However, incorrect western colonialist thought is also evident in the book, and the story ends with a correspondent of the author denouncing it as having no basis in fact.
[4] Venturing out of Athens to search for rare plants, he meets a wealthy English mother (Mrs. Rebecca Simons) and daughter (Mary-Ann) touring Greece.
At the same time Hatzistavros is known for cruelty to his victims -- in one case congratulating a subordinate for killing an infant by throwing it into a fire after slaughtering all the other inhabitants of its village.
[7] The English women have their remaining jewelry and possessions taken from them by the Gendarmes, being told by the captain that these need to be kept as evidence at the King's (nonexistent) trial.
In the mean time, Schultz has discovered by listening to the King's dictation that Hatzistavros’ London banker is the same firm, (Barley & Co.), as Mrs. Simon's late husband.