Убийства по алфавиту Кристи Агата

"Yes, sir."

"There may be something in that (в этом что-то может быть). Nothing to it at the time (не стоит об этом пока: «ничего об этом в это время») — but it's possible (но это возможно) that the idea of the modus operandi for his next crime occurred to our man then (что идея плана для его следующего преступления пришла к нашему человеку тогда; modus operandi — способ действия; план /лат./). We've got Hill's name and address (у нас есть имя и адрес Хилла), I see (/как/ я вижу). His description of the man is vague (его описание этого человека рысплывчато) but it links up well enough with the descriptions of Mary Stroud (но оно достаточно связано с описаниями Мэри Страуд) and this Tom Hartigan (и этого Тома Хартигана) "

He nodded thoughtfully (он задумчиво кивнул).

modus ['m@Ud@s], operandi ['Op@r&ndI], link [lINk]

"There may be something in that. Nothing to it at the time — but it's possible that the idea of the modus operandi for his next crime occurred to our man then. We've got Hill's name and address, I see. His description of the man is vague but it links up well enough with the descriptions of Mary Stroud and this Tom Hartigan …"

He nodded thoughtfully.

"We're getting warm," said Inspector Crome (мы нападаем на след: «мы согреваемся») — rather inaccurately (несколько неточно), for he himself was always slightly chilly (так как ему самому всегда было холодно).

"Any instructions, sir (какие-нибудь инструкции, сэр)?"

"Put on a couple of men to watch this Camden Town address (поставьте пару людей наблюдать за этим адресом в Кэмден Тауне), but I don't want our bird frightened (я не хочу напугать нашу птичку). I must have a word with the A.C. (я должен поговорить с этим Эй. Си.). Then I think it would be as well (тогда, я думаю, это было бы лучше) if Cust was brought along here (если бы Каста привели сюда) and asked (и спросили) if he'd like to make a statement (не хотел бы он сделать заявление). It sounds (это звучит) as though he's quite ready to get rattled (как будто он вполне готов потерять самообладание; to rattle — грохотать; вывести из себя)."

chilly ['tSIlI], bird [b@:d], rattle [r&tl]

"We're getting warm," said Inspector Crome — rather inaccurately, for he himself was always slightly chilly.

"Any instructions, sir?"

"Put on a couple of men to watch this Camden Town address, but I don't want our bird frightened. I must have a word with the A.C.. Then I think it would be as well if Cust was brought along here and asked if he'd like to make a statement. It sounds as though he's quite ready to get rattled."

Outside Tom Hartigan had rejoined Lily Marbury (снаружи Том Хартиган снова присоединился к Лили Марбери) who was waiting for him on the Embankment^[43] (которая ждала его на Эмбанкмент).

"All right, Tom (все в порядке, Том)?" Tom nodded (Том кивнул).

"I saw Inspector Crome himself (я видел самого инспектора Кроума). The one who's in charge of the case (того, кто ведет это дело; charge — нагрузка; заведование; руководство; ответственность)."

"What's he like (какой он: «на кого он похож»)?"

"A bit quiet (немного тихий) and la-di-da (и жеманный; la-di-da — вызывающий; la-di-da — франт, щеголь) — not my idea of a detective (не мое представление о детективе = не такой, каким, по-моему, должен быть детектив)."

rejoin [rI'dZOIn], Embankmen [Im'b&Nkm@nt], la-di-da ['lA:dI'dA:] [,lA:dI'dV]

Outside Tom Hartigan had rejoined Lily Marbury who was waiting for him on the Embankment.

"All right, Tom?" Tom nodded.

"I saw Inspector Crome himself. The one who's in charge of the case."

"What's he like?"

"A bit quiet and la-di-da — not my idea of a detective."

"That's Lord Trenchard's new kind," said Lily with respect (это новый человек лорда Тренчарда, — сказала уважительно Лили: «с уважением»; kind — сорт;, человек). "Some of them are ever so grand (некоторые из них всегда такие исполненные самомнения). Well (так), what did he say (что он сказал)?" Tom gave her a brief resume of the interview (Том кратко изложил ей беседу: «Том дал ей краткое резюме беседы»).

"So they think as it really was him (так они думают, что это действительно был он)?"

