More than once he has extorted large sums of ransom money for prisoners.
He has a large following, even here in Vera Cruz, where he maintains his little force of spies and assassins.

Whenever a wealthy Mexican hereabouts has had an enemy that he wanted 'removed,' he has always been able to accomplish his wish with the aid of this same fellow, Cosetta." "Cosetta is in town to-day," Dave remarked.
"Are you sure of that ?" "I saw him here," Darrin replied, quietly.
"Then you must have been the officer in command of last night's landing party." "I was." replied Dave Darrin, shortly.
"Then, Mr.Darrin," said the Consul, earnestly, "I am going to give you a bit of advice that I hope you won't disregard.

Cosetta may feel deep resentment against you, for you thwarted his plans.
Probably, too, you were the cause of laying several of his men low last night.

Cosetta won't forget or forgive you.

Whenever you are in time streets of Vera Cruz I would advise you to keep your eyes wide open.