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As time went by, I realized that Father Jumpe had discovered an unorthodox way <strong>to</strong><br />
profit from seizing the knowledge about herbs that Mukono and his wife Domitilla possessed. While<br />
he was a smart Pygmy, she was a matriarch, counselor, healer, and midwife of the Twas.<br />
On one occasion, I complained <strong>to</strong> the priest and asked him <strong>to</strong> have any compassion for<br />
the poverty of others.<br />
"Aren't you ashamed, Father Jumpe? You are using theological tricks <strong>to</strong> cash in on the<br />
Twas' credulity and ignorance."<br />
"I have just received some empirical observations from Domitilla and Mukono, dear."<br />
"I want <strong>to</strong> know the whole of this. You get money for it, don't you?"<br />
"For Christ! I do not gain much in this errand of mercy. I am just moonlighting on the<br />
behalf of a pharmaceutical rep who works for some European labora<strong>to</strong>ries."<br />
"Why doesn't this freeloader come here and enter the jungles as Mukono does?"<br />
"He's very busy. Moreover, getting in the forest parks is dangerous."<br />
"How much money have you received up <strong>to</strong> now? We will pass their share."<br />
"A soldier of God does not look for earthly goods."<br />
Father Jumpe was a benevolent, religious man, but not even a tiny bit over than this,<br />
and I knew he was lying and exploiting the good will and ingenuity of the couple of sorcerers. I did<br />
not care about his self-interest at first, yet as I was gradually raising my contacts with the Twas, I<br />
noticed that the plants they had cataloged in their minds could contain ingredients of outstanding<br />
value <strong>to</strong> the world of pharmacology and its entrepreneurs.<br />
"Do not bring that up, you capitalist abbot."<br />
"Dr. Isabelle, you are insightful. I feel for Dr. Mike in your hands. Hahaha."<br />
Once, at night in my residence, he insinuated that he smuggled plants and insects with<br />
substances that were resistant <strong>to</strong> pests or auxiliary ingredients <strong>to</strong> combat some types of diseases.<br />
"Please, consider the question and think about what you have <strong>to</strong> do, Dr. Isabelle. I am<br />
sincerely discussing it with you at the request of my superiors now that your father watches the paths<br />
you're heading down, and he came <strong>to</strong> me through some documents we left behind. This means that<br />
he threatened <strong>to</strong> report me unless you confirm <strong>to</strong> him that our friendship is not harmful."<br />
"Did daddy tell you that?"<br />
"Each word, clear as a bell. In addition, he instructed me <strong>to</strong> clarify the question and take<br />
you <strong>to</strong> phone him. In short, he put a noose around my neck."<br />
"Now then! Did he dare?"<br />
"Yes, he did. Your father is a smart politician."<br />
I sided with Father Jumpe against dad. My father had promised <strong>to</strong> let me lead my life on<br />
my own, but once again, he showed his inability <strong>to</strong> free my daily existence.<br />
"Lately, I've been meaning <strong>to</strong> tell you everything about this, yet I was awaiting the right<br />
time <strong>to</strong> do it."<br />
"What is it about, Father? I am all ears."<br />
The Angolan Father Jumpe explained:<br />
"My cus<strong>to</strong>mers are satisfied with Mukono's work, although that little warlock is unaware<br />
of the scope of his doings."<br />
"That's a dirty trick. You are a manipula<strong>to</strong>r!"<br />
"I do my best <strong>to</strong> live in the likeness of God. Please, look on the bright side, Dr.<br />
Isabelle."<br />
"I am anxious <strong>to</strong> observe something good in your sacred greed. So, get <strong>to</strong> the point,<br />
please."<br />
"Mukono is nothing but a rude and boyish man, although people say that he uses <strong>to</strong><br />
break the law and easily get rid of problems. I am sure that he has been acquitted of several alleged<br />
crimes and is still alive because of our interference in his favor before the authorities. Moreover, he