"They think it might be (они думают, так могло бы быть). Anyway (в любом случае), they'll come along (они придут) and ask him a question or two (и зададут ему пару вопросов: «один вопрос или два»)."

"Poor Mr. Cust (бедный мистер Каст)."

"It's no good saying poor Mr. Cust, my girl (не стоит говорить «бедный мистер Каст», девочка моя). If he's A.B.C. (если он — Эй-би-си), he committed four terrible murders (он совершил четыре ужасных убийства)."

Lily sighed and shook her head (Лили вздохнула и покачала головой). "It does seem awful," she observed (это действительно кажется ужасным, — заметила она).

grand [gr&nd], respect [rIs'pekt], anyway ['enIweI]

"That's Lord Trenchard's new kind," said Lily with respect. "Some of them are ever so grand. Well, what did he say?" Tom gave her a brief resume of the interview.

"So they think as it really was him?"

"They think it might be. Anyway, they'll come along and ask him a question or two."

"Poor Mr. Cust."

"It's no good saying poor Mr. Cust, my girl. If he's A.B.C., he committed four terrible murders."

Lily sighed and shook her head. "It does seem awful," she observed.

"Well, now you're going to come and have a bite of lunch, my girl (теперь давай-ка пойдем и съедим ленч, девочка моя). Just you think (ты только подумай) that if we're right (что если мы правы) I expect my name will be in the papers (я ожидаю, что мое имя будет в газетах)!''

"Oh, Tom, will it (в самом деле: «будет ли оно»)?"

"Rather (пожалуй). And yours, too (и твое тоже). And your mother's (и твоей матери). And I dare say you'll have your picture in, too (и я полагаю, ты получишь свою фотографию в /газете/ тоже; to daresay — полагать, думать, считать: «осмелиться сказать»)."

"Oh, Tom." Lily squeezed his arm in an ecstasy (Лили от восторга сжала его руку).

"And in the meantime (а между тем) what do you say to a bite at the Corner House (что ты скажешь насчет перекусить в «Корнер-хаус»: «дом на углу»)."

Lily squeezed tighter (Лили сжала /руку/ сильнее).

lunch [lVntS], paper ['peIp@], ecstasy ['ekst@sI]

"Well, now you're going to come and have a bite of lunch, my girl. Just you think that if we're right I expect my name will be in the papers!''

"Oh, Tom, will it?"

"Rather. And yours, too. And your mother's. And I dare say you'll have your picture in, too."

"Oh, Tom." Lily squeezed his arm in an ecstasy.

"And in the meantime, what do you say to a bite at the Corner House?"

Lily squeezed tighter.

"Come on then (идем тогда)!"

"All right (хорошо) — half a minute (полминуты). I must just telephone from the station (я только должна позвонить со станции)."

"Who to (кому)?"

"A girl I was going to meet (девушке, /с которой/ я собиралась встретиться)." She slipped across the road (она скользнула через дорогу), and rejoined him three minutes later (и снова присоединилась к нему три минуты спустя), looking rather flushed (выглядя несколько покрасневшей).

"Now then, Tom (ну-ка, Том)." She slipped her arm in his (она взяла его под руку: «она скользнула своей рукой в его»). "Tell me more about Scotland Yard (расскажи мне еще о Скотланд-Ярде). You didn't see the other one there (ты там другого не видел)?"

"What other one (какого другого)?"

telephone ['tel@f@Un], station [steISn], other ['VD@]

"Come on then!"

"All right — half a minute. I must just telephone from the station."

"Who to?"

"A girl I was going to meet." She slipped across the road, and rejoined him three minutes later, looking rather flushed.

"Now then, Tom." She slipped her arm in his. "Tell me more about Scotland Yard. You didn't see the other one there?"

"What other one?"

"The Belgian gentleman (бельгийского джентельмена). The one that A.B.C. writes to always (того, кому Эй-би-си пишет всегда)."

"No. He wasn't there (его там не было)."

"Well, tell me all about it (расскажи мне все об этом). What happened when you got inside (что случилось, когда ты попал внутрь)? Who did you speak to (с кем ты говорил) and what did you say (и что ты сказал)?"

Mr. Cust put the receiver back very gently on the hook (мистер Каст мягко повесил трубку назад на крючок).

He turned to where Mrs. Marbury was standing in the doorway of a room (он повернулся туда, где стояла миссис Марбери в дверях в комнату), clearly devoured with curiosity (явно пожираемая любопыством).

