The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1890-10-08
Captured BY BrIgands.

Gasgaaai Msssenger; Signor Arrigo
has given particulars Of his detention BY
the Italian brigands. he declares that
nothing can be more horrible or infa-
nous. One experiences continual ankle
ty about ones personal liberty and life,
and about ones family and financial con-
sequences, besides endaring long agony
Of enforced idleness. The hunger which
he oflen experienced added 70 his suffer
iDgs. After the first stunning shock he
made up his min 10 endure everything
with resignation il ne only escaped with
life. In the humid grotto, or well, at the
bottom Of which he was confined, he
was made TO write letters 70 his family.
the frst in pencil, the second with q
goose feather dipped in the juice Of pur-
pie mulberries.
The brigands dictated what they wish
ed 70 be expressed, and kept the letters
open. showing that they themselves
could not read, and meant to show what
was written to some one else. TO ascertain
that all was correct The pretended
ofise- Of earbineers, having no longer
any interest in eonceaIing his identity.
allowed Signor Arrigo 70 see his face
but the other brigands, while taking
turns in watching MIN, were always veil
ed One, armed with gun, remained
constantly beside him in the lower grotto
and with this man Signor Arrigo shared
the little bread provided, and the obliga-
tory fast on days when others brought
no food 1.-THE prisoner complained his
companion said There is no bread
even for Us We are surrounded by the
military and can procure nothing.
Even when Arrigo gave 800 Fl. from
the sum he had on his person it was not
possible to improve their condition. for
the arrest Of two Of the brigands made
during the first few days had deprived
the others Of all means of easy communi-
cation, not only with the towns Of Cac-
camo and Sciara but even with the
neighooring country houses. The
movement Of the military and police
paralyzed all their movements. When
the
RANSOM or I27 ,O0O FR.
had been sgreed upon the prisoner hoped
to be set free at once. But the brigands
did not receive their share, either be-
;ause some quarrel had arisen as 10 the
division Of the profits among the ssso-
rates who directed and contributed 20
he whole affair, or because some ofthose
who undertook 70 bring the money had
'ubfracted sums in the interest oftheir
amilies. So Arrigo's imprisonment was
prolonged. The sum distributed among
he associates, calculated at about 10o,-
100 fr., was mostly in gold, and during
hose days much gold was weighed at
me Of the Termini banks.
Signor Arrigo's pailer was always well
be called bis prisoner Excel
ence,' and inspired him with such con-
idence that At last he hazarded a hint at
scape, telling him that his share couId
lot be much more than 2,OO0 f., but if
le would fly with him he should have
be means of enbarking to America and
0,O0O fr. besides The brigand said be
Fould have willingly help him to escape,
ut that Even in America they would -
nd and kill melS It was, in fact. i'm
Ossible for this man 10 rehabilitate him
elf, even should he fly to the other side
fthe world
At last, on June IA, one ofthe brigands
Did thei.prisoner that he would be re.
sased. SignOr Arrigo was faint with
unger, cramped and tired out, and when
vening came he begged brigand to
elp him to ascend TO the upper part Of
be grotto, near to the opening. He was
ragged up, and on issuing told TO keep
looping for fear Of being seen As he
new nothing Of the locality a brigand
as sent with him till be reached path
hen be was left alone. He felt much
larmed. for his strength was nearly ex-
austed walking WAS difficult, on accoun
cramps in hislimbs from his long con-
nued inactivity and his progress was
npeded by his clothes, W.sich hung in
ags.
Night came, and he knew not which
ath to choose. At last ne CHANGED upon
water-tro1gh. and, lighting some match
5 be had begged from the briZands, he
earched around till he came to a path
{ the end Of which he saw a light Il
roved to issue from house inhabited
y man called Scazzari, of Sciara. From
be window ne was asked who he was
e answered, traveller
WHO HAD LOST HIS WAY,
I'D on further questioning be told his
anne. At once the door was opened By
cazzari, who was full Of surprise 70 see
on FiliPpo Arrigo IN person, for the
ay before he had heard that he had
cen killed, his head sent to Termini
nd his body TO Messina.
On hearing this Arrigo was afflicted
new, thinking Of his famiiy's anguish
lould they have heard the report. Now,
Ife at home, Signor Arrigo is besieged
= visitors Of all classes. full Of curiosity
I'D congratulation. The last news Is
lat by the arrests made during the last
w days the authorities have speedily
med at the high malta" or camor-
that is, the associates belonging to
Ie better classes.
Il ain't goin' to say my prayers"
afFxrL "a xr--fs.- -