Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.
Constantinople , September 20, 1902 .
Sir: Although it is now two weeks since Miss Stone was captured by the brigands no word has as yet been received about her and no demand for ransom. Numerous reports have been received, some to the effect that they were Turkish soldiers in disguise, some that they were Macedonian agitators instigated to commit the crime by the central Bulgarian committee in the hope of stirring up foreign intervention, and others that they were Bulgarian bandits who had crossed the frontier, and that the delay in making their demands was caused by the difficulty they were experiencing in getting back into their own country or finding a secure place of retreat. The latter theory is the one I am most inclined to credit, but it is impossible at present to form a definite opinion. The Ottoman Government is doing everything that could be expected. They have already captured three men who, it is claimed, acted as guides, and hope through them to locate the band, but are compelled to act with caution for fear that if pressed too closely the brigands may injure or kill Miss Stone, their idea being first to locate Miss Stone, negotiate for her safe delivery, and then pursue the band afterwards.
Regretting my inability to furnish you with more definite information at present,
I have, etc.,