Monsieur Pamplemousse Afloat Read Online Free

patrons of his establishment any thinner when they finally emerge?’
    ‘It is hard to say, Monsieur , without knowing what they were like before they went in.’
    The Director waved impatiently. ‘There is no time to test fanciful theories, Pamplemousse. Dietary miracles do not happen overnight. If we are to carry out the change before the next edition of Le Guide we must work quickly. Besides, I suspect chiens may not received a wholehearted welcome chez Montignac.’
    ‘I’m sure Pommes Frites won’t mind waiting outside, Monsieur . He has often had to on past occasions.’
    The Director stared at him. ‘That is a very callous suggestion if I may say so, Pamplemousse, and hardly practical in the circumstances.’
    Monsieur Pamplemousse returned the gaze. There was really no anticipating the workings of the Director’s mind. Who would have thought the possibility of man and hound having to part company for an hour or so would have weighed heavily on his conscience?
    ‘I cannot help but feel a regime of biscuits and water once a day would work twice as well in half the time,’ said the Director.
    Monsieur Pamplemousse eyed him even more gloomily. ‘I doubt if Madame Pamplemousse will approve.’
    The Director lowered his voice again. ‘There is no need for her to know, Aristide. Not if you carry out what I have in mind.’
    Monsieur Pamplemousse raised his eyebrows. ‘Which is?’
    ‘I suggest you and Pommes Frites should take to the water for a week – escape from it all.’
    ‘A sea voyage, Monsieur ? I am unable to speak for Pommes Frites, but I fear I am a very poor sailor. I have never forgotten a crossing I once made of La Manche . I have no wish to repeat the experience …’
    ‘That will not be necessary,’ broke in the Director. ‘What I have in mind is something much more tranquil. A voyage, Pamplemousse, on one of the great inland waterways of France.
    ‘To the outside world you will be investigating the possibilities of waterborne cuisine . With that in mind I have booked you and Pommes Frites on a canal holiday in Burgundy. It will do you both good.’
    While he was talking, the Director downed the rest of the Marc and rose to his feet. Keeping his distance from Pommes Frites, who had been giving the appearance of hanging on to his every word with more than a passing interest, he crossed to the door and made to open it. A clear sign that he regarded the meeting at an end.
    ‘I wish you luck with the task in hand, Aristide,’ he said pointedly. ‘I realise it will not be easy, but you must be firm. Firm in making your wishes known and resolute in making absolutely certain they are carried out. I shall expect to see a big change when you return. I have made reservations on tomorrow’s TGV to Dijon – the 8.05. Véronique will furnish you with the rest of the details. Bonne chance! ’
    The Director’s hand felt unusually moist to the touch; the relief in his voice as he uttered his hasty goodbyes was only too apparent. It was almost as though he had been expecting trouble; trouble which hadn’t materialised.
    As the door closed behind him, Monsieur Pamplemousse looked enquiringly at Véronique. She opened a desk drawer.
    ‘Some people have all the luck.’
    ‘If that is what you call living on a barge for a week, condemned to a diet of bread and water,’ said Monsieur Pamplemousse dryly. ‘I have to say my cup of happiness is hardly in danger of running over.’
    ‘ Allez raconter ça ailleurs à d’autres! – tell that to the marines …’ Before Véronique had a chance to elaborate, her telephone rang. She picked up the receiver and cupped it under her chin while she handed Monsieur Pamplemousse a large brown envelope with one hand and waved goodbye with the other.
    ‘ Oui, Monsieur .’ She picked up a tray. ‘At once, Monsieur .’
    Monsieur Pamplemousse left her to it.
    It wasn’t until he reached the end of the corridor and was waiting for the lift that he opened the