rotection, the planting of Serb colonies and ultimate annexation.
Russia was actively endeavouring to peg out fresh Serb claims. The
Russian Consul at Mitrovitza, M. Shtcherbina, had taken part in a
fight against the Albanians and was mortally wounded, it was
reported, while he was serving a gun.

Russia, in fact, having already made sure of the removal of the
pro-Austrian Obrenovitches and being in close touch with Montenegro
and Bulgaria was planning another coup in the Balkans. Albania was
resisting it. The Turks under pressure from the Powers were striving
to smooth matters down sufficiently to stave off the final crash
that drew ever nearer. They arrested a number of headmen and exacted
some punishment for Shtcherbina's death. Though if a consul chooses
to take part in a local fight he alone is responsible for results.

I had, in fact, arrived at a critical moment. The Turkish
authorities telegraphed all over the country to know what they were
to do about me. My Montenegrin guide showed anxiety also and begged
me on no account to reveal his origin.

From a little hill belonging to the Patriarchia I saw the widespread
Turkish camp on the plain.

The Igumen and the few monks and visitors gave me the Serb point of
view. Because some six centuries ago the Sveti Kralj had been
crowned in the church they regarded the land as rightfully and
inalienably Serb. They looked forward to the arrival of Russian
armies that should exterminate all that was not Serb. Shtcherbina to
them was a Christ-like man who had died to save them, and they
treasured his portrait. Russia, only the year before, had insisted
on planting a Consul at Mitrovitza against the wish of the Turkish
Government. Serb hopes had been raised. And it was possible that his
presence had in fact caused the fight.

They admitted, however, that the Turks were responsible for the
state of Albania, for they prohibited the formation of Albanian
schools and made progress impossible; an independent Albania would
be better.

News of the deaths of Alexander and Draga had reached Ipek, but no
details, for Serbian papers could only be smuggled in with great
difficulty. I gathered that the murders caused some anxiety, for a
great movement against the Turks was planned, and owing to the
upheaval in Serbia, perhaps Serbia would not now take part. As I was
English they believed that the Turks would be obliged to permit me
to travel further if I pleased. But they implored