OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

282 MAINLY MAIGRET
All hand-embroidered. Have you any news? You smell of
scent...."
A little of Adele's strong perfume must have clung to him. A
perfume as common as the blue wine you get at a bistro. For months
it had mingled on the trawler with the rank smell of cod, whilst
three men prowled round and round a cabin, obstinate and surly
as dogs.
" Sleep well!" he said as he drew the cover up to her chin.
And he imprinted a deep solemn kiss on his sleeping wife's
forehead.
6. Three Who Were Innocent
THE scene was simple, the usual setting for such meetings, in this
case the little prison office. Superintendent Girard of Le Havre,
who was in charge of the case, occupied the only chair. Maigret
leaned against the black marble mantelpiece. On the walls were
diagrams, official announcements, and a portrait of the President of
the Republic.
Standing in the glare of the light was Gaston Buzier with his
yellow shoes on.
" Bring in the radio operator! "
The door opened. Pierre Le Clinche, who had been told nothing,
came forward frowning like a man who is suffering and awaits fresh
trials. He saw Buzier, but he did not take any notice of him. He
looked round, wondering" where he should turn to.
Adele's lover, however, scrutinized him from head to foot, his
lip curling.
Le Clinche looked rumpled, and his face was grey. He neither
tried to carry off nor to conceal his dejection. He was as miserable
as a sick beast.
" Do you recognize the man in front of you? "
He looked at Buzier and seemed to search his memory.
"No! Who is he?"
" Look him over carefully."
Le Clinche obeyed, and as soon as he came to his feet he raised
his head.