Пуаро ведёт следствие
IV. The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge
Poirotmotionedwithhisheadtowardsthebookcase,andIobedientlypulledforth“Who’sWho.”Poirottookitfrommeandscannedthepagesrapidly.
“SecondsonoffifthBaronWindsor.Married1913Zoe,fourthdaughterofWilliamCrabb.”
“H’m!”Isaid.“Iratherfancythat’sthegirlwhousedtoactattheFrivolity—onlyshecalledherselfZoeCarrisbrook.IremembershemarriedsomeyoungmanabouttownjustbeforetheWar.”
“Woulditinterestyou,Hastings,togodownandhearwhatourvisitor’sparticularlittletroubleis?Makehimallmyexcuses.”
RogerHaveringwasamanofaboutforty,wellsetupandofsmartappearance.Hisface,however,washaggard,andhewasevidentlylabouringundergreatagitation.
“CaptainHastings?YouareMonsieurPoirot’spartner,Iunderstand.ItisimperativethatheshouldcomewithmetoDerbyshireto-day.”
“I’mafraidthat’simpossible,”Ireplied.“Poirotisillinbed—influenza.”
Hisfacefell.
“Dearme,thatisagreatblowtome.”
“Thematteronwhichyouwanttoconsulthimisserious?”
“MyGod,yes!Myuncle,thebestfriendIhaveintheworld,wasfoullymurderedlastnight.”
“HereinLondon?”
“No,inDerbyshire.Iwasintownandreceivedatelegramfrommywifethismorning.ImmediatelyuponitsreceiptIdeterminedtocomeroundandbegMonsieurPoirottoundertakethecase.”
“Ifyouwillexcusemeaminute,”Isaid,struckbyasuddenidea.
Irushedupstairs,andinafewbriefwordsacquaintedPoirotwiththesituation.Hetookanyfurtherwordsoutofmymouth.
“Isee.Isee.
