NOTED BRIGAND CHIEF.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1923, Page 1

NOTED BRIGAND CHIEF.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LONDON, .Sept. 12. Mrs I’osita Forbes, who in the intervals between her exploration and adventures, is acknowledged to ho one of the most beautiful and best-dressed women in London, returned last nightfront her latest exploit- of bearding Knisuli, the Moroccan brigand, in liis den. When interviewed, she said: ’‘l am the first white woman to he received by Raisuli. "When I arrived at Tetunu, 1 was met by his agents, who intended that- I should ride over the hills in a red box, strapped to a mule, but when they saw my riding boots they became impressed, anil mounted me on. an Arab stood, which I should say had never had a bit in its mouth. It was night time when I arrived at the village whore Raisttli lives, in a wonderful palace. I have never seen such a man. ITe is almost as broad as lie is long. Yet there is not an ounce of fat. Ho is all solid muscle. He has an enormous squarecut beard, dyed red with henna. 1 lived six weeks in a tent in ißaisuli’s garden, being served by two slaves, men who always bad to go to battle with Raisttli. Three, days in every week Raisttli observes a complete fast. He attributes his perfect health to this abstinence. His men regard him almost as a diety. "When be had a tooth extracted, it was split into minute fragments for numbers of His followers to wear as armlets. They believe he is immune from the dangers of ordinary mortals, and will tie killed only if shot by a golden bullet. Call it a coincidence if you like, the fact remains that Raisuli has never taken precautions for his personal safety. Although men are killed or wounded on either side of him. he is never harmed. He never boasts, but bo tokl most apalling stories of hi.s own brutallifv without a trace of emotion. Raisuli’s son was intended to moot me, but. Raisuli had just taken another wife aged 11. Meantime, the son had been neglecting his studies, so Raisuli, who claims his podigiee goes back to Noah, told the story of his life which is like Arabian Nights.” An up-to-date punishment to which he is partial, is putting out men’s eyes with red hot coins. He is now tired of war. Ho believes that civilsation is inevitable.” Raisuli said: “Civilisation is sight, and sight is greater than blindness. I have made many people blind, but the Spaniards make many see. If any people conquer Morocco, they will be the Spanish doctors with their hospitals.”