The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1892-08-13
A FAMOUS AMAZON,
A 8panish Nun Leaves the Convent to
Become . Soldier end Adventprer.

A very famous heroine in her day was
Catalina de Ersuso, atill remembered
vaguely as the "Spanish soldier num-" She
left memoirs which have been translated
or summarized or ssromancified" in most
European tongues, says the Chicago Tri-
bune. Tie truth Of them has been dis
puted, but on the other hand, popes and
kings, mobiles and servants accepted every
word, while evidence remained to support
or question the statements.
Catalina, we are told, ran away from .
ppppery in San Sebastian at the age OF
Is, transformed her conventual habili-
ments into doublet and hose, and found
employment IS . page in the househould
of noble at Valladolid. Driven FROM this
refuge by the appearance Of her father
who had no suspicion, nevertheless =
she joined an expedition sailing to
Peru under charge Of Don Ferdinand de
Cordova. Her ship was wrecked of Paita
and she alone refused to deaert the cap
tain, who stood BY his vessel. Catalina
then built little raft, broke open the
treasure box, took as much gold a. she
could carry and set off for the shore; but
the captain was drowned in embarking.
She reached the town and accepted an
engagement ~ manager to the tailor who
made her new clothes. Complications Of
business and passion-for great lady
fell in loye at sighted to first duel, in
which she killed her man promptly. The
great lady struggled her out Of prison.
but Catalina found it necessary to repay
this service by pushing the dame down
stairs, probably breaking her neck. Then
she jumped into boat, put to sea, and
was picked up by Spanish vessel bound
for Conception.
At this place her own brother was Sec
rotary to the Governor, and he, all uncon-
scious Of the relationship, got her COM
mission in the army. Very soon after
ward she distinguished herself in an en-
gagement and for twelve years ranked as
one of the most brilliant officers Of the
Spanish servicc-living mostly with her
brother, but keeping the secret. This
happy time came to an end in midnight
duel, when she killed man unknown,
who proved to be this same brother. Fly
ing for life once more, Catalina crossed
the Andes. All her companions perished,
but she reached Tucuman after terrible
adventures.
Another love affair, all on one side, and
another fatal duel brought her literally to
the gallows; but with the rope round her
neck she escaped. Travelling on to Cuzco
she Joined an alcalde with pretty wife,
and a gentleman, his friend. In very
few days Catalina perceived that these
two had an understanding. The alcalde
perceived it also and took an opportunity
to murder his faithless friend. He would
have murdered his wife, but Catalina
snatehed her to the saddle and rode furi-
ously for Cuzco. The alcalde pursuing,
she ran him through, but received des-
desperate wound.
The fugitives got safe to the Bishops
palace. Catalina knew, however, that her
secret must be discovered now. She had
just strength enough to reveal it to the
Bishop before fainting. That worthy
man reported the whole story to the King,
who sent orders that Catalina should be
dispatched by the next ship. AL Spain
declared for the heroine. At her arrival
Count Olivarez himself, the Prime Min
lister, met her; the King kissed her, the
Pope sent for and forgave her. Velasquez
painted her portrait.