Artois got up and went a few steps nearer to the cottage.
"Can one see the place where the signore's body was found?" he asked.
"Si, signore, from the other side, among the trees."
"I will come back in a moment," said Artois.
He walked away from the fisherman and entered the wood, circling the cottage. The fisherman did not come with him. Artois's instinct had told him that the man would not care to come on such an errand. As Artois passed at the back of the cottage he noticed an open window, and paused near it in the long grass. From within there came the sound of a woman's voice, murmuring. It was frequently interrupted by sobs. After a moment Artois went close to the window, and said, but without showing himself:
"Maddalena!"
The murmuring voice stopped.
"Maddalena!"
There was silence.