BSY_FB_28-149

Jan. 4th '05 - Same families here since 4th century - Surviving the persecutions of Mohammadens,
& Druses. - They are still orthodox Greeks. These Christians at 'Aaz own about 100 acres of
ground, & the Druse are about to take it away from them. Two Christians called at our tents to-night
the only ones that have been allowed to call on us in two months, & told us their trials
300 souls here - no priest, no church. Christians are always kept away from us & are
practically slaves of the Druse.

Jan. 1st '05 stopped - Rome with traces of her granduer & power scattered
far thousands of miles to the N.E. & still the marvel of mankind.

Jan. 12th '05. Left Sameh 4.49 P.M. and returned to il-umta'îyeh
by same route, crossing Wadi butm 5.07, arriving il-umta'îyeh 5.45
Road G.S. & rolling - Guide mounted pace 3 1/4 miles per hour.

Jan. 13th '05 laughter at his wildness. They soon got his confidence
and he put up his gun & came forward. I gave him a cigarette and then he was
comfortable saying he was not afraid anymore, but that every body was
his enemy and he had to be careful. He was a magnificent speciment of
his race, with handsome finely chisled features, long tapering hands
about 22 years old - height 5'9" or 10", weight 160 lbs. and graceful
in movemnet, and carriage, with beautiful teeth. He showed us with