The A B C Murders / Убийство по алфавиту. Книга для чтения на английском языке

’

�To tell the truth, I did not expect much in that line. But we could not neglect two possible candidates for the murder.’

�Surely you don’t think —’

�There is at least a possibility that the murderer lives in or near Andover. That is a possible answer to our question: “Why Andover?” Well, here were two men known to have been in the shop at the requisite time of day. Either of them might be the murderer. And there is nothing as yet to show that one or other of them is not the murderer.

’

�That great hulking brute, Riddell, perhaps,’ I admitted. ц

�Oh, I am inclined to acquit Riddell off-hand. He was nervous, blustering, obviously uneasy —’

�But surely that just shows —’

�A nature diametrically opposed to that which penned the ABC letter. Conceit and self-confidence are the characteristics that we must look for.’

�Someone who throws his weight about[117 - to throw weight about – держаться заносчиво]?’

�Possibly.

But some people, under a nervous and self-effacing manner, conceal a great deal of vanity and self-satisfaction.’

�You don’t think that little Mr Partridge —’

�He is more le type. One cannot say more than that. He acts as the writer of the letter would act—goes at once to the police—pushes himself to the fore—enjoys his position.’

�Do you really think —?’

�No, Hastings. Personally I believe that the murderer came from outside Andover, but we must neglect no avenue of research.

And although I say “he” all the time, we must not exclude the possibility of a woman being concerned.’

�Surely not!’

�The method of attack is that of a man, I agree. But anonymous letters are written by women rather than by men. We must bear that in mind.’

I was silent for a few minutes, then I said:

�What do we do next?’

�My energetic Hastings,’ Poirot said and smiled at me.

�No, but what do we do?’

�Nothing.

’

�Nothing?’ My disappointment rang out clearly.

�Am I the magician? The sorcerer? What would you have me do?’

Turning the matter over in my mind I found it difficult to give an answer. Nevertheless I felt convinced that something ought to be done and that we should not allow the grass to grow under our feet[118 - to let/allow grass grow under feet – терять время попусту].