The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-02-03
The Methods of Brigands.

Z great mLstake to think that
1rigands ill-treat their captives during
negotiations it is just the reverse. All
share and share alike, the preference
beil-s, always given to the prisoner when
it comes to the last loaf of bread or the
last glass of wine At the same time, it
can hardly be called an enviable expert
ence to pass night after night In fair
weather and foul with 10 bed but the
mountain-side and no shelter but the
canopy of heaven. The routine of one
day is so much like that of another dur
ing the wandering in the mountains that
the description of one twenty-four hours
will, [ think, be sufficient. Soon after
dark the whole party start, the prisoner
having his arms tied loosely behind him
by q single piece of small rope, leaving
the end trailing behind. This, may
here mention, is simply used as sign of
captivity and not as precaution against
an attempt to escape, two of the band
being sentry over the captive OF time.
the remainder dispensing slightly so as
to have the notice of any danger that
might be close by. After travelling sew
eral miles, through valleys and over
mountains, halt is made about sunrise
in some well-wooded and secluded spot ;
the prisoner is then left in charge of
three or four men, and the remainder,
excepting, of course, the chief, proceed
with their various duties, some lighting
a fire, others preparing the morning
meal, which generally consists Of bread,
coffee, and perhaps bit of lamb or goat,
and another party go off to get their next
days food from accomplices and spies
who have been warned two or three days
previously where to bring the provisions.
So suspicious are they of treachery that
no member of the band is allowed to
eat any food brought by spy until the
bearer has tasted it to see if it contains
poison. The way in which the fire is
lighted is well worthy of notice. Hav-
ing collected some dry sticks, not large
in circumference, and about eighteen
inches in length, square heap is built
by laying them across each other at right
angles, and at the same time leaving
lots of air-space in the center. The top
stick is then lighted, and the fire burns
downward; by this ameans a very hot
but perfectly smokeless fire is obtained,
which of course prevents their locality
being discovered from the smoke. When
all is prepared breakfast is heartily
welcome after the nights journey, but
no one thinks of partaHing of any food
until short prayer has been said by
the chief and all have crossed them
selves three times. I have omitted to-
mention that every band of brigands has
a tame ram which is used to lead any
sheep they steal from out-of-the-way
villages, thus saving one man having
the trouble doing duty as shepherd.
During meals every topic is discussed,
no distinction being made between cap
tor and captive, nor restriction placed
on the latter as long as he does not
breach the all-important subject of his
own release. On that subject they are
perfectly reticent; and one never knows
from the day of ones captivity till
within a few hours of ones release how
negotiations are proceeding, nor how
ones chances of life and death fuctuate
according to the temper of the brigands
and the communications brought by the
spies. The CornhiU Magazine.