The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1882-06-17
Six Days With Brigands.

The temperance of brigandage in
the distant neighborhood of Palermo so
soon after the recent reioicings has pain
fully impressed the inhabitants. The
particulars of the treatment of the ex-
Sypdic, Signor Notarbartolo, hy the
brigands have become known since his
return: As soon as his companions had
been disarmed by the pretended patrol
the eX-Syndic perceived his mistake.
His captors were dressed in new Ber-
saglieri uniforms, spoke the jargon of
soldiers, and had a thoroughly military
appearance, rendering it likely that they
had all once served in the army. When
Signor Notarbartolo saw the state of
affairs he at once told his captors in a
decided manner that all threats or bad
language toward him would be of no
avail, and such was the effect of his SUI
periority of character that during the
whole term of his detention the brig
ands treated him with Difference and
respect. His companions had been
sent away with letter to his family ap-
prising them of what had occurred,
and that a ransom of $4,000 francs was
demanded. The brigands first took
Signor Notarbartolo into the woods,
and then to grotto. or rather deep ra-
vine, in the mountains, where he was
detained for six days. The cavern was
constantly guarded by two of the brig
ands, who had changed their uniforms
for the torn dress of peasants. The
light penetrated this ravine for only a
few hours of the day, and during that
time the prisoner could read number
of the ReEte des Deu1 Mondes. which he
happened to have with him.
This was his only amusement. He
was not allowed to smoke during the
day, lest in so doing he should betray
the place of his concealment. The
brigands called the ravine their best
palace. saying they had Others in places
more difficult of access, but that they
had chosen this as it was more com
Portable for ''his Excellenoy." During
the first evening they conversed frankly
about their affairs, recountiag their eX-
ploits, and then begged their prisoner
to excuse them if it annoyed him, but
they did not know how to talk about
anything but their own affairs. At the
end of the six days During which, in
accordance with the petitions of the
family and a high functionary, the
br:gands had, by order of the Minister
Depretis, been left unmolested) the sum
of 5O,00Of was conveyed to them, with
which they expressed themselves con-
tent, telling their prisoner that he
would be Immediately released. The
latter then asked for his watch, saying
it was keepsake very dear to him.
With characteristic courtesy it was inn
mediately restored to its proper owner;
not, however. before one of the brig
andS had eyed the chain with great
envy, eXclaiming that it was very taste
full and beautiful. The ex-Syndic inn
mediate,y declared with vivacity thatall
efforts to deprive him of it would be
useless: on which the brigand who had
taken a fancy to it declared that his
wish to have it was quite disinterested,
and that be would gladly pay for it,
At this time the band had assumed very
good cloth clothes, had rings on their
fingers, and gold chains 10 theirwatches.
Si9nOr Notarbartolo was received in
Palermo with great demonstrations of
joy, the street in which he lives being
illuminated by the inhabitants. Meas
ures for arresting the malefactors were
then Immediately taken, the district
around Termin, where they are sup
posed to be still hiding, being surrGsnd-
ed by military No news of their capt
ure has yet arrived. Naples Cor. Lon
don AeCS.