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

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I brought my story to a close with the departure of the inspector and myself from Fernly Park the previous night.

‘And now,’ said Flora, as I finished, ‘tell him all about Ralph.’

I hesitated, but her imperious glance drove me on.

‘You went to this inn – this Three Boars – last night on your way home?’ asked Poirot, as I brought my tale to a close. ‘Now exactly why was that?’

I paused a moment to choose my words carefully.

‘I thought someone ought to inform the young man of his uncle’s death. It occurred to me after I had left Fernly that possibly no one but myself and Mr Ackroyd were aware that he was staying in the village.’

Poirot nodded.

‘Quite so. That was your only motive in going there, eh?’

‘That was my only motive,’ I said stiffly.

‘It was not to – shall we say – reassure yourself about ce jeune homme?’

‘Reassure myself?’

‘I think, M. le docteur, that you know very well what I mean, though you pretend not to do so. I suggest that it would have been a relief to you if you had found that captain Paton had been at home all the evening.’