Пуаро ведёт следствие
IV. The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge
Whathaveyoudonewiththelittleman,bytheway,CaptainHastings?”
“He’sillinbedwithinfluenza.”
“Ishenow?I’msorrytohearthat.Ratherthecaseofthecartwithoutthehorse,yourbeingherewithouthim,isn’tit?”
Andonhisratherill-timedjestIwentontothehouse.Irangthebell,asJapphadclosedthedoorbehindhim.Aftersomemomentsitwasopenedtomebyamiddle-agedwomaninblack.
“Mr.Haveringwillbehereinamoment,”Iexplained.“Hehasbeendetainedbytheinspector.IhavecomedownwithhimfromLondontolookintothecase.Perhapsyoucantellmebrieflywhatoccurredlastnight.”
“Comeinside,sir.”Sheclosedthedoorbehindme,andwestoodinthedimly-lightedhall.“Itwasafterdinnerlastnight,sir,thatthemancame.HeaskedtoseeMr.Pace,sir,and,seeingthathespokethesameway,IthoughtitwasanAmericangentlemanfriendofMr.Pace’sandIshowedhimintothegun-room,andthenwenttotellMr.Pace.Hewouldn’tgiveanyname,which,ofcourse,wasabitodd,nowIcometothinkofit.ItoldMr.Pace,andheseemedpuzzledlike,buthesaidtothemistress:‘Excuseme,Zoe,whileIjustseewhatthisfellowwants.’Hewentofftothegun-room,andIwentbacktothekitchen,butafterawhileIheardloudvoices,asiftheywerequarrelling,andIcameoutintothehall.Atthesametime,themistressshecomesouttoo,andjustthentherewasashotandthenadreadfulsilence.Webothrantothegun-roomdoor,butitwaslockedandwehadtogoroundtothewindow.Itwasopen,andthereinsidewasMr.
