The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1890-08-14
DANCED FOR THE BRIGANDS.
An Exciting Experience in the Life Of
CaFmeneita.
She saved Her Money Fer Masses
ana was Presented with
Mascot.

My first dancing for money was before
q band Of brigands, and l had no idea
what my salary was to be, either, writes
Carmencita to Kate Fields Washington.
When was l5 was living with my aunt
and uncle, who had a produce farm not
very far from Madrid and equally near to
the palace Of the Escurial. The stretch
Of country between the capital and the
wonderful palace Of Philip II. was at that
time infested with banditti, who occa-
sionally made raid on the peasants for
provisions. was in the habit Of loading
q donkey with fresh eggs and vegetables
for the priests who have charge Of the
church which is above the vaults where
the dead kings and queens Of Spain are
lying. On one particular morning not
only had heavy load Of provisions for
the fathers, but nearly 1000 reals besides
hidden in my bosom, which were to pay
for masses for q relative Of mine. You
must know that the church Of the Escurial
has more than 1900 relics, including the
entire bodies Of eight or ten saints, twelve
dozen whole heads and 800 legs and arms.
It had, until they were stolen by the
French, one Of the bars Of the monster
gridiron upon which st. Lawrence was
burnt, and one Of his feet with piece Of
coal sticking between his toes. You re-
member with what courage the holy saint
bore his martyrdom and how he said to
his executioners, II am done on this side,
perhaps you had better turn me over"
whence comes the proverb We have in
Spain, Cooked to q turn" But am
wandering from my story.
As l said, I was proceeding slowly with
my donkey, not thinking Of anything ex-
cept the bull fight I had seen the previous
Sunday, when l was suddenly surrounded
by fierce looking men and in a few min
utes was hurried down rocky path into
some dark woods. Presently was pushed
into cavern, where a tall and dignified
looking man, the chief Of the robbers, had
been lying asleep. He was awakened by
our entrance and smiled kindly at my
poor little trembling self, asking me my
name. Carmen" I replied through my
chattering teeth.
"Well, Carmencita, don't be fright
ened, and perhaps I will let you go home
soon."
l may tell you that it was the first time
l was ever addressed as "Carmencita"-
little Carmen"-just as l now call my
self. So can truly say that was chris
tened by brigand.
Well, l sat down and watched the rob-
bers making omelets Of my fresh eggs and
crunching my crisp onions, and how
wished every mouthful wouldchoke them.
After awhile the chief glanced toward
where was crouching in a corner, and
calling me to him made me drink large
cup Of wine, at the same time demanding
to know where had the money for the
masses. was dumbfounded.
"How do you know that have money p"
l asked.
20, know, little one. Let us count
the shining coins and see if there are
enough"
He motioned to one Of the women of his
band, and I was soon relieved Of the
treasure hidden in my bodice. Iimplored
him not to take it, and told him how sure
would be the vengeance Of the holy saints
II he robbed them Of their dues. Like
most Spaniards, the bandit was truly re-
ligious, and l also noticed that my plead
ings in the name Of the church was hav-
ing its effect on the other members Of the
band. Then somebody began playing a
mandolin. For few minutes everybody
listened, and, whether it was the wine
bad drank or something else, began tap
ping the ground with my feet and nod
ding in time with the aria.
"Ah, you dance" cried the chief.
''Now, come, little one-see II you can not
earn back your mass money"
Silently I followed the band to smooth
piece Of grassy ground just beyond the
cavern. Round this the robbers squatted,
tailor fashion, excepting two Of them, who
ments Jsncsd al novee bod hat~,a
and Continued for nearly an hon, nnt;i
I bad h ston from sxbsn:t;oD Rntvhsn
I bsd fn;sbsd ne robbe- chief Tt,sJ NJ
in bis arms and kissed me, while he
handed me back the purse containing the