The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-07-24
A HERMIT GREEK.
Lives of Hermit Rock Witssout Any
Human Intercourse.
From the Philadelphia Times.

rom the Iu1lduSipHid 1 INES.
Thousands of tourists annually pass
through the Greek Archipelago on their
way to the Orient, yet il is safe to say
that few of them are cognizant of the fact
that on one Of these islands a solitary hu-
man being lives in utter isolation.
Large passenger ships. in steaming
through the maze Of islands, seldom choose
the passage that vessels of lighter draft
take preferring a longer route with COM
parative immunity from the dangers of
being thrown on the rocks; and it is on
this account that few travellers to the far
East know anything of the subject of this
sketch.
Most Mediterranean sailors, however,
know of his existence, and this account
was given to the writer by Capt. George
Mitchell, who has navigated the waters of
this sea for some thirty years.
The rock known 10 seafarers as Hermit
Island, and upon which this nondescript
has lived for years in absolute seclusion
is one of the smaller islands of the group
comprised in the archipelago, and forms
one of a passage once generally used by
ships in threading their way through the
narrow channels en- route 10 or from east
ern ports. The island is entirely void of
vegetation, its surface being as barren of
such growth as is the desert of Sahara.
Numerous parties have visited this rock
but there is no account of any of them ever
approaching near enough to the hermit to
engage him in conversation. AT the sight
of any one advancing in his direction he
strides up the dragged rocks with amaz-
ing agility throwing his long thin arms
about giving veht to a series of dismal
"howls," which are rendered all the more
weird by their reverberationS throughout
the adjacent Islands. His personal appear
ance is anything but prepossesslng. His
eyes and nose are the only facial features
disclosed through a dense growth of hair
and beard, and his body above the waist
is never clothed. A garment made of
narrow strips of a material fastened to
belt completes his attire, the style and cut
of the VestmentS of this freak never vary
ing.
IL is customary for ships in passing this
island to pay tribute TO the hermit in the
way of salt beef hard tack" and what
ever provisions the captains are disposed
to give or may be able to spare from the
ships stores. The stores thus given are
put in a boat and taken ashore, where
they are left until the one for whom they
are intended sees the boats crew return
to their ship when he reappears from his
hiding place and carries them to his quar-
ters, further up the rocks.
To pass this point without saluting the
lord of the manor by blast of steam wins
tie would be considered a breach of cour-
tesy, and such remisSneSs on the part of
any ships captain would be frowned up
on by others, who regard this recognition
as a duty. This Difference shown the re-
cluse mas become 50 universal with ships
passing this way that any omission of the
conventionaity is an offense to him. who
shows his disapproyai by such lusty yells
that leave no doubts in the minds of any
who hear them as to the healthy condi-
ton of his lungs, although he may have
IL ~E.E ~ IL. L
mind.
lie has built for himself a shelter be-
tween two lodges of rock, which consists
of a roof only, the sides and back of the
same being walls of Jagged stone. Be
meath this roof the voluntary exile eats,
sleeps and, presumably engages in other
occupations to while away the dreary days
of the solitary existence to which he has
relocated himself.
The furnishings Of this rude habitation
have received pretty hard usage probably
having served in a similar capacity In the
foc'sle of some ship. The furniture con
sists of a low bench. a three-legged STOOL
small stove and clock whose hands
have long since ceased to Indicate the
fight Of time. A common straw mattress.
which sailors can a "dOnkey's breakfast"
completes the outfit, excepting such things
salt water condenser and an old cop
per kettle. There is no fresh water on the
island, and ali the water for drinking and
cooking purposes is taken from the sea
and must undergo the process of condensa-
ton before it can be used
He has always on hand a good supply
Of wood and coal. the bunkers Of passing
steamers being at his disposal, and ii h /
doubtful if the hermit has ever been
known 10 want FOR any OF the necegsaries
Of life since he renowned The Vanities Of
the world for a life Of solitude, with naughf
to keep him company save the cadenceg
I..s
shore ana the screams Of the gulB ia their
onward fight.
As to the Identity OF for ner history Of
this eccentric character nothing Is known |
that may be regarded az authentic Many |
stories are told by Old Mediterranean sail |
ors concerning the mystery surrounding |
his life. and however different one SAN |