gn oppression; and the bold
mountaineers were devoted to it, as in other free countries men
follow the flag.

Such loyalty was a power and a help in the land, for it knew danger
in every form; and anything which aided the cohesion of its integers
was a natural asset. On every side other powers, great and small,
pressed the land, anxious to acquire its suzerainty by any
means--fraud or force. Greece, Turkey, Austria, Russia, Italy,
France, had all tried in vain. Russia, often hurled back, was
waiting an opportunity to attack. Austria and Greece, although
united by no common purpose or design, were ready to throw in their
forces with whomsoever might seem most likely to be victor. Other
Balkan States, too, were not lacking in desire to add the little
territory of the Blue Mountains to their more ample possessions.
Albania, Dalmatia, Herzegovina, Servia, Bulgaria, looked with lustful
eyes on the land, which was in itself a vast natural fortress, having
close under its shelter perhaps the finest harbour between Gibraltar
and the Dardanelles.

But the fierce, hardy mountaineers were unconquerable. For centuries
they had fought, with a fervour and fury that nothing could withstand
or abate, attacks on their independence. Time after time, century
after century, they had opposed with dauntless front invading armies
sent against them. This unquenchable fire of freedom had had its
effect. One and all, the great Powers knew that to conquer that
little nation would be no mean task, but rather that of a tireless
giant. Over and over again had they fought with units against
hundreds, never ceasing until they had either wiped out their foes
entirely or seen them retreat across the frontier in diminished
numbers.

For many years past, however, the Land of the Blue Mountains had
remained unassailable, for all the Powers and States had feared lest
the others should unite against the one who should begin the attack.

At the time I speak of there was a feeling throughout the Blue
Mountains--and, indeed, elsewhere--that Turkey was preparing for a
war of offence. The objective of her attack was not known anywhere,
but here there was evidence that the Turkish "Bureau of Spies" was in
active exercise towards their sturdy little neighbour. To prepare
for this, the Voivode Peter Vissa