Jimgrim by Talbot Mundy

The army's precipitate flight from the scene had been strategic. As we threaded our way across Cairo again to find Grim detachments were re-entering the city from several directions, someone had taken the responsibility of letting the men have rifle ammunition, and we saw one volley fired over the heads of a mob that immediately took to its heels, and I think that was the only volley fired that afternoon.

We found Grim at the High Commissioner's in a big bay-windowed room where sunlight formed a golden pool on the enormous Turkey carpet. In the midst of it sat Grim. The High Commissioner was not there, but his secretary was, and so were the legal members of his council. There were also three Egyptian officials of high rank and a British Brigadier-General who was trying to disguise for Grim under an air of professional incredulity. As we were ushered into the room I heard him say --