Читать книгу The Murder of Roger Ackroyd / Убийство Роджера Экройда онлайн

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‘No, sir,’ said Parker. ‘I was too upset with seeing the master and all.’

Poirot looked across at me.

‘Did you, doctor?’

I shook my head.

‘It was back in position when I arrived with the police, sir,’ put in Parker. ‘I’m sure of that.’

‘Curious,’ said Poirot again.

‘Raymond or Blunt must have pushed it back,’ I suggested. ‘Surely it isn’t important?’

‘It is completely unimportant,’ said Poirot. ‘That is why it is so interesting,’ he added softly.

‘Excuse me a minute,’ said colonel Melrose. he left the room with Parker.

‘Do you think Parker is speaking the truth?’ I asked.

‘About the chair, yes. otherwise I do not know. you will find, M. le docteur, if you have much to do with cases of this kind, that they all resemble each other in one thing.’

‘What is that?’ I asked curiously.

‘Everyone concerned in them has something to hide.’

‘Have I?’ I asked, smiling.

Poirot looked at me attentively.

‘I think you have,’ he said quietly.

‘But-’

‘Have you told me everything known to you about this young man Paton?’ He smiled as I grew red. ‘Oh! do not fear. I will not press you. I shall learn it in good time.’