Drink is the primary cause of much of the crime committed in Chile. It is in the despachos and roadhouses that secrets are divulged, confidences exchanged and robberies planned. There peons and inquilinos employed on farms and large haciendas reveal to the thieves, with whom they are often on friendly terms, the plans of their master’s properties, private roads, where animals are pastured, means of gaining entrance into houses, when sales of stock were made, the amount of money received and where it is kept. A robbery is proposed to the intoxicated servants, who readily acquiesce, more out of drunken gratitude for the liquor furnished by the thieves, than any motive of crime or gain. They are often induced to act as guides in directing the bandits to the home of their master. In this manner the cunning thieves protect themselves by making a shield of the servants, claiming in the event of detection before an assault is made, that they were only accompanying their friends home. When the house is reached one of the robbers goes to the door and raps. When the summons is answered he invents some plausible story of friendship, to induce those within to admit him. If refused he pleads that it be opened far enough to enable the persons addressed to recognize him. If the door is opened the robbers rush in, usually firing several shots in the house to terrify the inmates. Once inside no resistance is made to their helping themselves and pillaging the place, as the people know too well the cruel and heartless nature of the roto bandit. In the meantime the servants who piloted the marauders to the house have gone to their respective huts, as nothing could induce them to commit an assault upon their master’s house; neither do they share in the benefits of the robbery. When satisfied that they have secured all the money in the house, and helped themselves to such food, drink, clothing or riding equipment as they may find and fancy, the robbers leave, threatening to return and murder the entire family, if an attempt is made to identify and punish them. Bandits have private roads, usually on the higher ranges of hills, and as far as possible from the main thoroughfares. These bridle paths are much used at night, and if closed by a fence, are at once reopened. The men who infest these secret by-ways leading out from main traveled highways, and from one community to another, cannot be considered brave. They usually depend upon superior numbers, or the non-resident character of their victims, aided by cunning and diplomatic deceit. In self-defense, to avoid arrest or to secure their freedom, they will fight desperately, and without regard for life. Many well-to-do people find it convenient to recognize this lawless class, for the reason that life and property are much more secure to friends of the bandits than is the case with those who seek to rid the country of their presence.