chapters xxxix to liv

the port of akaba was naturally so strong that it could be taken only by surprise from inland: but the opportune adherence to feisal of auda abu tayi made us hope to enrol enough tribesmen in the eastern desert for such a descent upon the coast.

nasir, auda, and i set off together on the long ride. hitherto feisal had been the public leader: but his remaining in wejh threw the ungrateful load of this northern expedition upon myself. i accepted it and its dishonest implication as our only means of victory. we tricked the turks and entered akaba with good fortune.