Kadokuro and Mizoguchi left here last week in the launch Hsieh Shun, used as a tug for two junks with goods destined for Hsinshi Soon after leaving Kashing the little flotilla was suddenly subjected to a barrage of rifle fire and hand-grenades.
Miraculously escaping injur two men replied with their pistols. They were compelled, however, to give up resistance when the launch was sunk and most of the Chinese members of the crew were killed.
While the Japanese were be bound, two or three Chinese laodah managed to escape. On reaching Hsinshi, they reported the attack to ihe Peace Maintenance Commission, which immediately opened negotiations with the band.
The Japanese military authorities at Nanzin (Nanhsun), about 20 miles north-east of Hsinshi were also notified.
Following a few meetings between representatives of the Commission and Chou Ching-san, head of the outlaws, the ransom was fixed at $12,000.
The band of about 100 men, who attacked the launch, was said by the "Mainichi" to form a part of a little army of 2000 men, of whom about 700 are armed with rifles.
Informed of her husband's release, Mrs. Kadokura tearfully said:
"Im so happy he is free again, even if he be the one man injured."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.