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

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Parker re-entered the room with my bag while I was still at the window.

‘That’s all right,’ I said, emerging again into the room.

‘You’ve put the latch across?’

‘Yes, yes. What’s the matter with you, Ackroyd?’

The door had just closed behind Parker, or I would not have put the question.

Ackroyd waited just a minute before replying.

‘I’m in hell,’ he said slowly, after a minute. ‘No, don’t bother with those damn tablets. I only said that for Parker. Servants are so curious. come here and sit down. The door’s closed too, isn’t it?’

‘Yes. Nobody can overhear; don’t be uneasy.’

‘Sheppard, nobody knows what I’ve gone through in the last twenty-four hours. If a man’s house ever fell in ruin about him, mine has about me. This business of Ralph’s is the last straw. But we won’t talk about that now. It’s the other – the other – ! I don’t know what to do about it. And I’ve got to make up my mind soon.’

‘What’s the trouble?’

Ackroyd remained silent for a minute or two. he seemed curiously averse to begin. When he did speak, the question he asked came as a complete surprise. It was the last thing I expected.