Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-07-31
TURKISH BRIGANDs.
The Experience of Two " omen Held
for Ransom Near COnstantinople.

(Constantinople Correspondence OF the
london standard)
The two ladies' who were captured by
brigands near Ismidt were released on the
18th Instant after thirteen and half
days Of captivity in the mountains. They
were both well treated by the brigands,
although for the first few days they had
nothing to eat but the dry biscuits sup
piled TO them by their captors. II was
only when their whereabouts was ascer-
tanned that provisions were sent up e
them by their friends at Koori Baths.
From the statements made by the bril-
gands II appears that they were on the
lockout for a party OF wealthy people.
consisting OF Armenians and the wife
II a Greek banker who I'm reality were
10 have gone 10 Koori on the same day,
but who for some reason or other had,
at the last moment. adjourned their de-
parture from ConStantinople This shows
that the brigands were kept informed Of
the movements of important people by
their friends at Constantinople. The cap
ture was effected between Yalova and
Koori, the brigands suddenly appearing
round one Of the numerous mounds which
dot the country between the coast and the
w&ering-place Of KoOri Firing a vOlley
on the horses Of the carriage containing
the ladies, they disabled the animals and
brought the conveyance TO a standst Z.
The two mounted gondarmes accompany
ing the ladies, seeing that they were
greatly outnumbered, bolted I'm the direc-
ton of the Baths. The ladies WERE there
upon, marched Ia the direction Of the
mountains until the party reached a
snail village. where horses were obtained.
nd Of ha 81
on The third, being too IN to ride, was
released, and proceeded TO Koon, bringing
with her the conditions stipulated by the
brgands for the release of their captives
and a spot was indicated where the ran
som Of f25. 900 had to be deposited within
a given time.
The journey was continued somewhat
further inland, and in the heart of the
mountains, where the party encamped.
and there awaited the news OF the ar
rival of the money. The band numbered
fifteen, all armed from head 10 foot some
with Martini rifles, others with repeat
ing rifles, and all having knives and
yataghans. During the capture the ban
dts were very rough toward their
prisoners, but once in the mountains
this attitude changed into one OF gentle
manly, and even gallant, conduct. Thus
a small hut was erected from the
branches Of trees while ferns and leaves
were collected, which served as beds for
the captives, whose coverings were the
heavy coats OF the brigands. Rain foll
at intervals in copious showers. and. in
spite OF ali precautions the ladies' were
drenched to the skin. Two Of the Oldest
brigands were posted outside the Iadies'
bat TO mount guard and wait upon them
while the rest Of the band withdrew 10 q
respectful distance.
The leading brigands were Greeks from
Hanina, including the chief OF the band
who wrote and spoke Greek fiuently and.
moreover appeared to be wei educated.
The men were all well and uniformly
dressed, and the chief, among other
things, possessed an excellent feld-glass.
which enabled him to watch the move.
ments OF his intended prey, as well as Of
the troops and gendarmery, who at one
time were so active as seriously TO en-
danger the lives OF the captives Not only
were troops hurried TO the scene of the
abduction from Ismidt. Panderma. Kara
Musal. and other districts. but the au-
thorities 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, however soon protested against
these manoeuvres, and withdrew further
into the mountains. Hence, partly. the
delay In the release.
Another cause OF the delay was the non
arrival OF the money for the ransom.
which, thanks 10 the energetic and
courageous intervention OF the dragoman
of the French Embassy. NJ. Rouet. who
remained night with the delegates sent
by the brigands. was reduced from f25 600
to $1,000. One OF the brigands, certain
BaTba Nicola. was subsequently cap
tured by the gendarmes In a shepherds
hut, where he had fallen asleep after
carouse. He surrendered without a strug-
gle. The sum OF ESQ was found on him.
The rest OF the band are being actively
pursued, but. owing TO the difficult ma
ture of the country. II Is doubtful whe-
Their they will be secured.