broad on their own business.

26. Two young emirs from Hadet called. I asked one of them "Where is
Asaad Shidiak at present?"

He replied, "He is with the patriarch."

"And is he contented there?"

"Not very well contented. But what should he do, poor fellow, necessity
is laid upon him."

This remark proves to us, that it is not a secret among the priests and
emirs, that Asaad is detained against his will.

_March 1._ A youth called this morning, and said Asaad Shidiak sent me
salutation. He showed me a line he had received from Asaad the day
before, saying, "If you will pass this way about midnight, I will go
with you to Beyroot." Owing to some circumstance, the young man did not
go to the convent, and now he proposed to take a horse, by which Asaad
may escape to-night.

As we had not perfect confidence in the youth, we did nothing, but
having ascertained his plan, left him to go on as he chose. In the
evening, we had a season of prayer, particularly on his account.

_Escapes and returns to Beyroot._

2. Rose early, and repaired to the room, where Asaad would have been,
had he come; but there were no tidings from him. Little expectation
remained of his coming to-day, and we were not without our fears that
the attempt had miscarried. It was not long, however, before it was
announced, that Asaad was at the door.

The meeting was one of great joy and thanksgiving to us all.--After a
little rest and refreshment, he gave us a brief account of his escape.

He had not seen the youth, who had undertaken to befriend him, but
finding he did not call the night before, as he expected, he resolved
not to wait another day. Therefore, at about twelve o'clock last night,
having written a paper and left it on his bed, with the quotation, "Come
out of her my people," &c. he set off on foot, committing himself to God
for strength and protection. The darkness was such, that he often found
himself out of his road, sometimes miring in mud, and sometimes wading
in rivers. After some hours of weariness and anxiety, he came to the
shore of the sea, where he found a large boat thrown up, under which he
cast himself, and obtained a little rest. After this, he continued his
walk without interruption, till he reached Beyroot.

In the course of the forenoon, a messenger came from the neighbouring
shekh, or sheriff, requesting Asaad to come and see him; adding, that if
he did not come, he would watch an opportunity to take his life.