The Turks and Germans were so paralyzed and bewildered by the unexpected achievement of the Arabs in getting across the mountains and through the passes that they surrendered without further ado. Immediately after the entrance into Akaba a German officer stepped up and saluted Lawrence. He spoke neither Turkish nor Arabic and evidently did not even know there was a revolution in progress.
“What is all this about? What is all this about? Who are these men?” he shouted excitedly.
“They belong to the army of King Hussein”—the Grand Shereef had by this time proclaimed himself king—“who is in revolt against the Turks,” replied Lawrence.
“Who is King Hussein?” asked the German.
“Emir of Mecca and ruler of this part of Arabia, was the reply.
“Ach Himmel! And what am I?” added the German officer in English.
“You are a prisoner.”
“Will they take me to Mecca?”
“No, to Egypt.”
“Is sugar very high over there?”