NOTORIOUS BRIGAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1922, Page 5

NOTORIOUS BRIGAND.

ARRESTED AT LAST. PROTECTED BY PEASANTS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rome, July 15. Sicily’* classical brigand, Turni Rapisardo, has been arrested in Cantonia after a lapse of nine years. He is a powerful Sicilian and has long been the hero of the country about Mount Etna. When a lad of nineteen, in 1913. he shot two carabineers in an attempt to release his unjustly arrested brother. He fled to the foreats around Etna, where he has operated since. Offers of big rewards and all manner of traps failed to secure him, because the- peasants regarded him as a gallant and generous friend of the weak and poor. He waged war on robbers and common criminals, healed family feuds, restored stolen • property and did other good deeds. During the war he hunted deserters, many of whom were scattered among the mountains. When he caught them he gave them the option of returning to duty or being shot as traitors. Rapisardo was known throughout the eosintry-ide. He rode a big mare richly caparisoned and was followed by three fierce mastiff-. His love of dancing led to his undoing. He went into a village to dance. * Three carabineers waited in ambush and, when Rapisardo and several friends were leaving for home. Rapiaardo found their rifles levelled at hi* breast. ’ His friends fled and Rapisardo surrendered, reproaching his companions as cowards. The carabineers found him armed with three revolvers. 500 cartridges, a hunting knife, and stiletto.

Rapisardo refuses food in prison. Already thousands of countryfolk have signed a petition to the King beseeching pardon for him.