The broad ax., 1896-10-10

C'SS days of captivity in
the mountains, says
the London Standard. They were we'll
treated by the brigands, although for
the first few days they had nothing to
eat but the dry biscuits supplied to
them by their captors. 1t was only
when their whereabouts was ascertain
ed that provisions were sent up TO them
by their friends at Koori baths.
From the statements made by the
brigands ii appears that they were on
the lookout for a party Of wealthy peo-
pie, consisting of Armenians and the
wife of a Greek banker, who in reality
were to have gone to Koori on the
same day, but who, for some reason or
other, had, at the last moment, ad-
journed their departure from Constan-
tinople. This shows that the brigands
were kept informed of the movements
Of important people by their friends at
Constantinople.
The capture was effected between
denly appearing round one Of the num-
erous mounds which dot the country
between the coast and the watering
place Of Koori. Firing volley on the
horses Of the carriage containing the
ladies they disabled the animal and
brought the conveyance to a standstill.
The two mounted gendarmes accom-
panying the ladies, seeing that they
were greatly outnumbered, bolted in
the direction of the baths.
The ladies were thereupon marched
in the direction of the mountains I'M
til the party reached a small village,
where horses we're obtained and two
Of the prisoners mounted thereon. The
third, being too I'll to ride, was released
and proceeded to Koori, bringing with
her the conditions stipulated by the
brigands for the release of their cap
lives and spot was indicated where
the ransom of f25,000 had to be de-
posted within given time.
The journey was continued some
what farther inland, in the heart Of the
mountains, where the party encampcd
and there awaited the news of the ar
rival of the money. The band number
ed fifteen, all armed from head to foot
some with rifles, others with repeat
ing rifles and all having knives and
yaIaghans.
During the capture the bandits were
very rough toward their prisoners, but
once in the mountains this attitude
changed into one of gentiemanly and
even gallant conduct. Thus a small
hut was erected from the branches of
trees, while ferns and leaves were col
lected. which served as beds for the cap
tives, whose coverings were the heavy
coats Of the brigands. Rain fell at in
teryals in copious showers and, in spite
Of all precautions, the ladies were
drenched to the skin. Two Of the old
est OF the brigands were posted outside
the ladies' hut to mount guard and
wait upon them, while the rest Of the
band withdrew to a respectful distance.
The leading brigands were Greeks
from Yanina, including the chief Of the
band, who wrote and spoke Greek
! fuently and, moreover, appeared to be
well educated. The men were well
and uniformly dressed and the chief,
among other things. possessed an ex-
celIent field glass, which enabled him
to watch the movements Of his intend
ed prey, as well as Of the troops and
gendarmerie, who at one time were so
active as seriously to endanger the lives
Of the captives-
Not only were troops hurried 10 the
, scene Of the abduction from Ismidt,
Panderma, Kara-Musal and other dis
tricts. but the authorities armed the
peasants and sent them in pursuit of
the brigands, believing that they would
attract less attention than the soldiers
and gendarmes. The brigands, how
ever, soon protested against these
maneuvers and withdrew further into
the mountains. Hence partly the de-
lay in the release.
Another cause of the delay was the
non-arrival OF the money for the ran
som, which, thanks to the energetic and
courageous intervention Of the drago-
man of the French embassy, N. Rouet,
VINO remained q night with the dele
gates sent by the brigands, was reduced
from $1,000 to 10000. One Of the
brigands, 6 certain Barba Nicola, was
subsequently captured by the gen
darmes in a shepherds hut, where he
had fallen asleep after carouse. He
surrendered without a struggle. The
sum Of ESQ was found upon him. The
rest Of the band are being actively pur-
sued, but, owing to the dificult nature
of the country, 1t is doubtful whether
fhey will be secured