It is not surprising that Kishkumen would have been able to avoid detection after his initial escape. The ancient world did not have photographs, did not have newspapers, and one would be known only by acquaintances. If Kishkumen were not a frequent visitor to the chief judge’s judgment seat, there would be no one who would recognize him. By making a covenant with those who did know him, they mutually assured his anonymity from his action.
In this verse it is the act of the oath that will be the most important. This covenant to achieve their desires by illicit means creates the beginnings of the Gadianton robbers and their secret covenants and actions.