Page:The Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926).djvu/17

 BOOK II.

FEISAL'S FIRST EXTENSION NORTHWARD

My chiefs were astonished at such favourable news, but promised help, and meanwhile sent me back, much against my will, into Arabia. I reached Feisal's camp on the day the Turks carried the defences of Jebel Subh. By their so doing the entire basis of my confidence in a tribal war was destroyed. We havered for a while by Yenbo, hoping to retrieve the position: but the tribesmen proved to be useless for assault, and we saw that if the Revolt was to endure we must invent a new plan of campaign at once. This was hazardous, as the promised British military experts had not yet arrived. However, we decided that to regain the initiative we must ignore the main body of the enemy, and concentrate far off on his railway flank. The first step towards this was to move our base to Wejh: which we proceeded to do in the grand manner.

Chapter 18.—Clayton sends me back (93) Garland (93) Yenbo (95) Chapter 19.—Sherif Abd el Kerim's riding manners (96) a surprise on our road (97) Feisal's explanation of his move (98). Chapter 20.—Feisal's control (101) life at Arab headquarters (102). Chapter 21.—My new clothes (105) return to Yenbo (106) a defeat (107) treachery, perhaps (108) defending our base (109). Chapter 22.—Conflicting policies (111) French and English (112) the military situation develops (113) Wilson gambles on it (114). Chapter 23.—Feisal prepares to move on Wejh (116) troops for his expedition (117) a test raid (118) the Emir Abdulla (119). Chapter 24.—The army marches (120) naval politics (121) civil v. military (122) evacuation of Yenbo (123) my relief (124) Boyle at Um Lejj (124) Wejh plans (125) too forward (125). Chapter 25.—Feisal's staff (126) the routine of a march (127) Ageyl (128) Newcombe overtakes us (130) the route (131). Chapter 26.—Our units (133) good news (135) Wadi Hamdh (139) Chapter 27.—Reinforcements pour in (139) the Navy again (141). Chapter 28.—Boyle's victory (143) we re-organise Wejh (144).

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