They had inherited the Turkish systemin the towns,
and were continuing it on a more modest scale.
CHAPTER XMoored in Rabegh lay the NORTHBROOK, an
Indian Marine ship. Before midnight wehalted, and I rolled myself tighter in my
cloak, and chose A.
Did yousee how Mohsin raged when Ali beat
him?
He it was we had tomeet; so our coming was
auspiciously timed.
With regard to the brigade for Rabegh, it was a
complicated question.
The fidelity of road-companions was most dear to
Arab tribesmen.
I FOUND ABDULLA TOOCLEVER, ALI TOO CLEAN, ZEID TOO
COOL.
Astute he certainly was, but not greatly enough to
convinceus always of his sincerity. So they agreed at once, and beganto prepare
against my return some official shelf for me. The Sherifviewed the proposal with
grave distrust. The children of Harith are childrenof battle.
Did yousee how Mohsin raged when Ali beat him?
Ifthe Medina column advanced, the Harb would join it. I decided that I mustescape at
once, if ever.
Consequently, some of the licensees inHejaz
regretted the coming of a native ruler.
His was a very nervous mind, fanciful
andessentially competitive. They feared they would be delayed or driven off the
water if the Arabsknew them. His people werenot notably pro-Turkish, but owed him
obedience. He it was we had tomeet; so our coming was auspiciously timed.
Particularly in Mecca andJidda public opinion was against an Arab state. The servant
came up to say dismally, They will not let me.
Astute he certainly was, but not greatly enough to
convinceus always of his sincerity. THE FIRST, THE SHERIF OF MECCA, WE KNEW TO BE
AGED.
We had asked him to sketchthe genesis of the Arab
movement: and his reply illuminated hischaracter.