Abbas suggests their honor
as long as God wills. He may then return and put all his energies into good works. The holy men say prayers for Hussainy and continue talking.
Hussainy visits Kirsha’s Café to say goodbye to friends and remind them pilgrimage is “a duty for all who can make it”, performed for themselves and for those who cannot. Kamil asks for prayer beads from Mecca. Hussainy promises not to be like the fellow who gives him a shroud and then laughs. He brings this up hoping to pull Abbas out of his misery. This failing, he offers advice: return to Tell el-Kebir today. Work hard, save money, never look back, get over this as a child does measles; be brave, patient, and faithful, and happy that God has chosen him to help those in need. Abbas says vaguely, “Everything will pass just as though it never happened”. Hussainy turns next to the “cleverest fellow in our alley”, Hussain Kirsha, with prayers God will put him in his father’s place. Darwish asks to be remembered during the pilgrimage and to pass along his complaints about the sufferings he has endured from “the Lady of Ladies”. Two relatives are accompanying Hussainy to Suez. On the way out of the alley, Hussainy embraces Alwan and hopes they can make pilgrimage next year together. Alwan answers mechanically. At the entrance, the carriage is loaded with baggage. After final farewells, it rolls away.
Kamil advises Abbas to heed Hussainy, to trust God, and to go. Abbas has told no one, but has gone over the meeting with Hamida many times, knows he still loves her, accepts he has lost her, and looks to avenge her. He tells Kamil he will remain through Sunday and all is in God’s hands. Abbas goes Vita’s Bar, hoping to find Hussain Kirsha, to tell him the story and seek his advice. He wants to stab his rival, but crime and violence go against his nature. He knows he should go to Tell el-Kebir. Hussain is already drunk at the bar, so Abbas drags him out while he still can talk. He announces finding Hamida in the carriage yesterday, relates their conversation, and concludes that the “filthy gangster” must be punished. Hussain sees Hamida as the real criminal. Agreeing on moral grounds, Abbas suggests their honor has been insulted. Recalling his sister has gone to prison in a similar scandal, Hussain hopes Hamida goes to the devil and says Abbas is jealous, not concerned with the alley’s honor; had it been a matter of honor, Abbas would have killed or at least beaten Hamida.
Nevertheless, Hussain agrees to help beat the fellow as often as it takes to get paid off to stop. Revenge and profit go well together. Abbas is surprised and delighted at the clever plan, and Hussein enjoys being praised. He wants to return to Vita’s Bar, but Abbas wants to scout out the tavern where they will meet the enemy. The streets are dark and noisy. Abbas feels elated, having his strong, brave friend beside him. He will let matters with Hamida fall where they may. He points out the flower shop and tavern. As they enter, Hussein looks carefully around, while Abbas sees Hamida entertaining a group of soldiers, is blinded with rage, and screams her name. She orders him to leave, but her voice is like gasoline on flames. Abbas hurls an empty beer glass in her face, making blood spurt. Her screams mingle with the shouts of the drunks who fall on Abbas, beating him from all sides. Hussain watches from the door and hears his friend’s calls, but he can only watch in horror.
