The Methods of Maigret ( PDFDrive )

CHAPTER 9
They stopped opposite the grocer’s to ask the mayor for the key. He was busy
serving customers and he shouted something to his wife, who was small and
pale, with a bun at the nape of her neck. She searched for a long while. During
all this time Philippe remained waiting, between Maigret and Mr. Pyke, his face
set obstinately in a sulky expression, and it resembled more than ever a school
scene, with the punished schoolboy and the heavy, the implacable headmaster.
One would never have believed that so many people could have come out of
the Cormorant. True, other boats had made the crossing that morning. Until the
trippers had had time to stream off to the beaches, the square looked like an
invasion.
Anna could be seen, in the semiobscurity of the Co-operative, with her net
bag, wearing her sunsuit, while De Greef was sitting with Charlot on the terrace
of the Arche.
These two had seen Philippe passing by between the detectives. They had
followed them with their eyes. They were free themselves, with a table in front
of them and a bottle of fresh wine on the table.
Maigret had said a few words in an undertone to Lechat, who had stayed
behind.
The mayor’s wife finally brought the key and a few minutes later Maigret was
pushing open the door of the town hall, and opening the window on account of
the dust and mustiness.
“Sit down, Moricourt.”
“Is that an order?”
“Precisely.”
He pushed over to him one of the deck chairs used for July fourteenth
celebrations. Mr. Pyke appeared to have understood that on these occasions the
Chief Inspector didn’t like to see people standing, for he unfolded a chair in his
turn and settled himself in a corner.
“I suppose you have nothing to say to me?”
“Am I under arrest?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t kill Marcellin.”
“What else?”
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