OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

304 MAINLY MAIGRET
But now the man was looking at them with an offended
expression.
" What do you want with me? " he mumbled at Maigret.
" Nothing at all "
All the sailors were following the scene without interrupting
their game of dominoes.
" Because you'd better tell me! Perhaps I haven't the right to
drink? .. ."
" Of course you have."
" Tell me I haven't the right to drink . . ." he repeated with
drunken obstinacy.
The inspector's eyes lighted on die black band he was wearing
on his red blouse.
" Well, what do you both want, snooping round and talking
about me? "
Leon signed to Maigret not to answer, but went up to his
client.
" Come on now, no scenes, Canut.... It's not you the
inspector's talking about, but this boy who's put a bullet in
himself.. .."
" Serves him right! Is he dead? "
" No! . . . Perhaps they'll be able to save him...."
" Pity! I wish they were all dead! . . ."
Those words made a powerful impression. All faces were turned
towards Canut. And he felt a need to shout louder:
" Yes, the whole lot of you! "
L£on was worried. He looked appealingly at everyone and made
a hopeless gesture in Maigret's direction.
" Go on! Off to bed.... Your wife's waiting for you...."
"Go to hell!"
" Tomorrow you won't even have enough guts left to lift your
nets "
The drunken man sneered. P'tit Louis took the opportunity to
call Julie.
" How much is that? "
" Are you paying for both rounds? "
" Yes, you can charge it to my account. I'll be getting my
advance tomorrow before we sail.. .."
He rose automatically, imitated by the Breton, who followed his
every step. He touched his cap. He did it again in Maigret's
direction.