Connecticut western news., 1901-09-12

huts and primitive jetty. but MT. Ia lantl explained that his castle was hid den by the forest and that he was land ing at that point to save us long walk. It was as we were drifting in to make fast to the wharf that others in our party became suspicious. The no- ble Greek was neither crafty nor diplo- matic. He let the mask slip and betray him or at least aroused wonder and dis trust. but the most suspicious of us were hardly prepared for the climax
 AS soon as the craft was made fast the three eminent friends of MT. Ia lanti suddenly produced pistols and knives and took their stations by the gangway. The sailors divided into two parties, and, handling their naked knives in menacing fashion, they drove the people into line. When Pro lessor Hampstead had rubbed his eyes. scratched his head and got 1t into his brain that something not down on the programme was going on, Talanti mounted box and smilingly observed:
 Ladies and gentlemen, you are now about to pass ashore to behold my won- derful discoveries, but each one of you Is required to leave behind you all money and jewelry. I will see that ev- erything is safely cared for"
 But what-what does it meanY' asked the bewildered professor as he looked around him.
 Its robberyr' cried three or four voices in chorus.
 Do not mar the harmony of the oc casion with hard words" continued the chief villain. T simply borrow your purses and jewelry. The term robbery does not sound we'll. As time flies let us get to work. Antonio, you may be- gin with the professor first"
 The men cried out in anger. but what could they do? I do not think there was firearm among them, while the knives. There were protestations and threats of the law, but Talanti only smiled at them and ordered the work to go on. Each man in our crowd was reg ularly held up-that Is, his pockets were thoroughly searched, and every thing of value was taken. The women were requested to hand over, and each one had her watch and rings in hand as she moved up. In the course of half an hour the last one was ashore. and then Talanti took of his hat, made a sweep ing bow and sailed away with his pi- ratical crew. He had no sooner gone looking men came down from the huts. They told us they were fishermen, but their actions belied the statement. Their first move was to demand cash. and great was their indignation and disappointment at being told that Ia lanti's crowd had taken the last coin. When sure of this, they left us, and an hour later two genuine fishermen came ashore in their boat. There were doz- en vessels within five on six miles of us, and a dollar would have been big pay for them to sail out and notify the nearest craft of our situation; but. real izing our helplessness, they demanded the sum of $1O0. As there was no mon- ey to pay them. they were finally pre- vailed upon to take an O U signed by all the men of the party.
 It was almost dark when a battered old schooner came sailing up to take us off, and the terms were 8 apiece. to be paid in Athens. We spent dreary night on deck and landed in the city at noon next day. Immediate no tice was given to the various consuls and to the Greek government, but no one had any faith that anything would be accomplished. The government made loud promises and seemed to be making all possible efforts. but as matter of fact MT. Talanti was not even pursued. He never could have put up and carried through such a job without a number of officials standing in with him, and each and every one of them doubtless shared in the plum der when 1t was divided. It was said that the money and jewelry amounted to about S6.0O0. and the only consola- ton any of the victims had was the privilege of abusing a country where such things could be carried out.