Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.
Constantinople, February 18, 1902.
(Mr. Leishman reports that although the ten-day period originally mentioned has been exceeded the committee does not attach particular importance to this fact, as at their last meeting with the brigands the time for the delivery of the captives, owing to anticipated difficulties, was made rather elastic. While the delay causes Mr. Leishman some uneasiness, in view of all the circumstances, he sees no immediate cause for alarm. He states that rather difficult conditions were imposed upon the committee, and absolute secrecy demanded under threats of most dire vengeance in case of disclosure; that the length of time demanded was with an object to deliver the captives at some interior point in Turkey. He states that Miss Stone’s letters were very clear and explicit, and not only implored that her captors’ demands be acceded to, but demanded that the money collected by her friends be paid without question, and that absolute confidence be placed in the brigands.)