Suddenly a piercing blast woke him from his trance. A river steamer passed within inches of him. His boat rocked violently in its wake. He took the oars and rowed back to the mooring place. The sky was pitch black. Not a star in sight. He suddenly shivered and for the first time that evening felt the winter cold. He walked along the island briskly to keep warm.

It happened while he was crossing the Kasr el-Nil bridge. A large sedan was waiting at the traffic light. A man sat at the wheel. Dignified and obviously well-to-do. That face. Was it possible? The light turned, and the car moved.

Sayed el-Reheimy! The cry rent the cold night air. He chased after the car, running like a maniac. But the car sped on and disappeared from sight. He stopped running, gasping for breath. It was him. Reheimy. After thirty years. He didn’t even get the car’s number. What was the use now? How could he trust his eyes if he didn’t even feel the cold? His senses had deserted him. Reheimy meant nothing to him now. His only hope lay in Karima.

She must be awake now, thinking. A strong bond held them, and yet how he wished to see Elham and confess. The clock in the square showed midnight. He decided to return to the hotel. What a hateful prospect. He shuddered as he passed the building next to the hotel. He remembered the repulsive beggar and wondered where to seek refuge.

Sawi, the doorman, was sitting in Khalil’s chair. He was still awake. Saber dared not enter. But to go out again might raise suspicions.

“You look exhausted,” Sawi said.

“It’s very cold outside,” he said cautiously.

“She rang again,” the doorman said, with a knowing smile.

“Who?”

“You know best.”

Elham! Cowardly! Just like Reheimy.

“Your city offers nothing but problems,” he said bitterly.

“Life is nothing but problems. Any news?”

He realized Sawi was asking about his search. “I’ll look for him tomorrow. At the cemetery.”

He nodded and went up the stairs to his room. Room number thirteen!

CHAPTER ELEVEN

He left his bed at six in the morning without having had a moment’s sleep. All night haunted by dreams, dreams, and more dreams. A quarrel between him and Karima in front of the old man, who didn’t seem to notice him. But if he had dreamed, then he must have fallen asleep. It’s very cold. But you can take it. After all, you’re a hardened criminal. He switched on the light and was shocked to see his right glove still on! He stared at it in horror. He must have gotten rid of the bar and the left glove and forgotten this one. He had gone to the riverbank, strolled around the island, chased after the car, crossed streets, waved to the doorman, and all the time he had his right glove on!