The Crime of the Camora

The life of Detective Taris, one of the greatest criminal hunters in Italy, would have been prolonged if duty had not compelled him to be hated by the most noted gang of cut-throats that ever existed in the suburbs of Naples. Italy, under the leadership of Occhisbelli, the brains of the local Camora. Owing to heavy political activities, several large sums of money had been deposited in the Commercial Bank, Gerad, in order to meet the expenses of a general election. The bank had been victims of several small robberies lately, and the heavy deposits induced the director general to have a guard placed around the bank in order to safeguard the money entrusted in his care. The chief of the police, after consulting with the director, orders Detective Taris and a few trusted men, to keep watch on the bank. Occhisbelli, the Camorist, obtains reliable information as to the large amount of money deposited, but it is hard for him to break in. Some new way must be formed to enter the hank. The photograph of the head of the watchman is procured, and Occhisbelli disguises himself accordingly. He has no trouble in getting past the outside guards and the watchman. Entering the room where the safes are, he sees the detective. Without any hesitancy he goes for the detective. A terrible struggle starts, where one man fights for his life and honor, and the bandit to keep his neck from the gallows. The straggle ends and there is another murder added to the long list of crimes indicted to the Camora. Having killed the detective, he looks around, takes what he can easily carry in money, and leaves the building. Nobody attempts to stop him as the disguise is perfect. He is taken for the watchman. At the door he meets the guards placed there by the detective, Taris, but little did they suspect that their chief had lost his life in the course of duty. They don't recognize Occhisbelli disguised as the watchman. Next morning the real watchman opens the door of the bank and meets other night employees. Stunned for the moment, they cannot understand how he went out. In a few moments the terrible truth dawns on them and they rush to the strong room and find Detective Taris foully murdered. Ida Tarts, his daughter, is informed of the terrible sacrifice her father has made for duty and wants to bring the guilty to justice. She requests the chief of the secret police for a detective badge for only a temporary appointment. The chief, knowing that Ida being a clever young woman, who has ofte