fugitive convict Alphaniz? He was back in the gang a few days ago, and I was robbed by the gang when I was taking a group of travelers to Santa Juana the afternoon before yesterday. A traveler to a mission? yes father french French! The missionary's face turned pale for a moment, and he closed his eyes for a moment. He grabbed the boy's hand, pulled him to his side, and stared at him intently: Say what you know!An uncontrollable excitement made the priest's voice tremble. Gao Mo said: Four days ago, a man walked into the hut where my dad and I lived near the Orinoco River. He asked us where the Kivas were and wanted us to show him the way. The Wa people destroyed it, and my mother was also killed by them!Dad refused to lead the way, and the man fired a shot, killing Dad too. killed!Brother Angelus murmured. Well, by that guy Alfaniz Alphaniz!Where did this damn thing come from?asked Father Esperante. from San Fernando. How did he come up the Orinoco? He was a crewman, and he said his name was Horace, and he was on one of the two boats that the group of passengers had. You say these travelers are French? Yes, the French, they only got as far as the Torrida, and the boats couldn't go any further, they left the boats at the mouth of the river, and their leader, and the boss of one of the boats, were seen in the forest I was next to Dad's body and they took pity on me and they took me with them, they buried Dad and then they asked me to show them the way to Santa Juana.We set off, and the day before yesterday we reached the Frasques wading, where we were surrounded by the Kivas and captured. What happened after that?asked Father Esperante. later?The kivas are heading for the highlands, and I just escaped this morning. The missionary listened carefully to every word the Indian boy said.His eyes blazed with fury. These gangsters are really hateful. Did you say, my child, he repeated, that these travelers were French? Yes, Father. How many of them are there? four. What follows them? One of the captains of the boat, a Baniwa, named Valdes, and two crew members carried things on their backs. Where do they come from? They set off from Bolivar City two months ago, first arrived at San Fernando, and then went all the way up to the Palima Heights. Father Esperante fell into deep thought, bowed his head and remained silent for a long time.Then ask again: You say they have a leader, Gomo?Is there a leader in this team? Yes, one of the passengers. What's his name? Jacques.ailoch. Does he have another companion? Called Germain.Paterna is in charge of collecting various plants on the grassland. What about the other two passengers? One is a young man, very friendly to me I like him Gao Mo said, with an extremely moved expression on his face. This young man, the boy said again, his name is Jean.De.kelmer. On hearing the name, the missionary stood up with a terrified fright. let.De.Kellmer?He repeated it in his mouth, his name? Yes, let.De.kelmer. This young man, you say he came from France with Eloch and Paterne? No, Father, my friend Jean told me that they met on the way, in the village of Urbana on the Orinoco They went to San Fernando together? Yes, and from there they all went on to the mission field together. What does this young man want to do? He is looking for his father. His father?You mean his father? Yes, his father's name is Colonel Kellmer. Colonel Kellmer!The missionary cried out. Father Esperante, who has always been extremely self-controlled, was so excited for a moment that he lost his composure.He let go of the young Indian's hand, and walked back and forth in the middle of the room, looking flustered and unable to calm down. Finally, he controlled his emotions with great perseverance, calmed down gradually, and asked again: Why, Gao Mo, why let.De.Kellmer coming to Santa Juana? He hoped to find some information here so that he could find his father. So he didn't know where his father was? have no idea!Colonel Kellmer had left France for Venezuela fourteen years ago, and his son did not know where he was. His son, his son!The missionary spoke softly while stroking his forehead with his hand, as if trying to wake up his memory. After a while, he asked Gao Mo again: Did this young man come alone?Traveling alone? no. Who came with him? a veteran. a veteran? Yes, Sergeant Marshall. Sergeant Marshall!Father Esperante repeated. This time, if Brother Angelus hadn't held him up in time, the terrified priest would have fallen to the ground.