Part 2: The Khatun, Chapters 17, 18, 19 and 20 Summary and Analysis

Lawrence meets up with Gertrude in Basrah and their professional regard for each other deepens. Lawrence hopes that Gertrude will return to Cairo but she prefers the work in Basrah because she is uniquely qualified to learn about the activities of the Arab tribes. Gertrude braves wartime skirmishes and blistering heat to travel the area in search of information along the Euphrates River. Gertrude is unhappy that she must continue to function in an unofficial capacity which hinders her progress and status. Finally, Gertrude is named a full member of Sir Percy Cox's Political Staff of the India Expeditionary Force D, making her the only female Political Officer in the British forces.

Gertrude's role is to keep track of Ibn Saud and Ibn Rashid as well as monitor activities of the German spies...