The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1915-03-26
By N. QUAD
Copyright, 1915. by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate.

luAls AAS "oS VIZ SW~ W S~S ~
and while his workmen were getting
out some stone they had come across
some rare treasures in art. but had de-
veloped only q small portion of them.
They had partly uncovered a stone box
which he believed held a large number
of manuscripts and valuable coins. but
he had delayed the opening Of it that
some of his friends might be present.
Three or four of them were going to
hts island home tomorrow. and he
would be glad to have on his yacht as
many Of us foreigners go. along as
could make It convenient.
Aside from the English party. there
were Americans, Germans and French.
men to the number of twenty in Ath-
ems, and when the list was made UP
we numbered over forty. of whom ten
were ladies. When we went on board
there was considerable surprise at find
ing her the craft she was. She was
nothing more than a trader. and her
accommodations wer of a primitive
character.
NV friend the professor could speak
Greek, but when he entered into con-
versation with Mr.. Talanti's friends he
found them sulky enough. This excit-
ed our surprise. as they were supposed
to be gentlemen. When we came to
look them over we began to get a little
suspicious.
AS we approached the island we saw
it was fairly covered with trees. yet it
did not have a hospitable look. AS we
made a close approach we could see a
couple of rude huts and a primitive
jetty. but Mr.. Talanti explained that
his castle was hidden by the forest and
that, he was landing at that point to
save us a long walk.
AS soon as the craft was made fast
the three eminent friends Of Mr.. Ia
lanti suddenly produced pistols and
knives and took their station by the
gangway. The sailors divided into two
parties. and. handling their naked
knives in a menacing fashion. they
drove the people into line.
When Professor Himstead had rub
bed his eyes. scratched his head and
kOI IL lulO LILO u l. L4uS SOAACSuAu6
not down on the program was going on
Talanti mounted a box and smilingly
observed:
Ladies and gentlemen. you are now
about to pass ashore to behold my
wonderful discoveries, but each one Of
you is required to leave all money
and jewelry behind you. l will see
that everything is safely cared for"
The men cried out in anger, but what
could they do? l do not think there
was a frearm among them. while the
Greeks seemed overanxious to use
their knives. There were protesta-
lions and threats Of the law, but
Talanti only smiled at them and or.
dered the work to go IN. Each man
In the crowd was regularly held up
that is. his pockets were thoroughly
searched and everything of value TAX
hand over. and each n had her
watch and rings in hand as she NOV
ed up. In the course of half an hour
every n was ashore, and then Talan-
ii took OF his hat. made a sweeping
bow and sailed away with his piratical
crew. He had no soone gone than
half a dozen villainous looking men
came down from the hut.
They told us they were fishermen.
but their actions belied their state
ment. Their first move was to de-
mand cash. and great was their indig-
nation and disappointment at being
told that Talanti'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 q dozen vessels within five
or six miles Of us, and a dollar would
have been big. pay for them to so out
and notify the nearest n Of our sit
uation: but, realizing our helplessness.
they demanded the sum Of 800.
It was almost dark when battered
old schooner came sailing up to take
us Oh. and the terms were 50 a piece.
to be paid in Athens We spent a
dreary night on deck and landed in
the city at noon next day. Immedi-
ately notice was given to the various
consuls and to the Greek government.
but no one had any faith that anything
would be accomplished. The govern
ment made loud promises and seemed
to bs making all possible efforts; but.
a. a matter Of fact. Mr.. Talantt wa
not even pursued. He never could
have put up such a job without q NUM-
her OF officials standing In with him.
and each and every n VI them doubt
less shared in the plumber when It was
divided. It was said that the money
and jewelry amounted to about $1,000.
and the only consolation any Of the
victims had was the privilege Of abus-
ing a country where such things could
b carried out. II