Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-07-05
cARM ENcirA,s sroRY.
The Spanish Dancer Was so Christened by
a Band of lsrighnds.

hNbh We
Stage favorites usually have histories,
which, IL they were made public, would
attract more than a usual amount of
attention. Carmencita, the famous
Spanish dancer, tells good story in
the Philadelphia Times of her name,
which, as she says, was given her by a
brigand.
"ln my time she said, 81 have
danced before the Queen of Spain and
other notables and have been impressed
by the surroundings, but no dancing
that ever did had such peculiar and
impressive surroundings as one that
did when q little girl before a band of
Spanish brigands. When | was is
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. | was in the
habit of loading donkey with fresh
eggs and vegetables for the priest who
had charge of the church and on one par.
ticular morning | not only had a heavy
load of provisions for the fathers, but
nearly 1900 reals besides hidden in my
bosom, which were TO pay for some
masses for my aunt's mother.
II was proceeding along slowly with
my donkey, not thinking of anything
else except the bull fight had seen on
the previous Sunday, when | was sud-
denly surrounded by fierce looking men
and in few minutes was being hur-
ried down rocky path into some dark
woods, where u tall and dignified man,
the chief Of the robbers, was lying
asleep. He was awakened by our DOM.
ing and smiled kindly at my poor little
trembling self and asked me my name.
Carmen exclaimed through my chat.
tering teeth. We'll, Carmencita, don't
be frightened, and perhaps / will let
you so home soon.' | may tell you that
that was the first time l was ever ad-
dressed as 'Carnlencita' Carmen
the same as now call myself, so
was christened by bugand may shy.
We'll, ! sat down and watched the
robbers making omelets out of my fresh
eggs and crunching my crisp onions,
and how | wished every mouthful
would choke them After awhile the
chief looked to where | was crouching
in corner and called me to him and
made ne drink Il big tincupful of wine,
ana then he demanded to know where |
had hidden the money for my great.
aunts masses. | was dumbtoundcd.
How do you know that | have any
money! asked. 'Oh, ! know, little
one. Let us count the shining coins and
see II there is enough and motioning to
one oil the women of his band was
soon relieved Of the treasure hidden in
my bodice. implorcd him not to take il
and told him how sure would be the
vengeance OF the holy saints if he
robbed them Of their dues.
Like most Spaniards, the bandits
Were truly religious, and | noticed that
my pleading in the name of the church
was having It's effect on the other men,
bers Of the band, and then somebody
began playing mandolin. For few
minutes everybody listened, anu whether
IL was the WINE | drank or what, | don't
Know, hut began tapping the ground
Win my ieet and nodding i'll tune with
the aria. All, you dance?' said the
chief. Now come, little one, see if you
cant earn back your mass money
Il sent up silent prayer to the
Blessed Virgin and followed the band
TO smooth piece Of grassy ground Jus.
beyond the cavern. Round this the
robbers squatted, tailor fashion, except.
ing two OF them who stood on one side
stunning guitars. l danced, and the
good saints must have inspired every
movement of my body, for soon the en-
tire band were clapping their hands and
shouting; Bravo! Bravissiman For
nearly an hour l continued, until nj
last had TO stop from exhaustion, But
when | had finished the robber chief
lifted me III his arms and kissed me and
handed me back the purse with all the
mass money untouched. Then he told
one OF his men 10 bring out my donkey,
and next he took OIL mis- hat and went
around among his band saying, Now,
boys, let us pay Carmencita Tor the good
breakfast she brought us heard the
cilnk OF money falling in his hat, and in
few minutes he came to me and told
| me TO place my two hands together like
pocket, and then he poured on my
palms sum far larger than | should
have received from the priests for my
farm produce. Then, with two more Of
his men, he escorted ME and my donkey
nearly to the gates OF the Escurial, and
before he LETT he gave Inc a small, curl.
| ously bent piece OF iron. This, said
| he, will save you from all medication
III this portion Of Spain if you ever have
the fortune to meet any more gentlemen
OF my profession
~ told my story to the fathers at the
palace and a troop of dragons was
sent III pursuit, but am glad to say
they did not catch Antanazlo (that was
the bandit chiefs name.J My uncle
was quite content with the amount
brought aim for his eggs and vegetables,
and there were Il few pieces over for
me to spend ut the fair. The robbers
piece OF iron | have still; it is in my
trunk at the hotel. think it is my
| nnScotn