Different bands of bandit raiders have visited the Carmody plantation from time to time within the last two years, stealing stock and supplies, and levying money blackmail, until Carmody found himself practically ruined, unless the present crops should turn out well.
"Three weeks ago Carmody learned that it was high time for isolated Americans to reach the protection of some large town.

Attended by two peons (native laborers), and travelling on mule back, the party started through the mountains for Vera Cruz.

Four hours out from the plantation the party was halted by a score of men led by a brigand named Cosetta, who is reported to be the right hand man of the notorious Zapata himself.
"Cosetta, it appears, believed that he could force Carmody to pay a large indemnity, in money, for the release of himself and family and their woman friends.

First of all, the Americans were taken to a house near a deserted sugar mill, somewhere on the coast opposite us.

This sugar mill stands on a lagoon, and that is as much of a description as Carmody could furnish in his hastily penned letter.