Heroic Friends

Chapter 1

Juanito was a bell ringer in the church of San Carlos. He was still very young when he first learn how to ring the old bell of the church, San Carlos is a small peaceful town at the foot of a mountain.

When Juanito was only a few months old, his parents died in an accident. Father Conrado, his godfather, adopted him and took good care of him after his parents died.

Juanito rang the bell on many occasions, especially before masses in the morning and in the late afternoon. He also rang it during the Angelus, during Weddings, and during funerals. He conveyed a messages to the townspeople every time he rang the bell. During special ocasions, like feast and weddings, he would ring the bell fast and with fervor but during funerals, he would ring it slowly and sound ut as if it was in grief.

Juanito had many friends. He was well liked by many because he was very courteous and friendly. Every time he met the old folkes in town, he would greet them and say "Good Morning and mano po," before reaching for their hands to touch his forehead.

He had a special friend named Pedro whom who met at the churchyard a year ago. At that time, Pedro was flying his kite when it accidentally got stuck on the roof of the bell tower. Pedro felt bad but to his suprise, he saw a young boy like him untagle the string of his kite from where it was stuck.

From then on, the two became the best of friends. Juanito would always invite Pedro to go up with him to the top of the bell tower. At the beginning, Pedro was quite afraid to climb. However, because Juanito was always there to assist him, he was able to overcome his fear of hieghts. Sometimes they would ring the church bell together. At other times, they would help Father Conrado with small task at the small convent.

The people of the town who had always lived in peace got the shock of their lives one very early morning when the church bell rang loudly and continuosly. Father Conrado and Pedro rushed to the town plaza annoucing the arrivalof the mountain rebels in their small town. Father Conrado reminded them to vacate their homes and go to a safe hiding place. If the rebels caught up with them, they were to remain calm and treat them hospitably.

When the rebels arrived, they demanded a few sacks of rice and live chickens from those who decided to stay in their houses. They threatened the people but they did not hurt anyone.

Father Conrado and Pedro met the rebel leader on their way back to the church. Father Conrado pleaded with the rebel leader not to hurt the townspeopl. The rebel leader just shrugged his shoulders and left without saying a word.

Juanito, who had seen the rebels coming from the bell tower earlier, decided to hide on top of the bell tower and remained there until all the mountain rebels had left.

When Father Conrado and Pedro reached the church, they found Juanito at the top of the bell tower. They were so happy to know that nobody among them got hurt.

The next day, wich was a Sunday, many townspeople went to hear mass to thank God. They also thanked Father Conrado who saved them from danger. They hailed Juanito and Pedro as young heroes of their town.