ght us up, and we continued
our way.

Later on we emerged from the woods, and, still climbing, we rode for
the remaining distance on magnificent grassy slopes far above the
forest belt. Several snow-patches still lay unmelted in the shady
hollows, and often far below us. From this ridge we obtained our first
good view of the lofty Kom, the second highest mountain in Montenegro,
and our ultimate destination.

These great downs, across which we rode, had been only thrown open to
the public, so to say, a few days ago, and were full of flocks of
sheep and goats and large herds of cattle, grazing to their hearts'
content after their long winter's imprisonment in the villages below.
The Government fix the date when the shepherds may migrate into the
mountain pasturages and when they must leave again for the lowlands.

We overtook or met several parties of Montenegrins, and even Turks,
for the border is not far distant, travelling from place to place. We
were viewed with obvious interest, and invariably greeted with
respect, though there is nothing of subservience in a Montenegrin's
salute. He feels himself in no way your inferior as a man until you
have proved your superiority in shooting or physical strength.

In this part of the country Dr. S. always told the peasants that we
were engineers, as a road is being contemplated.

About seven p.m. we branched off from the main path, and descended on
foot a steep path into a thickly wooded valley. In a clearing of the
trees stood a collection of wooden huts, a summer village of
shepherds, called Raskrsnica.

It was our halting-place, and as our visit had been notified, we were
received by a schoolmaster and taken to his hut, which was placed at
our disposal.

No schools are held during the summer months, and the teachers often
turn shepherds, as in this case, and migrate with their flocks to the
mountains.

CHAPTER XIII

A typical mountain hut--Costume of the north-eastern borderers--Supper
and a song--We go out hunting, and cause excitement--The Feast of
Honour--We ride to Andrijevica--Andrijevica and our inn--The
Voivoda--We go to church--Turkish visitors--Alarums.

[Illustration: OUR HUT AT RASKRSNICA]

It was nearly dark by the time that we were unloaded and had got our
traps into our hut. As half our time was spent in similar
constructions during our mountain tour, it may be as well to describe
them now.

They are usually built entirely of wood, rough