"Not often you have a telephone call, Mr. Cust (нечасто вам звонят: «не часто вы имеете телефонный звонок», мистер Каст)."

"No — er — no, Mrs. Marbury (нет, миссис Марбери). It isn't (не часто)."

"Not bad news (нет плохих новостей), I trust (я верю/полагаю = надеюсь)?"

hook [hUk], devour [dI'vaU@], trust [trVst]

"The Belgian gentleman. The one that A.B.C. writes to always."

"No. He wasn't there."

"Well, tell me all about it. What happened when you got inside? Who did you speak to and what did you say?"

Mr. Cust put the receiver back very gently on the hook.

He turned to where Mrs. Marbury was standing in the doorway of a room, clearly devoured with curiosity.

"Not often you have a telephone call, Mr. Cust."

"No — no." How persistent the woman was (как настойчива эта женщина). His eye caught the legend on the newspaper (его взгляд упал на надпись в газете) he was carrying (которую он нес).

Births (рождения) — Marriages (бракосочетания) — Deaths (смерти).

"My sister's just had a little boy," he blurted out (моя сестра только что родила маленького мальчика, — он выпалил).

He — who had never had a sister (он — у которого никогда не было сестры)!

persistent [p@'sIst@nt], legend ['ledZ@nd], marriage ['m&rIdZ]

"No — er — no, Mrs. Marbury. It isn't."

"Not bad news, I trust?"

"No — no." How persistent the woman was. His eye caught the legend on the newspaper he was carrying.

Births — Marriages — Deaths .

"My sister's just had a little boy," he blurted out.

He — who had never had a sister!

"Oh, dear (о, Боже)! Now (ну) — well, that is nice (это мило), I am sure (право: «я уверена»). ('And never once mentioned a sister all these years (и никогда /ни/ разу /не/ упомянул сестру за эти годы),' was her inward thought (сказал ее внутренний голос: «была ее внутренная мысль»). 'If that isn't just like a man (разве это не похоже на мужчину)!') I was surprised (я была удивлена), I'll tell you (я скажу вам), when the lady asked to speak to Mr. Cust (когда женщина попросила поговорить с мистером Кастом). Just at first (просто сначала) I fancied it was my Lily's voice (я вообразила, это был голос моей Лили) — something like hers, it was (как-то похож на ее он был) — but haughtier (но выше/надменнее; haughty — высокомерный, надменный) if you know what I mean (если вы понимаете, что я имею в виду) — sort of high up in the air (как-то повыше на слух: «как-то высоко в воздухе»). Well, Mr. Cust (так, мистер Каст), my congratulations (мои поздравления), I'm sure (право). Is it the first one (это первый), or have you other little nephews and nieces (или у вас есть другие маленькие племянники и племянницы)?"

inward ['Inw@d], haughty ['hO:tI], nephew ['nevju:]

"Oh, dear! Now — well, that is nice, I am sure. ('And never once mentioned a sister all these years,' was her inward thought. 'If that isn't just like a man!') I was surprised, I'll tell you, when the lady asked to speak to Mr. Cust. Just at first I fancied it was my Lily's voice — something like hers, it was — but haughtier if you know what I mean — sort of high up in the air. Well, Mr. Cust, my congratulations, I'm sure. Is it the first one, or have you other little nephews and nieces?"

"It's the only one," said Mr. Cust (это единственный). "The only one I've ever had (единственный, /который/ у меня когда-либо был) or likely to have (или вероятно будет), and — er — I think (я думаю) I must go off at once (я должен уехать сейчас же). They — they want me to come (они хотят, чтобы я приехал). I — I think (я думаю) I can just catch a train (я могу как раз успеть на поезд) if I hurry (если я потороплюсь)."

"Will you be away long, Mr. Cust?" called Mrs. Marbury (вы долго будете отсутствовать, мистер Каст? — окликнула /его/ миссис Марбери) as he ran up the stairs (пока он бежал вверх по лестнице).

"Oh, no — two or three days (два или три дня) — that's all (это все)."

catch [k&tS], call [kO:l], three [Tri:]

"It's the only one," said Mr. Cust. "The only one I've ever had or likely to have, and — er — I think I must go off at once. They — they want me to come. I — I think I can just catch a train if I hurry."

