Убийство в Восточном экспрессе
4. The Evidence of the American Lady
‘Hesay,“Youtooold.’”
Dr.ConstantinesniggeredandMrs.Hubbardimmediatelyfrozehimwithaglance.
“Hewasn’tanicekindofman,”shesaid,“tosayathinglikethattoalady.It’snotrighttolaughatsuchthings.”
Dr.Constantinehastilyapologized.
“DidyouhearanynoisefromM.Ratchett’scompartmentafterthat?”askedPoirot.
“Well—notexactly.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbythat,Madame?”
“Well—”shepaused.“Hesnored.”
“Ah!hesnored,didhe?”
“Terribly.Thenightbeforeitquitekeptmeawake.”
“Youdidn’thearhimsnoreafteryouhadhadthescareaboutamanbeinginyourcompartment?”
“Why,Mr.Poirot,howcouldI?Hewasdead.”
“Ah,yes,truly,”saidPoirot.Heappearedconfused.
“DoyouremembertheaffairoftheArmstrongkidnapping,Mrs.Hubbard?”heasked.
“Yes,indeedIdo.Andhowthewretchthatdiditescapedscotfree!My,I’dhavelikedtogetmyhandsonhim.”
“Hehasnotescaped.Heisdead.Hediedlastnight.”
“Youdon’tmean—?”Mrs.Hubbardhalfrosefromherchairinexcitement.
“Butyes,Ido.Ratchettwastheman.”
“Well!Well,tothinkofthat!Imustwriteandtellmydaughter.Now,didn’tItellyoulastnightthatthatmanhadanevilface?Iwasright,yousee.Mydaughteralwayssays:‘WhenMomma’sgotahunch,youcanbetyourbottomdollarit’sO.K.’”
“WereyouacquaintedwithanyoftheArmstrongfamily,Mrs.Hubbard?”
“No.Theymovedinaveryexclusivecircle.ButI’vealwaysheardthatMrs.Armstrongwasaperfectlylovelywomanandthatherhusbandworshippedher.
