re
he was finally out of hearing. The Turkish fortress of Dzabiack now
appeared perched on a steep isolated hill rising from the marsh. It
seemed, as we passed it about two miles off, to be in a very
dilapidated condition. The Montenegrians, however, had at present no
designs upon it; and its garrison maintained a peaceful neutrality.
They have on several occasions destroyed this fortress, which has been
occupied again by the Turks. It gives then little annoyance, being
distant, I should think, five miles from the head of the lake. All was
now water, but the principal channels above were passable, the rest
being overgrown with weeds. At several of these, long consultations
occurred as to our best route. It began to rain a little, and the
place of our destination seemed doubtful. At length we emerged on the
broad beautiful lake, and our progress was easy. We soon came in sight
of the beleaguered island and fortress of Lessandro. The cannonade,
which we had heard during the earlier part of the day, had long
ceased, and all seemed quiet. It was still twilight, but the place to
which our people had determined on going, lay beyond the foot of a
mountain which projected to a nearer approach with the island. This
was the very mountain on the top of which the Vladika had placed his
batteries. They considered it prudent, therefore, to wait till dark,
before passing within point-blank range of the enemy's guns. We,
therefore, hauled the boat up, and waited under lee of the point. As
soon as the light had failed, we moved forward, passing stealthily
along the shore to within about three hundred yards of the fort. The
previous garrulity of our party was now hushed, and they exhibited the
most laudable prudence. I observed, however, that they had all their
guns cocked and ready, as if they intended to have returned any
compliment from the fortress; but no such contingency was at hand. The
Albanians were engaged in chanting martial choruses, possibly to
maintain their own valour as well as dismay their opponents, and show
what excellent health and spirits they possessed after the two days'
siege. At any rate, they made too much noise to hear any thing but
themselves. As we went along shore, we were several times challenged
by those on the look-out, and long explanations passed in low yet
distinct tones. At length the danger was passed, and we went a-head
for about two miles along the lake; then, turning off up a deep
sluggish stream,