It is not surprising that Kishkumen avoided detection after making his escape. The ancient world did not have photographs or newspapers; one’s features would be recognized only by acquaintances. If Kishkumen had not previously visited the chief judge’s judgment seat, Pahoran2’s servants could not have recognized him. The covenant of secrecy with those who did know him assured that he would remain anonymous.
This covenant to achieve their desires by illicit means marks the beginning of the Gadianton robbers and their secret combinations. Above and beyond the simple reporting of history, Mormon is including this event because from it he traces the beginnings of secret combinations in Nephite society. For Mormon, this covenant among conspirators is more important than the actual murder. Political assassinations will become a defining trait of the Gadianton robbers.