Sun 28. [28 January 1900] Fine morning but a cold strong wind sprang
up. We went, however to the Pools of Soloman [Solomon's Pools].
We turned off at Bait Jala [Beit Jala] and went up onto the Ras - a
shocking road. It was horrid, very windy and no view. An ineffectual
Arab led Kartanawy and he and Asad fought to my great horror, for I
expected to see Charlotte fall a victim in the fray. However we got
down all right. Past a little spring to El Khadr [Khadr], an ugly spot with
a great stretch of green cornfield in front of it. Visited the Greek
monastery of Mar Jiryis and saw a madman tied by chains to the wall
outside the church door. The priest said: [Arabic characters] which I
should think doubtful as they seem to be treated with bread and water
and the stick. On to El Burak where we arrived at 1.45 very hungry
and found Abd and the lunch. Pretty cold. Curious square Saracen
fort about the 3 reservoirs. We visited the Sealed Fountain. Very little
water in the tanks. Rode down the valley following the aqueduct (the
water was mostly in the path) above Artas, to Bethlehem [(Beit Lahm)]
and so home. Very tired.