The very name stood for freedom, for nationality, against foreign 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.