Chapter I: Foreword

That TRUTH IS STRANGER THAN FICTION is amply illustrated in the following gripping narrative. I have read practically all the stories and yarns of this war, many in their original languages, but I have found none to surpass this interesting tale. In the years to come, all men, especially those "who go down to the sea in ships," will find in these adventures some very profitable lessons in perseverance, resourcefulness and courage. Although this feat may be dimmed by the light of the major operations of the war, I predict that no reader who has once started to read this book will fail to complete it, nor on completion, will he fail to say that he has enjoyed a most interesting series of adventures.

J. H. KLEIN, JR.,
_Lieutenant, U.S. Navy_.

WASHINGTON, D.C.
3 January, 1917

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
I. KEELING ISLAND 1

II. THE _AYESHA_ 12

III. ON BOARD 27

IV. A FINE DAY ON BOARD 39

V. AN UNEASY DAY 45

VI. PADANG 53

VII. THE MEETING WITH THE _CHOISING_ 76

VIII. THE PASSING OF THE _AYESHA_ 88

IX. FROM PERIM TO HODEIDA 98

X. ON TO SANAA 121

XI. SHIPWRECK 140

XII. THE ATTACK 160

XIII. TO THE RAILROAD 204

XIV. HOMEWARD BOUND 220

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Kapitänleutnant von Mücke (after his return) _Frontispiece_

The _Ayesha_ _page_ 16

Von Mücke (from an earlier photograph) " 72

View of Hodeida }
Crossing the Desert} " 132

Map of Arabia " 166

Map showing the entire trip from Keeling
Islands to Constantinople " 218

THE "AYESHA"