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    PR # 32213                                                                   
     We have discovered an exceptionally bright X-ray quasar at $z$ =            
     4.30. In addition to providing important new information relevant to        
     quasar absorption and evolution studies, an $ASCA$ observation will         
     afford a unique look at the quasar's high-energy properties since its       
      2--50 keV rest spectrum is redshifted into $ASCA$'s .3--10 keV range       
     . We intend to take advantage of this opportunity to search for the         
       Compton reflection component theorized to be present in the hard          
       X-ray spectra of AGNs. The direct detection of this component, whic       
     h peaks at 20--30 keV (rest), would be important to our understanding       
       of the structure and energetics of AGNs and would lend strong suppo       
     rtto the idea that this component is responsible for the shape of the       
      X-ray background spectrum.                                                 
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