ESCAPE The failure of my attempt to leave the country only sharpened my desire to make another trial.

The danger of the enterprise tended to reconcile me to deserting my family and comrades and seeking safety for myself.

As I racked my brain for a promising plan, a letter came from my sister in Beirut with two pieces of news which were responsible for my final escape.

The American College was shortly to close for the summer, and the U.S.S.Chester was to sail for Alexandria with refugees aboard.
Beirut is a four days' trip from our village, and roads are unsafe.

It was out of the question to permit my sister to come home alone, and it was impossible for any of us to get leave to go after her; nor did we want to have her at home in the unsettled condition of the country.