OU_214051 UNIVERSA - Osmania University

38 MAINLY MAIGRET
f< We'd better have a taxi," Sylvie said.
" Think it's safe? "
" Yes I know the trick."
She hailed the first taxi that passed and said to the driver, with
an affected smirk:
" Take us to the Carnbre woods. Drive slowly, please."
That way he'd take diem for a loving couple. There was no
light in the taxi, which creaked at every joint. Elie slipped out of his
overcoat—after which neither of them made the least movement.
" Is there water? " he asked under his breath.
" Yes, a big pond. You'll have to put stones in the pockets to
make sure of its sinking."
The woods were completely empty. From the leafless branches
overhead big drops flashed down before the headlights. After they
had gone a mile or so Sylvie tapped on the sliding window
between her and the driver, and the car stopped.
" We're going for a stroll. We'll be back in five minutes."
The driver hesitated, swung his shoulders round and bent
towards her, whispering something Elie failed to catch. As they
walked away he asked what the man had said.
" Qh, he suggested we should stay in the taxi while lie went for
a walk"
But neither smiled. They groped about for stones. For appearance's
sake Sylvie had linked her arm in Elie's. She prodded a big
stone with the toe of her shoe.
" Pick it up."
It was chilly in the wood, and; in his grey suit Elie felt the cold.
His teeth were chattering. The darkness was heavy with the fumes
of. sodden earth and leaves.
" That one too. . .. Put your arm round me. He may be watch-
They .climbed over the low railings round the pond. The ground
fell away towards the water. Sylvie held Elie's hand while 8 he bent
forward as far as he could. There was only a faint splash, but they
looked round nervously. The driver might have followed them,
suspecting suicide.
They started back, Elie in front. Sylvie plucked at his sleeve.
" Not so fast. We don't look like a loving couple."
In the taxi she said, as if it had 4 just struck her?
" Feeing cold? "
" A bit. But it doesn!t matter."