OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

A CRIME IN HOLLAND *53
bicycle-shed, the well-kept vegetable garden, the fields out beyond,
and the town of Delfzijl with its low houses. Few had more than one
story, and not one had more than two.
Any waited in the doorway.
" I hear you're making your investigations too," said Maigret
to her.
She winced, but made no answer, and hastily turned to open the
door of the room Professor Duclos had occupied.
A brass bedstead. A pitch-pine wardrobe. The floor covered with
linoleum.
" Whose room is this as a rule? "
It cost her an effort to find her words.
" Mine . .. when I stay here."
" Do you come often? "
" Yes.... I. . ."
It must have been her shyness. The sound seemed to be strangled
in her throat. She looked round her as though for a way of escape.
" But, as the professor was here, I suppose you slept in your
brother-in-law's study? "
She nodded, and opened the door for him to inspect it. A table
was laden with books, including some new handbooks on gyroscopic
compasses and the control of ships by wireless. Sextants.
Photographs on the walls showed Conrad Popinga in Asia and in
Africa wearing the uniform of first officer or captain.
A divan covered with blue repp.
" And your sister's room? "
" It's the next one."
There was a door leading to it, as well as one leading to the
professor's room. The Popingas' room was better furnished than
the latter. An alabaster lamp stood at the head of the bed, and the
Persian carpet was quite a fine one. The furniture was of some exotic
wood.
" And you were in the siudy ..." said Maigret dreamily.
A nod from Any.
" Which you could only leave by passing through one of the two
bedrooms. ..."
Another nod.
" And the professor was in his room, and your sister in hers . .."
Any's eyes widened. She opened her mouth, gaping with
astonishment.
" You don't imagine . . . ? "