The journey was hot and arduous, with the Coldstreams crammed into every carriage. The Guardsmen were suspicious of the khaki-clad colonel who shared the first-class accommodation with their officers.
“Another bloody delay!” somebody shouted as the train slowed down while approaching the city. “We could have marched there faster!”
Jack sighed, nodded to a bristly-moustached major and waited with growing impatience. When the train eased to a stop and showed no inclination to continue, Jack slipped outside and strode to the engine.
“Do you speak English?” He mounted the footplate.
“Yes, please,” the driver said. A burly man, he looked more scared than Jack had expected.
“Has the train broken down?” Jack asked.
“No, effendi,” the driver shook his head.
“Then take us into Cairo,” Jack s
