The Legend of Martin Zalacaín: A Basque Adventure

The Story of Martin Zalacaín

It is the story of Martin Zalacaín, a young Basque from Urbia who lost his father and mother. He was educated by his uncle, Miguel de Tellagorri, who took charge of him and his sister, Ignacia, after the death of their mother. Following a puppet show, he met Linda. While the old Tellagorri fell ill and passed away, Martin had to take care of his sister, who was left in the charge of Mrs. Agatha of Ohando.

Martin was hated by her son, Carlos Ohando, but he maintained a courtship with her daughter, Catalina. Later, Ignacia married Bautista Urbide, a friend of Martin. Then the last Carlist War began, but Martin, Bautista, and another colleague, Capistun, continued their smuggling business across the French and Spanish borders. They were caught on the mountain by a strong storm that forced them to flee. Martin and Bautista fell to a village where they were forced to join the departure of the Priest. Mrs. Rosa Brown, whom he had saved and of whom he would keep good memories, addressed him later. Martin would accept the dangerous job of obtaining letters that were signed by major Carlist military figures and Carlos Ohando himself. Martin and Bautista traveled in a coach, getting rid of several pursuers to reach Logroño.

In Logroño, they entered the barracks. With a general's uniform, it was appropriate that Martin and his friendship with the Brown family (the father was a captain) saw them released, and Martin was invited by the captain to dinner. Catalina Zaro and Martin were later held to forgive their wedding. Shortly after, the war was considered finished by Catalina and Martin. One day, traveling near the border, they stopped at an inn where they met again with the Foreigner and later with Carlos Ohando and a friend, Cacho. Outraged by the actions of his sister, Carlos entered into a fight with Martin. When the former was already defeated, Cacho shot Martin, who died almost instantly.

Featured Characters

• Martin Zalacaín: The protagonist of the novel.
• Catalina Ohando: Daughter of Agatha Ohando and fatherless; she is Martin's girlfriend.
• Miguel de Tellagorri: Martin's great-uncle.
• Bautista Urbide: A friend of Martin who accompanies him on all his adventures.
• Capistun (the Gascon): A friend of Bautista and Martin.
• The Foreigner: A French journalist.
• Carlos Ohando: The brother of Catalina.