Убийство в Восточном экспрессе
9. The Evidence of Mr. Hardman
Thisgentlemanisthedoctorwhoexaminedthebody.”
“Andyouyourself?”
“IamHerculePoirot.Iamengagedbythecompanytoinvestigatethismatter.”
“I’veheardofyou,”saidMr.Hardman.Hereflectedaminuteortwolonger.“GuessI’dbettercomeclean.”
“Itwillcertainlybeadvisableforyoutotellusallyouknow,”saidPoirotdryly.
“You’dhavesaidamouthfuliftherewasanythingIdidknow.ButIdon’t.Iknownothingatall—justasIsaid.ButIoughttoknowsomething.That’swhatmakesmesore.Ioughtto.”
“Pleaseexplain,Mr.Hardman.”
Mr.Hardmansighed,removedthechewinggum,anddivedintoapocket.Atthesametimehiswholepersonalityseemedtoundergoachange.Hebecamelessofastagecharacterandmoreofarealperson.Theresonantnasaltonesofhisvoicebecamemodified.
“Thatpassport’sabitofbluff,”hesaid.“That’swhoIreallyam.”
Poirotscrutinizedthecardflippedacrosstohim.M.Boucpeeredoverhisshoulder.
Mr.CYRUSB.HARDMAN
McNeil’sDetectiveAgency,
NEWYORK.
Poirotknewthename.ItwasoneofthebestknownandmostreputableprivatedetectiveagenciesinNewYork.
“Now,Mr.Hardman,”hesaid.“Letushearthemeaningofthis.”
“Sure.Thingscameaboutthisway.I’dcomeovertoEuropetrailingacoupleofcrooks—nothingtodowiththisbusiness.ThechaseendedinStamboul.IwiredtheChiefandgothisinstructionstoreturn,andIwouldhavebeenmakingmytracksbacktolittleoldNewYorkwhenIgotthis.”
Hepushedacrossaletter.
TheheadingatthetopwastheTokatlianHotel.
