the situation continues. In contrast to the kidnapper’s feelings,

the situation continues. In contrast to the kidnapper’s feelings, the hostages grow to become more reliant on the abductor, even cooperating with him in some cases. “It happens in every one,” the agent said. “They realize that they owe their lives to the kidnapper - that he has the power of life or death. ”

In this kidnapping, Mr. August said, there were some indications that Ms. Hart had, at some points, cooperated with her abductor. If she did, he added, it was “probably out of fear” for the lives of her son and herself.

On the other hand, the kidnapper must rely on negotiations with law enforcement to have his demands met. And, they will try to exact a price for those concessions. If the kidnapper wants food, he may have to trade a hostage for it. In the Old Hollow situation, Leaf reportedly told the negotiator during the night that he wanted the agents to be quiet so that his son could sleep. They did comply with his request.

If possible, the negotiator will attempt to keep the abductor awake, hoping to wear him down until he falls asleep or drops his guard for a moment, allowing the hostages to escape.

There are, however, limits to the waiting game. The FBI negotiators, whom Mr. August called “the best in the world at what they do,” are veterans of many such situations.

Although again Mr. August refused to discuss techinques, it is generally acknowledged that negotiators have developed psychological profiles of abductors, and are aw are of certain signs which may indicate the individual is considering carrying out the always implicit threat to kill his hostages.

Knowing that, it seems likely that the negotiator handling the situation on Sunday recognized some of those signs in Leaf as the situation wore on. Later, reports indicated that the negotiator had “lost” him twice.