The Methods of Maigret ( PDFDrive )

couple came to send post cards; the butcher in turn came to make his daily call to
Hyères. Mr. Pyke looked at the church clock from time to time. Occasionally he
opened his mouth as well, perhaps to ask a question, but each time he changed
his mind.
They were both of them oppressed by the heavily scented heat. From afar they
could see the men gathering for the big bowls match, the one between about ten
players, played across the entire expanse of the square until time for aperitifs and
dinner.
The dentist was taking part. The Cormorant had left the island for Giens Point
from whence it would bring Inspector Lechat and Ginette.
Finally Aglaé’s voice summoned him in.
“Paris!” she announced.
It was the good Lucas who must, as usual during Maigret’s absences, have
taken over the latter’s office. Through the window Lucas could see the Seine and
the Pont St. Michel, while the Chief Inspector was looking vaguely at Aglaé.
“I’ve got part of the information, Chief. I’m expecting the rest from Ostend
presently. Who shall I start with?”
“Whichever you like.”
“Right—the Moricourt fellow. That wasn’t difficult. Torrence remembered
the name through having seen it on the cover of a book. It’s his real name all
right. His father, who was a cavalry captain, died a long while ago. His mother
lives at Saumur. As far as I could gather they haven’t any private means. Several
times Philippe de Moricourt tried to marry heiresses but didn’t succeed.”
Aglaé was listening unashamedly and, through the glass, winked at Maigret to
underline the bits she liked.
“He passes himself off as a man of letters. He published two volumes of
poetry through a Left Bank publisher. He used to frequent the Café de Flore,
where he was fairly well known. He has also worked occasionally on several
newspapers. Is that what you want to know?”
“Go on.”
“I’ve hardly any other details as I did it all by telephone, to save time; but I
sent someone to find out and you’ll have some more snippets this evening or
tomorrow. There’s never been any charge against him, or rather there was one
five years ago but it was withdrawn.”
“I’m listening.”
“A woman, who lives in Auteuil had given him a rare edition to resell, after