"Will you be away long, Mr. Cust?" called Mrs. Marbury as he ran up the stairs.

"Oh, no — two or three days — that's all."

He disappeared into his bedroom (он исчез в своей спальне). Mrs. Marbury retired into the kitchen (миссис Марбери ретировалась в кухню), thinking sentimentally of "the dear little mite (сентиментально думая о «дорогой маленькой крошке»; mite — ист. грош, полушка; крошечное существо)."

Her conscience gave her a sudden twinge (у нее неожиданно начались угрызения совести: «ее совесть неожиданно причинила ей боль»; twinge — приступ боли; моральная мука).

Last night (прошлой ночью) Tom and Lily (Том и Лили) and all the hunting back over dates (и все прослеживание прошлых дат)! Trying to make out (попытка выяснить) that Mr. Cust was that dreadful monster (что мистер Каст был тот отвратительный монстр), A.B.C. (Эй-би-си). Just because of his initials (просто из-за его инициалов) and because of a few coincidences (и из-за нескольких совпадений).

"I don't suppose they meant it seriously," she thought comfortably (я не считаю, что они серьезно имели это в виду, — спокойно подумала она; comfortable — расслабленный, спокойный). "And now I hope (и теперь я надеюсь) they'll be ashamed of themselves (им будет стыдно за самих себя)."

mite [maIt], twinge [twIndZ], comfortably ['kVmf(@)t@bl]

He disappeared into his bedroom. Mrs. Marbury retired into the kitchen, thinking sentimentally of "the dear little mite."

Her conscience gave her a sudden twinge.

Last night Tom and Lily and all the hunting back over dates! Trying to make out that Mr. Cust was that dreadful monster, A.B.C.. Just because of his initials and because of a few coincidences.

"I don't suppose they meant it seriously," she thought comfortably. "And now I hope they'll be ashamed of themselves."

In some obscure way (каким-то неясным образом; obscure — темный, слабо освещенный, тусклый; невразумительный, неясный; неразборчивый) that she could not have explained (который она не могла объяснить), Mr. Cust's statement (заявление мистера Каста) that his sister had had a baby (что его сестра только что родила ребенка) had effectually removed any doubts (эффективно удалило любые сомнения) Mrs. Marbury might have had of her lodger's bonafides (/которые/ миссис Марбери могла иметь о благонадежности своего жильца; bonafides — честное намерение; добросовестность).

"I hope (я надеюсь) she didn't have too bad a time of it, poor dear," thought Mrs. Marbury (ей не было очень плохо из-за родов, бедняжке: «она не имела плохое время из этого, бедняжка», — думала миссис Марбери), testing an iron against her cheek (проверяя утюг /поднеся его к/ своей щеке) before beginning to iron out Lily's silk slip (прежде чем начать гладить шелковую комбинацию Лили).

Her mind ran comfortably on a well-worn obstetric track (ее мысли спокойно обдумавали акушерские вопросы: «ее мысли спокойно бежали по хорошо проезженной акушерской дорожке»).

Mr. Cust came quietly down the stairs (мистер Каст тихо спустился вниз по лестнице), a bag in his hand (/с/ сумкой в руке). His eyes rested a minute on the telephone (его глаза остановились на минуту на телефоне).

effectually [@'fektSU@lI], bonafides ['b@Un@'faIdi:z], obstetric [@b'sterIk]

In some obscure way that she could not have explained, Mr. Cust's statement that his sister had had a baby had effectually removed any doubts Mrs. Marbury might have had of her lodger's bonafides.

"I hope she didn't have too bad a time of it, poor dear," thought Mrs. Marbury, testing an iron against her cheek before beginning to iron out Lily's silk slip.

Her mind ran comfortably on a well-worn obstetric track.

Mr. Cust came quietly down the stairs, a bag in his hand. His eyes rested a minute on the telephone.

That brief conversation re-echoed in his brain (тот краткий разговор эхом прозвучал в его голове: «мозгу»).

"Is that you, Mr. Cust (это вы, мистер Каст)? I thought (я подумала) you might like to know (вам, вероятно, захочется узнать) there's an inspector from Scotland Yard may be coming to see you (там инспектор из Скотланд-Ярда, может быть, придет повидаться с вами)."

