OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

THE SAILORS' RENDEZVOUS 331
Maigret caught sight of Jean-Marie's father, dead-drunk, shaking
his fist again at the trawler, and turned away his head.
" Don't trouble, please."
" Tell me!" declared Monsieur Leonnec. " Do you think I could
take him back to Quimper? People are bound to talk."
Marie looked pleadingly at him. She was quite pale. " Seeing he
is innocent! ..." she stammered.
Maigret's face wore its vaguest and grimmest expression.
" I don't know. It would probably be best. . .."
" But you'll allow me to offer you something... a bottle of
champagne? . .."
" No, thank you."
" A small glass.... How about some Benedictine, as we're in
the district? ..."
" I'll have a glass of beer."
Upstairs, Madame Maigret was fastening up the bags.
" So you're of my opinion, are you? He's a good boy. . .."
Still that pleading look from the girl, begging him to say yes!
" I think he'll make a very good husband. ..."
" And a good business man! " The father outdid him. " For I
don't intend to let him go sailing off for many months to come.
Once you're married, you've got to . .."
"Of course!"
" Particularly as I have no son. . . . You'll understand that! . . ."
"Of course "
Maigret kept looking at the stairs. Finally his wife appeared.
" The bags are ready. It seems there is no train until ..."
" Never mind! We'll hire a car "
It was a real flight!
" If you ever have the occasion to visit Quimper . . ."
"Yes. . . . Yes. . . ."
Still that look from the girl. She seemed to realize that it wasn't
quite so clear as it appeared, but she was begging Maigret to keep
quiet.
She wanted to have her fiance\
The inspector shook hands, paid his bill, and finished his beer.
" Thank you a thousand times, Monsieur Maigret. . . ."
" Don't mention it."
The car that had been telephoned for had arrived.
.. . and, unless you have discovered elements that have escaped
me, I conclude by suggesting that this case be classified as . •.