Убийство в Восточном экспрессе
1. The Evidence of the Wagon Lit Conductor
Igotdownontotheplatformasusualandstoodbythestepupintothetrain.Theotherconductorsdidthesame.”
“Whatabouttheforwarddoor?Theoneneartherestaurantcar?”
“Itisalwaysfastenedontheinside.”
“Itisnotsofastenednow.”
Themanlookedsurprised,thenhisfacecleared.
“Doubtlessoneofthepassengershasopenedittolookoutonthesnow.”
“Probably,”saidPoirot.
Hetappedthoughtfullyonthetableforaminuteortwo.
“Monsieurdoesnotblameme?”saidthemantimidly.
Poirotsmiledonhimkindly.
“Youhavehadtheevilchance,myfriend,”hesaid.“Ah!OneotherpointwhileIrememberit.YousaidthatanotherbellrangjustasyouwereknockingatM.Ratchett’sdoor.Infact,Ihearditmyself.Whosewasit?”
“ItwasthebellofMadamelaPrincesseDragomiroff.Shedesiredmetosummonhermaid.”
“Andyoudidso?”
“Yes,Monsieur.”
Poirotstudiedtheplaninfrontofhimthoughtfully.Thenheinclinedhishead.
“Thatisall,”hesaid,“forthemoment.”
“Thankyou,Monsieur.”
Themanrose.HelookedatM.Bouc.
“Donotdistressyourself,”saidthelatterkindly.“Icannotseethattherehasbeenanynegligenceonyourpart.”
Gratified,PierreMichelleftthecompartment.