What had he said (что он сказал)? He couldn't remember (он не мог вспомнить).

"Thank you (благодарю вас) — thank you, my dear (благодарю вас, моя дорогая) … very kind of you (очень мило с вашей /стороны/)."

Something like that (что-то похожее на это).

Why had she telephoned to him (почему она позвонила ему)? Could she possibly have guessed (могла ли она, вероятно, догадаться)? Or did she just want to make sure (или она просто хотела убедиться) he would stay in for the inspector's visit (что он останется /дома/ до визита инспектора)?

re-echoe [ri(:)'ek@U], kind [kaInd], possibly ['pOsIblI]

That brief conversation re-echoed in his brain.

"Is that you, Mr. Cust? I thought you might like to know there's an inspector from Scotland Yard may be coming to see you."

What had he said? He couldn't remember.

"Thank you — thank you, my dear … very kind of you."

Something like that.

Why had she telephoned to him? Could she possibly have guessed? Or did she just want to make sure he would stay in for the inspector's visit?

But how did she know the inspector was coming (но как она узнала, что инспектор придет)? And her voice (а ее голос) — she'd disguised her voice from her mother (она замаскировала свой голос от матери) … It looked (это выглядело) — it looked (это выглядело) — as though she knew (как будто она знала) … But surely (но, конечно) if she knew (если бы она знала), she wouldn't (она бы не) …

She might, though (хотя, она могла). Women were very queer (женщины очень странные). Unexpectedly cruel (неожиданно жестокие) and unexpectedly kind (и неожиданно добрые). He'd seen Lily once letting a mouse out of a mousetrap (однажды он видел, как Лили выпустила мышь из мышеловки).

A kind girl (добрая девушка) …

A kind, pretty girl (добрая, симпатичная девушка) …

unexpectedly ['VnIks'pekt@dlI], cruel ['krU@l], mousetrap ['maUstr&p]

But how did she know the inspector was coming? And her voice — she'd disguised her voice from her mother … It looked — it looked — as though she knew … But surely if she knew, she wouldn't …

She might, though. Women were very queer. Unexpectedly cruel and unexpectedly kind. He'd seen Lily once letting a mouse out of a mousetrap.

A kind girl …

A kind, pretty girl …

He paused by the hall stand (он остановился рядом с вешалкой в холле) with its load of umbrellas and coats (с ее грузом из зонтиков и пальто).

Should he (следует ли ему) — ?

A slight noise from the kitchen decided him (легкий шум из кухни /заставил/ его решиться) …

No, there wasn't time (не было времени) …

Mrs. Marbury might come out (миссис Марбери могла выйти) …

He opened the front door (он открыл парадную дверь), passed through (прошел сквозь) and closed it behind him … (и закрыл ее за собой) …

Where (куда) … ?

umbrella [Vm'brel@], load [l@Ud], noise [nOIz]

He paused by the hall stand with its load of umbrellas and coats.

Should he — ?

A slight noise from the kitchen decided him …

No, there wasn't time …

Mrs. Marbury might come out …

He opened the front door, passed through and closed it behind him …

Where … ?

XXIX. At Scotland Yard

(в Скотланд-Ярде)

Conference again (снова совещание).

The Assistant Commissioner (заместитель комиссара), Inspector Crome (инспектор Кроум), Poirot (Пуаро) and myself (и я сам).

The A.C. was saying (заместитель коммисара говорил): "A good tip that of yours, M. Poirot (это была хорошая подсказка от вас, мсье Пуаро), about checking a large sale of stockings (о проверке крупных продаж чулок)."

Poirot spread out his hands (Пуаро развел руками: «Пуаро разложил руки») "It was indicated (это было обозначено; to indicate — показывать; означать). This man could not be a regular agent (этот человек не мог быть постоянным агентом). He sold outright (он продавал напрямую; to sell) instead of touting for orders (вместо того, чтобы докучать заказами)."

"Got everything clear so far, inspector (пока все выяснили, инспектор)?"

"I think so, sir." Crome consulted a file (я так думаю, сэр, — Кроум заглянул в папку). "Shall I run over the position to date (следует мне сделать обзор ситуации на сегодняшний день)?"

"Yes, please (да, пожалуйста)."

A.C. ['eI'sI], outright ['aUtraIt], tout [taUt]

Conference again.

