and we hastened to the scene of action.
Lessandro is a small low islet, perhaps a hundred yards long by forty
or fifty wide; at one end was the principal, at the other, a minor
fort. The first consisted of a thick round tower, flat at top, where
their largest gun was mounted. This was surrounded by a low wall, with
two small bastions at different angles; the other was a square
building, with a bastion at one corner, containing, I believe, the
stores. All over the island were the tents of the soldiers--that of
the commander distinguished by a red flag. I think I counted about
forty. The Montenegrians declared they had in the island five hundred
men. Not one was visible however, the whole day. Under the lee of the
chief fort was anchored a small gun-boat from Scutari. On one side of
Lessandro rises, in immediate proximity, the mountainous island of
Vranina. It was here that the Vladika at first wished to have taken up
his position; but boats, it was said, were wanting to transport his
men and munitions. Had he attempted this, a serious encounter would
probably have taken place; but he had given up the idea, and it was as
in consequence of this that we had met the men returning home the day
before. The spot he fixed on was a mountain directly opposite Vranina,
but at a greater distance from the object of attack. He had not with
him altogether above fifty men. This time we had once more to pass
within a quarter of a mile of the fort; and as we were a boat-load of
armed men hastening to headquarters, I somewhat expected they might
have condescended to notice us. Such, however, was not the case; and
we landed and ascended the hill to where the battery was placed. We
had not been there long before the Vladika, who was on a higher part
of the ground, having heard of our arrival, came down to meet us. I
felt for a moment rather modest, and began to wonder what business I
had there. However, we advanced with all boldness, and soon
distinguished the chieftain from his attendants by his giant stature.
No bishop's cassock covered his towering form. Clothed in scarlet and
gold, he descended the hill with the true Albanian strut. His manner
was frank and cordial; and on his invitation we all three sat down on
the grass to partake of a camp luncheon. The Vladika was then in the
thirty-fifth year of his age. In truth, he was a goodly man--a very
Saul among his people. His height I should think very nearly midway
between six and seven fe