They know of no brigandage here, and cannot find a brigand.

But if the reward is great enough to divide, they know where to offer a share of it, in lieu of a ransom, and will force the brigands to accept it.

In that way the police gets the glory of a rescue and a share of the spoils.

If we offer no reward, or an insignificant one, the brigands will be allowed to act as they please." "That is outrageous!" exclaimed Beth.
"Yes.

The Italian government deplores it.