The Methods of Maigret ( PDFDrive )

turn: all this in an odd silence.
The square was vast and deserted, enclosed by eucalyptus trees and colored
houses, with, to crown it, the little yellow church and its white tower. They
would see several cafés with shaded terraces.
“I could have booked you rooms at the Grand Hotel. It has been open for a
fortnight.”
It was a fair-sized block overlooking the harbor, and a man dressed like a
cook stood in the doorway.
“I thought it better to put you into the Arche de Noé. Let me explain.”
There were already a lot of things for the Inspector to explain. The terrace of
the Arche, on the square, was wider than the others, bounded by a small wall and
green plants. Inside it was cool, a little dark, which was in no way disagreeable,
and one was at once struck by the pronounced smell of the kitchen and of white
wine.
Yet another man dressed as a chef, but without headdress. He advanced with
outstretched hand, a radiant smile on his face.
“Delighted to welcome you, Monsieur Maigret. I have given you the best
room. Of course you will have a glass of our local white wine?”
Lechat whispered:
“That’s Paul, the proprietor.”
There were red squares on the flooring. The bar was a proper bistro bar, made
of metal. The wine was cool, a little young, but full-bodied.
“Your health, Monsieur Maigret. I never dared to hope that I should one day
have the honor of having you to stay.”
It didn’t occur to him that it was to a crime that he owed the honor. No one
seemed to bother about Marcellin’s death. The groups they had just seen near the
jetty were now in the square and imperceptibly approaching the Arche de Noé.
Some of them were even sitting down in the terrace.
In short, what really mattered was Maigret’s arrival in flesh and blood, just as
if he had been a film star.
Was he cutting a good figure? Did the people from Scotland Yard have more
self-assurance at the beginning of an investigation? Mr. Pyke looked at
everything and said nothing.
“I should like to go and clean up a bit,” Maigret sighed after a while, having
drunk two glasses of wine.
“Jojo! Will you show Monsieur Maigret up to his room? Will your friend be