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

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‘Mr Ackroyd possessed a large fortune?’

‘A very large fortune. Captain Paton will be an exceedingly wealthy young man.’

There was a silence. Poirot and the lawyer looked at each other.

‘Mr Hammond,’ came Mrs Ackroyd’s voice plaintively from the fireplace.

The lawyer answered the summons. Poirot took my arm and drew me right into the window.

‘Regard the irises,’ he remarked in a rather loud voice. ‘Magnificent, are they not? A straight and pleasing effect.’ At the same time I felt the pressure of his hand on my arm, and he added in a low tone: ‘Do you really wish to aid me? To take part in this investigation?’

‘Yes, indeed,’ I said eagerly. ‘There’s nothing I should like better. You don’t know what a dull old fogey’s life I lead. Never anything out of the ordinary.’

‘Good, we will be colleagues then. In a minute or two I fancy Major Blunt will join us. he is not happy with the good mamma. Now there are some things I want to know- but I do not wish to seem to want to know them. you comprehend? So it will be your part to ask the questions.’