At the ministry, there was gossip about the sick man and his illness. It was said that high blood pressure was a grave indication and an incurable disease. It was also said that Mr. al-Suwayfi might have to retire or at least give up his chief responsibilities. Othman listened to these surmises with interest and his heart pounded with secret delight. He deplored and resented this feeling, as usual; but it also roused his dreams and ambitions. Suddenly the Director General set up a special committee, of which he made him president, for the preparation of the draft budget. The implications of his choice were clear to all. True, nobody questioned his competence, or the propriety of the decision from that point of view. But, it was said, would it not have been more appropriate if the Deputy Director of Administration had presided over the committee to satisfy formalities? Nevertheless, he dedicated all his strength to drawing up the draft so that it might emerge perfect and without a single flaw. He demonstrated his skill in the assignment and coordination of duties as well as in gathering the data required from other departments of the ministry. He personally undertook to do the final balance and write up the preamble to the budget. The work required direct contact with His Excellency the Director General in the form of daily meetings which lasted for an hour and sometimes two, until familiarity replaced formality between them. One day the meeting went on for four hours and the man ordered coffee for him and offered him a cigarette, which he refused politely, as he was not a smoker. Days which filled his heart to the brim with happiness, pride, and hope went by. The man was pleased with his work and he felt that God was pleased with him and that fortune smiled on him. He drew up a model preamble to the draft, which the Director particularly liked, and he felt that he was standing on the very pinnacle of glory.

Hamza al-Suwayfi regained his health and returned to work on the last day of the committee’s work. Othman showed his delight by embracing him and wishing him long life.

“We were lost without you. The Lord be thanked for your recovery!” he said to him.

“What about the draft?” the man inquired.

“It’s been done and the preamble has been written and both are now with His Excellency for consideration. You will see them tomorrow or the day after. But how are you?”

“I’m all right, thank God. They cupped me and prescribed a strict diet. It’s all in God’s hands.”

“Don’t worry. The whole thing is only a passing cloud.”