Пуаро ведёт следствие
I. The Adventure of “The Western Star”
“Itwasnotoneofmymoststrikingtriumphs.”
Thiswayofdescribingeventsalmostcausedmetosmile,butIstucktomyguns.
“So,having—pardontheexpression—rathermadeamessofthings,don’tyouthinkitwouldbemoregracefultoleaveimmediately?”
“Andthedinner,thewithoutdoubtexcellentdinner,thatthechefofLordYardlyhasprepared?”
“Oh,what’sdinner!”Isaidimpatiently.
Poirothelduphishandsinhorror.
“MonDieu!Itisthatinthiscountryyoutreattheaffairsgastronomicwithacriminalindifference.”
“There’sanotherreasonwhyweshouldgetbacktoLondonassoonaspossible,”Icontinued.
“Whatisthat,myfriend?”
“Theotherdiamond,”Isaid,loweringmyvoice.“MissMarvell’s.”
“Ehbien,whatofit?”
“Don’tyousee?”Hisunusualobtusenessannoyedme.Whathadhappenedtohisusuallykeenwits?“They’vegotone,nowthey’llgofortheother.”
“Tiens!”criedPoirot,steppingbackapaceandregardingmewithadmiration.“Butyourbrainmarchestoamarvel,myfriend!FiguretoyourselfthatforthemomentIhadnotthoughtofthat!Butthereisplentyoftime.Thefullofthemoon,itisnotuntilFriday.”
Ishookmyheaddubiously.Thefullofthemoontheoryleftmeentirelycold.IhadmywaywithPoirot,however,andwedepartedimmediately,leavingbehindusanoteofexplanationandapologyforLordYardly.
MyideawastogoatoncetotheMagnificent,andrelatetoMissMarvellwhathadoccurred,butPoirotvetoedtheplan,andinsistedthatthemorningwouldbetimeenough.Igaveinrathergrudgingly.
