The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1894-02-24
THE SOL DIER NUN.
- Remarkable Instance Of Fem.
mine Courage.
Olsgutseds in Doublet and Hose tho Young
Spanish Maiden Meets and Van
quishes Man In .
Duel.

Catalina de Erauso, still remembered
vaguely as the Spanish soldier nun. .
She left memoirs which have, been
translated or summarized orssromanci-
fed" in most European tongues. The
truth of them has been disputed, but
the writer points out that, upon the
other hand, popes and kings, mobiles
and servants accepted every word
while evidence remained to support or
question the statements, says the Phil
adelphia Telegraph.
Catalina ran away from nuraery
in San Sebastian at the age of fifteen,
transformed her conventual habili7
ments into doublets and hose, and
found employment as a page in the
household of noble at Valladolid
Driven from this refuge by the appear
nnce of her father-vho had no sus-
picion, ncvertheless-she joined an ex-
petition sailing for Peru under charge
Of Ferdinand de Cordova Her ship
was wrecked off Pita and she alone re-
fused to desert the captain, who stood
by his vessel. Catalina then built a
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 embarAirg. She
reached the town and accepted an en-
gagement as manager to the tailor
who made her new clothes. Complica-
tons of business and passion-for a.
great lady fell in love at sighted to
Il first duel, in which she killed her
nan promptly The great lady snug
gled her out of prison, but Catalina
found it necessary to repay this service
by pushing the dame downstairs, prob
ably breaking her neck. Then she
jumped into a boat, put to sea, and
was picked up by Spanish vessel
bound for Conception.
At this place her brother was secre-
tary to the governor, and he, all un-
conscious of the relationship, got her
a commission in the army. Very soon
afterward she distinguished herself in
an engagement, and for twelve years
ranked as one of the most brilliant Of
ticers of the Spanish service-living
mostly with her brother, but keeping
the secret. This happy time came to
an end in midnight duel, when she
killed a man unknown, who proved to
be this same brother. Flying for life
once more, Catalina crossed the Andes
All her companions perished but she
reached Tucuman after terrible adven-
lures. Another love affair, all on one
side, and another fatal duel brought
her literally to the gailows. but with
the rope around her neck she escaped
Travelling on to Cuzco. she joined an
Alcalde with pretty wife and gen
t1eman, his friends. In very few
days Catalina perceived that these two
had an understanding. The Alcalde
perceived it also S1ld took an oppor-
tunity to murder his faithless friend.
lie would have murdered his wife, but
Catalina snatched her to the saddle
and rode f,,riously for Cuzco. The
Alcaldc pursuing, she ran him through.
but received desperate wound. The
fugitives got safely 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. The
worthy man reported the whole story
to the king. who sent orders that Cata-
lima should be dispatched by the next
ship. All Spain declared for the hero
inc. At her arrival Count Olivarez him
self, the prime minister, met her; the
king kissed her; the pope sent for and
forgave her and Velasquez painted her
nOvt,-oit