OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

THE SAILORS' RENDEZVOUS 319
Alone, running to the rescue of her fianc£, she had a certain
charm. At least she was touching.
But seen with her family it was different. It was too suggestive
of the shop at Quimper, the discussions before her departure, the
gossiping neighbours.
" You're asking me whether he killed Captain Fallut? "
" Yes. . . . You'll understand that it is essential."
Maigret looked straight in front of him with his most distant
expression.
" Well. . ."
He could see that the girl's hands were trembling.
" He didn't kill him. You'll excuse me ... I have most urgent
business. I expect I'll have the pleasure of seeing you again quite
soon."
He fled! He even upset a chair on the terrace. He could guess that
they were struck all of a heap, but he did not look round to see.
On the quay he kept to the pavement, away from the Ocian.
But he could not help noticing that some men had just arrived
with their kitbags on their shoulders, and were taking a look round
the ship. A cart was unloading sacks of potatoes. The owner was
there with his patent-leather boots and his pencil behind his ear.
There was a lot of noise coming from the Rendezvous des Terre-
Neuvas and the door was open. Maigret could just make out P'tit
Louis holding forth to a group of the new hands.
He did not stop. He hastened his steps as he saw the proprietor
making signs to him. Five minutes later, he was ringing the bell
at the door of the hospital.
•
The assistant was quite young. Under his overall his suit was in
the latest fashion, his tie was exquisite.
" The radio operator? I took his pulse and his temperature this
morning. He's doing as well as is to be expected. ..."
" His mind's quite clear? "
" Oh, yes, I think so. He's said nothing to me, but he keeps
following me with his eyes...."
" Can I talk to him about serious matters? "
The assistant made a vague gesture of indifference.
" I don't see why not. Once the operation's successfully over
and the temperature's normal... Would you like to see him? "