Убийство Роджера Экройда
Dinner at Fernly
Andthentherewasthequestion,whatwasmydutyinthematter?Shehadmademe,yousee,anaccessoryafterthefact.Shesawallthat,Ithink,quickerthanIdid.Iwasstunned,youknow.Sheaskedmefortwenty-fourhours–mademepromisetodonothingtilltheendofthattime.Andshesteadfastlyrefusedtogivemethenameofthescoundrelwhohadbeenblackmailingher.IsupposeshewasafraidthatImightgostraightoffandhammerhim,andthenthefatwouldhavebeeninthefireasfarasshewasconcerned.ShetoldmethatIshouldhearfromherbeforetwenty-fourhourshadpassed.MyGod!Isweartoyou,Sheppard,thatitneverenteredmyheadwhatshemeanttodo.Suicide!AndIdrovehertoit.""No,no,"Isaid."Don’ttakeanexaggeratedviewofthings.Theresponsibilityforherdeathdoesn’tlieatyourdoor.""Thequestionis,whatamItodonow?Thepoorladyisdead.Whyrakeuppasttrouble?""Iratheragreewithyou,"Isaid.
"Butthere’sanotherpoint.HowamItogetholdofthatscoundrelwhodrovehertodeathassurelyasifhe’dkilledher?Heknewofthefirstcrime,andhefastenedontoitlikesomeobscenevulture.She’spaidthepenalty.Ishetogoscotfree?""Isee,"Isaidslowly."Youwanttohunthimdown?Itwillmeanalotofpublicity,youknow.""Yes,I’vethoughtofthat.I’vezigzaggedtoandfroinmymind.""Iagreewithyouthatthevillainoughttobepunished,butthecosthasgottobereckoned."Ackroydroseandwalkedupanddown.Presentlyhesankintothechairagain.
