Убийство Роджера Экройда

           Theinspectorwasanxioustogetatoncetothefootmarks,andaskedtobeputdownatthelodge.Abouthalf-wayupthedrive,ontheright,apathbranchedoffwhichledroundtotheterraceandthewindowofAckroyd’sstudy.

           "Wouldyouliketogowiththeinspector,M.Poirot?"askedthechiefconstable,"orwouldyouprefertoexaminethestudy?"Poirotchosethelatteralternative.Parkeropenedthedoortous.Hismannerwassmuganddeferential,andheseemedtohaverecoveredfromhispanicofthenightbefore.

           ColonelMelrosetookakeyfromhispocket,andunlockingthedoorwhichletintothelobby,heusheredusthroughintothestudy.

           "Exceptfortheremovalofthebody,M.Poirot,thisroomisexactlyasitwaslastnight.""Andthebodywasfound–where?"Aspreciselyaspossible,IdescribedAckroyd’sposition.

           Thearm-chairstillstoodinfrontofthefire.

           Poirotwentandsatdowninit.

           "Theblueletteryouspeakof,wherewasitwhenyoulefttheroom?""Mr.Ackroydhadlaiditdownonthislittletableathisrighthand."Poirotnodded.

           "Exceptforthat,everythingwasinitsplace?""Yes,Ithinkso.""ColonelMelrose,wouldyoubesoextremelyobligingastositdowninthischairaminute.Ithankyou.NowM.ledocteur,willyoukindlyindicatetometheexactpositionofthedagger?"Ididso,whilstthelittlemanstoodinthedoorway.