OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

A CRIME IN HOLLAND *59
the windows of the farm. The song of the frogs seemed to be following
them. They had walked a considerable distance since it first
started, yet it was now as close as ever. In fact, it seemed as though
the frogs were all round them, hundreds of them, escorting them on
their way*
When Cornelius stopped next, it was no hesitation, but a decisive
halt. He was barely a hundred yards from the house. A figure
emerged from behind a tree-trunk. A voice spoke in a whisper.
Maigret did not want to turn back. It would have been too
ridiculous. Nor did he want to hide. Besides, it was too late to hide,
now that he had passed through the rays of the lighthouse. They
knew he was there. He walked forward slowly, disconcerted that
his steps had no longer an accompaniment.
It was very dark here, as leafy trees hemmed in the road on
either hand. But a white glove was visible. Was it holding something?
Or rather, pressing something to him? . ..
Yes, they were embracing. Cor's arm was round Beetje's waist.
He was only fifty paces from them. Maigret halted, felt for his
matches, and struck one, ostensibly to light his pipe, but really to
give official notice of his presence.
Then he went on. The couple stirred. When he was ten yards
away, Beetje's figure detached itself from Cor's. She came forward
and stood in the middle of the road, looking in Maigret's direction
as though waiting for him. Cor remained leaning against the trunk
of the tree.
Maigret had almost reached them. The window in the farm was
still lit up. A simple rectangle of reddish light.
Suddenly a cry—raucous, indescribable—a cry of fear, of exasperation—one
of those cries which ushers in a fit of sobbing or
a flood of tears.
It was Cornelius. His head was in his hands as he stood cowering
against the tree. He was sobbing.
Beetje was right in froiit of Maigret now. She was wearing an
overcoat, but the inspector noticed that beneath it was her nightgown.
Her bare feet were in slippers.
" Don't take any notice of him."
For her part, Beetje was perfectly calm. In fact, she even threw
Cornelius a reproving, impatient glance.
Turning his back on them, the latter tried to pull himself together.
He was ashamed to be seen in such a state, yet he could not
control it.