The Pascagoula democrat-star. (Pascagoula, Miss.) 1878-1920, 1894-04-13
THE SOLDIER NUN.
A Remarkable Instance Of Feminine Cour.
ape,

oSos |
A famous heroine in her way was
Catalina de Erauso, still remembered
vaguely as the Spanish soldier num-"
She left memories which have been
translated or summarized or "roman-
Gifted" in most European tongues. The
truth of them has been disputed, but
the writer points out that, upon the
other hand, popes and kings, nobleal
and servants accepted every word
while evidence remained to 0ppodAAsl
question the statements, says the
Philadelphia Telegram.
Catalina ran away from nunnery |
in San Sebastian at the age of fifteen,
transformed her conyentual habili-
ments into doublets and hose, and
found employment as a page in the
household of noble at NalladOlid.
Driven from this refuge by the appear
ance of her father-who had no suspl-
cion, nevertheless-she joined an ex-
pedition sailing for Peru under charge
of Ferdinand dc Cordova. Her ship
was wrecked off Pita and she alone re-
fused to desert the captain, who stood
by his vessel. Catalina then built
, little raft, broke open the treasure
chest, took as much gold as she could
carry and set off for the shore, but the
captain was drowned embarking. She
, reached the town and accepted an en-
gagement as manager to the tailor
who made her new clothes. COmpli-
cations of business and passion-fOr a
great lady fell in love at sight-led to
first duel. in which she killed her
man promptly. The great lady SNUG
gled her out of prison, but Catalina
found it necessary to repay this service
by pushing the dame downstairs,
I probably breaking her neck. Then
she jumped into boat, put to sea,
and was picked up by a Spanish YES
sci bound for Conception.
At this place her brother was secre-
4 tary to the governor, and he, all un-
+ conscious of the relationship, got her
II IA commission 10 the army. Very soon
4 afterward she distinguished herself in
1 an engagement, and for twelve years
6 ranked as one Of the most brilliant
o officers of the Spanish service-livinl
"a mostly with her brother, but keepin,
% the secret. The happy time came tt
q an end in midnight duel, when she
o killed IA man unknown, who proved t(
Il be this same brother. Flying for life
"a once more, Catalina crossed the Andes
is All her companions perlshed, but sh'
Il reached Tuchman after terrible ad
10 ventures. Another love affair, all OF
ri one side, and another fatal due
NC brought her literally to the gallOws
but with the rope around her necl
she escaped. Travelling on to Cuzco
she Joined an Alcalde with a prett!
\, wife and gentleman, his friends. Ii
,e very few days Catalina perceived
lie that these two had an understanding
IS The Alcalde perceived it also and tool
y an opportunity to murder his faith
less friend. lie would have murdered
.e his wife, but Catalina snatched her tt
n the saddle and rode furiously fo
d Cuzco. The Alcalde pursuing, she raj
n him through, but received desperate
!. wound. The fugitive got safely t.
ID the bishops palace. Catalina knew
n however, that her secret must be dis
\. covered now. She had just strength
,e enough to reveal it to the bishop be
e. fore fainting. The worthy man re
st ported the whole story to the king
TX who sent orders that Catalina shoul
is be dispatched by the next ship. Al
N Spain declared for the heroine. a
her arrival Count Ollaverez himself
ID the prime minister, met her; the KIN
er kissed her; the pope sent for and Tor
" gave her and Velasquez painted he
is portrait.