OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

A CRIME IN HOLLAND 177
It was difficult to say how it had come about, but the case seemed
already to have slipped out of the Dutchman's hands and inta
Maigret's. At all events, the look which Pijpekamp turned on the
inspector was very much like a subordinate's.
" You might go into those two points.... I've someone I must
go and see. ..."
Pijpekamp was too polite to ask who it was, though his eyes
betrayed his curiosity.
" Beetje Liewens," said Maigret. " Which is the shortest way
from here? "
" Along the Amsterdiep."
The Delfzijl pilot-boat, a fine steamer of five hundred tons,,
turned in a wide circle on the Ems, then headed towards the port.
The Baes was on his feet now, pacing up and down his little deck
with slow heavy strides that none the less betrayed an inward
tension. A hundred yards from him the Quay Rats Club basked
lazily in the sun.
6. The Letters
ALONG the Amsterdiep, Pijpekamp had said; but for no particular
reason Maigret didn't follow his instructions. Instead, he went across
the fields.
In the eleven o'clock sun, the farm reminded him strongly of his
first visit there, the girl in her shiny black boots in the up-to-date
cow-shed, the well-furnished sitting-room, and the teapot standing
under its cosy.
The scene was just as quiet today. The limitless horizon breathed
peace. It was uninterrupted save by one big red-brown sail. He
gazed at it across the meadow. It seemed altogether unreal, floating
in the sky, almost as though it were sailing over an ocean of grass.
The dog barked at him, just as it had the first time. It was a good
five minutes before the door opened, but even then it was only
opened an inch or two, just enough for him to catch a glimpse of
the servant's florid face and her check apron.
She was on the point of shutting it again when Maigret hastily
asked :
G