Bumstead v. Bandits

Courteous, Catholic, reasonably sober, slightly bloodthirsty are Mexican bandits, according to U. S. Mining Engineer E. J. Bumstead, captured by Mexican bandits Aug. 25, released for ransom Sept. 15.

Said ransomed Mr. Bumstead, safe at home last week: "My captors . . . control the State of Nayarit. They are orderly and have their lay Catholic exercises morning and evening. They did not molest me in the slightest degree during the whole time I was a prisoner.

"Their salute is 'Viva Cristo al Rey'--'Live, Christ the King,' which is answered by 'Santa Maria Guadalupe'--Mexico's patron saint. They drill daily and strict discipline is observed. They wear blue overalls with yellow and white ribbons on the left sleeve. They seem pretty good fellows and do not drink much. . . .

"During my captivity I slept in a shack surrounded by a guard of 18 men with a captain in charge. My movements were free, but I was always accompanied by guards. My food was dried meat, tortillas and beans, and even when my captors' food was limited I was not left hungry. On one occasion they made a twelve hours' journey on horseback to obtain cigarets for me."

Shrewd Engineer Bumstead was ransomed for only 20,000 pesos ($9,970), after bargaining the bandits down from 30,000 pesos.

Said Bumstead to Bandit Chief when the ransom was paid: "That's a lot of money for you fellows."

Said Bandit to Bumstead: "We need it! . . . And here is your receipt."