The Assistant Commissioner, Inspector Crome, Poirot and myself.

The A.C. was saying: "A good tip that of yours, M. Poirot, about checking a large sale of stockings."

Poirot spread out his hands. "It was indicated. This man could not be a regular agent. He sold outright instead of touting for orders."

"Got everything clear so far, inspector?"

"I think so, sir." Crome consulted a file. "Shall I run over the position to date?"

"Yes, please."

"I've checked up with Churston (я проверил по Черстону), Paignton (Пейнтону) and Torquay (и Торки). Got a list of people (получил список людей) where he went (к которым: «куда» он ходил) and offered stockings (и предлагал чулки). I must say (я должен сказать) he did the thing thoroughly (он делал все тщательно). Stayed at the Pitt (остановился в «Питте»), small hotel near Torre Station (маленьком отеле рядом со станцией Торр). Returned to the hotel at 10:30 on the night of the murder (вернулся в отель в десять тридцать в ночь убийства). Could have taken a train from Churston at 10:05 (вероятно, сел на поезд из Черстона на десять ноль пять), getting to Paignton at 10:15 (прибывающий до Пейнтона в десять пятнадцать). No one answering to his description noticed on train (ни один, отвечающий его описанию, не был замечен в поезде) or at stations (или на станциях), but that Thursday was Dartmouth Regatta (но в тот четверг была регата в Дартмуте) and the trains back from Kingswear were pretty full (и поезда, возвращающиеся из Кингсвера, были сильно наполнены)."

answering ['A:ns@rIN], Dartmouth ['dA:tm@T], regatta [rI'g&t@]

"I've checked up with Churston, Paignton and Torquay. Got a list of people where he went and offered stockings. I must say he did the thing thoroughly. Stayed at the Pitt, small hotel near Torre Station. Returned to the hotel at 10:30 on the night of the murder. Could have taken a train from Churston at 10:05, getting to Paignton at 10:15. No one answering to his description noticed on train or at stations, but that Thursday was Dartmouth Regatta and the trains back from Kingswear were pretty full."

"Bexhill much the same (/в/ Бексхилле почти то же самое). Stayed at the Glove under his own name (остановился в «Перчатке» под своим собственным именем). Offered stockings to about a dozen addresses (предлагал чулки примерно по дюжине адресов), including Mrs. Barnard (включая миссис Барнард) and including the Ginger Cat (и включая /кафе/ «Рыжий кот»). Left hotel early in the evening (покинул отель ранним вечером). Arrived back in London about 11:30 the following morning (вернулся: «прибыл назад» в Лондон около одиннадцати тридцати на следующее утро). As to Andover (что касается Эндовера), same procedure (те же действия: «такая же процедура»). Stayed at the Feathers (останавливался в «Перьях»). Offered stockings to Mrs. Fowler (предлагал чулки миссис Фаулер), next door to Mrs. Ascher (по-соседству от миссис Эшер: «следующая дверь от миссис Эшер»), and to half a dozen other people in the street (и полудюжине других людей на улице). The pair Mrs. Ascher had (/ту/ пару, /которая/ была у миссис Эшер) I got from the niece (я получил от племянницы) (name of Drower (/по/ имени Дроуер)) — they're identical with Cust's supply (они идентичны запасу Каста)."

"So far, good," said the A.C. (пока хорошо, — сказал заместитель комиссара; so far so good — пока все идет нормально).

include [In'klu:d], street [stri:t], supply [s@'plaI]

"Bexhill much the same. Stayed at the Glove under his own name. Offered stockings to about a dozen addresses, including Mrs. Barnard and including the Ginger Cat. Left hotel early in the evening. Arrived back in London about 11:30 the following morning. As to Andover, same procedure. Stayed at the Feathers. Offered stockings to Mrs. Fowler, next door to Mrs. Ascher, and to half a dozen other people in the street. The pair Mrs. Ascher had I got from the niece (name of Drower) — they're identical with Cust's supply."

"So far, good," said the A.C..

"Acting on information received," said the inspector (действуя /согласно/ полученной информации), "I went to the address (я отправился по адресу) given me by Hartigan (/который/ мне дал Хартиган), but found (но обнаружил) that Cust had left the house about half an hour previously (что Каст покинул дом получасом ранее). He received a telephone message (он получил телефонный звонок: «сообщение»), I'm told (мне сказали). First time such a thing had happened to him (в первый раз с ним случилась такая вещь), so his landlady told me (так его домовладелица сказала мне)."

