cle of the
prisoners strolling freely up and down their garden. As we neared the
square sounds of singing and music assailed our ears, and in front of
the women's quarters a large ring was swaying to and fro in the
national dance termed "kolo." Men and women were performing together,
otherwise the sexes are kept severely apart, while others sat around
in groups partaking of wine and food which their friends or relations
had brought them, and they all sat chatting and laughing together as
though this were their natural state of existence.

"The prisoners," I said, pointing to the dancers.

"Nonsense," said the German.

"Come nearer and listen," I answered, for even I had my doubts for the
moment; but my ear had caught the clanking of chains above the wild
music.

They were the prisoners right enough, and many of the men moved
heavily and awkwardly to the slow rhythm of the motion. It is not easy
to dance with such ornaments as are provided free and gratis by the
paternal Prince to curb an exuberance of spirits.

[Illustration: THE PRISONERS DANCING]

A great trial that the photographer has to undergo, be he professional
or a strolling amateur, is the immediate demand for the picture. The
mysteries of dark rooms and developing are not to be lightly
explained, and the refusal to show the picture, for which the vain
Montenegrins have so willingly stood, is accounted churlish. They are
only appeased with a promise of a picture a few weeks later. Their
names and addresses are hurriedly scribbled and handed with many
peremptory requests for the picture to be sent as soon as possible.

Just before we left Cetinje, on our way to Podgorica, during our first
visit, a bowing and deeply humble individual accosted us in the hotel.
When he had straightened himself up a bit, and we could see his face,
we recognised one of the prison warders. After many expressions of
sorrow for disturbing us, we gathered that on the occasion of our
visit to the prison only three of the four warders had been present.
The fourth--and it would appear the head warder--had arrived after our
departure, and learning of the photographs and his omission, had made
things a bit hot for his three favoured confreres. Therefore would we
of our goodness come and photograph him, and thus make life worth
living again? Would we restore the peace and harmony of that little
community?

With sorrow we declined, our carriage awaited us, and the day was hot.
Some