"An accomplice?" suggested the Assistant Commissioner (соучастник? — предположил заместитель комиссара).

"Hardly," said Poirot (едва ли). "It is odd that (это странно, что) — unless (если не) —"

We all looked at him inquiringly (мы все вопросительно посмотрели на него) as he paused (когда он прервался).

acting ['&ktIN], message ['mes@dZ], accomplice [@'kOmplIs]

"Acting on information received," said the inspector, "I went to the address given me by Hartigan, but found that Cust had left the house about half an hour previously. He received a telephone message, I'm told. First time such a thing had happened to him, so his landlady told me."

"An accomplice?" suggested the Assistant Commissioner.

"Hardly," said Poirot. "It is odd that — unless — "

We all looked at him inquiringly as he paused.

He shook his head, however (однако он покачал головой), and the inspector proceeded (и инспектор продолжил).

"I made a thorough search of the room (я произвел тщательный осмотр комнаты) he had occupied (/которую/ он занимал). That search puts the matter beyond doubt (этот поиск ставит дело вне сомнения). I found a block of notepaper similar to that (я нашел блок почтовой бумаги, похожей на ту) on which the letters were written (на которой были написаны письма), a large quantity of hosiery (большое количество чулочных изделий) and — at the back of the cupboard (внизу шкафа) where the hosiery was stored (где хранились чулочные изделия) — a parcel much the same shape and size (сверток почти такой же формы и размера) but which turned out to contain (но которая, оказалось, содержит) — not hosiery (не чулочные изделия) — but eight new A.B.C. railway guides (а восемь новых железнодорожных справочников «Эй-би-си»)!"

"Proof positive," said the Assistant Commissioner (неопровержимое доказательство: «позитивное/прямое доказательство», — сказал заместитель комиссара).

search [s@:tS], similar ['sImIl@], contain [k@n'teIn]

He shook his head, however, and the inspector proceeded.

"I made a thorough search of the room he had occupied. That search puts the matter beyond doubt. I found a block of notepaper similar to that on which the letters were written, a large quantity of hosiery and — at the back of the cupboard where the hosiery was stored — a parcel much the same shape and size but which turned out to contain — not hosiery — but eight new A.B.C. railway guides!"

"Proof positive," said the Assistant Commissioner.

"I've found something else, too," said the inspector (я также обнаружил еще кое-что) — his voice becoming suddenly almost human with triumph (его голос неожиданно стал почти человеческим от триумфа). "Only found it this morning, sir (только обнаружил это этим утром, сэр). Not had time to report yet (пока не было времени доложить). There was no sign of the knife in his room (там /не/ было никакого признака ножа в его комнате) —"

"It would be the act of an imbecile to bring that back with him," remarked Poirot (это был бы поступок идиота — приносить его назад с собой, — заметил Пуаро).

"After all, he's not a reasonable human being," remarked the inspector (в конце концов, он не разумное человеческое существо, — заметил инспектор). "Anyway (в любом случае), it occurred to me (это пришло мне на ум) that he might just possibly have brought it back to the house (что он, возможно, просто принес его назад в дом) and then realized the danger of hiding it (но затем понял опасность прятать его) (as M. Poirot points out (как указывает мсье Пуаро) in his room (в своей комнате), and have looked about elsewhere (и осмотрел во всех других /местах/). What place in the house would he be likely to select (какое место в доме он, вероятно, бы выбрал)? I got it straightaway (я нашел его прямо сразу). The hall stand (вешалка в холле) — no one ever moves a hall stand (никто никогда не передвигает вешалку в холле). With a lot of trouble (с большим трудом) I got it moved out from the wall (я отодвинул ее от стены: «я получил ее отодвинутой от стены») — and there it was (и там он был)!"

triumph ['traI@mf], elsewhere ['elswE@], straightaway ['streIt@weI]

"I've found something else, too," said the inspector — his voice becoming suddenly almost human with triumph. "Only found it this morning, sir. Not had time to report yet. There was no sign of the knife in his room — "

"It would be the act of an imbecile to bring that back with him," remarked Poirot.