Убийства по алфавиту Кристи Агата

He made no comment. "Thank you, mademoiselle."

He turned to Megan Barnard (он повернулся к Меган Барнард). The girl's face was very pale (лицо девушки было очень бледным). She was breathing hard (она тяжело дышала) as though braced up for an ordeal (как будто готовилась к суровому испытанию; to brace up — быть готовым к трудностям; ordeal — суровое испытание; средневековые ордалии /испытание огнем или водой: ordeal by fire, ordeal by water/).

Poirot's voice came out like the crack of a whiplash (голос Пуаро прозвучал как удар кнута). "Mademoiselle (мадемуазель), what do you hope (каким, вы надеетесь) will be the result of my investigations (будет результат моих расследований)? Do you want me to find out the truth (вы хотите, чтобы я узнал правду) — or not (или нет)?"

Her head went back proudly (ее голова гордо откинулась назад). I was fairly sure of her answer (я был вполне уверен в ее ответе). Megan, I knew (я знал), had a fanatical passion for truth (имела фанатическую страсть к правде).

Her answer came clearly (ее ответ вышел четким) — and it stupefied me (и он поразил меня; to stupefy — притуплять; приводить в оцепенение).

ordeal [O:'di:l], whiplash ['wIpl&S], stupefy ['stju:pIfaI]

He turned to Megan Barnard. The girl's face was very pale. She was breathing hard as though braced up for an ordeal.

Poirot's voice came out like the crack of a whiplash. "Mademoiselle, what do you hope will be the result of my investigations? Do you want me to find out the truth — or not?"

Her head went back proudly. I was fairly sure of her answer. Megan, I knew, had a fanatical passion for truth.

Her answer came clearly — and it stupefied me.

"No!"

We all jumped (мы все подпрыгнули). Poirot leaned forward (Пуаро наклонился вперед), studying her face (изучая ее лицо). "Mademoiselle Megan," he said (мадемуазель Меган), "you may not want the truth but (вы, возможно, не хотите правды, но) — ma foi (фр. клянусь честью: «мое слово») — you can speak it (вы можете сказать ее)!"

He turned towards the door (он повернулся к двери), then (затем), recollecting (вспомнив), went to Mary Drower (пошел к Мэри Дроуер).

"Tell me, mon enfant (скажите мне, дитя мое), have you a young man (есть ли у вас молодой человек)?"

Mary, who had been looking apprehensive (которая выглядела настороженной; to apprehend — понимать, предчувствовать /что-л. дурное/), looked startled and blushed (вздрогнула и покраснела: «выглядела пораженной и покрасневшей»).

"Oh, Mr. Poirot (о, мистер Пуаро), I — I — well, I'm not sure (я не уверена)."

young [jVN], apprehensive [,&pr@'sensIv], startle [stA:tl]

"No!"

We all jumped. Poirot leaned forward, studying her face. "Mademoiselle Megan," he said, "you may not want the truth but — ma foi — you can speak it!"

He turned towards the door, then, recollecting, went to Mary Drower.

"Tell me, mon enfant, have you a young man?"

Mary, who had been looking apprehensive, looked startled and blushed.

"Oh, Mr. Poirot, I — I — well, I'm not sure."

He smiled (он улыбнулся). "Alors c'est bien (ну, хорошо), mon enfant (дитя мое)."

He looked round for me (он оглянулся в /поисках/ меня). "Come, Hastings (идемте, Гастингс), we must start for Eastbourne (мы должны отправляться в Истборн)."

The car was waiting (машина ждала) and soon we were driving along the coast road (и вскоре мы ехали по дороге вдоль побережья) that leads through Pevensey to Eastbourne (которая ведет через Певенси в Истборн).

"Is it any use asking you anything, Poirot (стоит ли спрашивать вас о чем-либо, Пуаро; use — употребление; польза; is there any use? — стоит ли?)?"

"Not at this moment (не сейчас: «не в этот момент»). Draw your own conclusions as to what I am doing (делайте свои собственные выводы относительно того, что я делаю)."

I relapsed into silence (я вновь погрузился в молчание).

coast [k@Ust], road [r@Ud], conclusion [k@n'klu:Z(@)n]

He smiled. "Alors c'est bien, mon enfant."

He looked round for me. "Come, Hastings, we must start for Eastbourne."

The car was waiting and soon we were driving along the coast road that leads through Pevensey to Eastbourne.

"Is it any use asking you anything, Poirot?"

"Not at this moment. Draw your own conclusions as to what I am doing."

I relapsed into silence.

Poirot, who seemed pleased with himself (который казался довольным собой), hummed a little tune (мурлыкал песенку: «маленький напев»). As we passed through Pevensey (когда мы проезжали через Певенси) he suggested that we stop (он предложил, чтобы мы остановились) and have a look over the castle (и осмотрели замок).

As we were returning towards the car (когда мы возвращались к машине), we paused a moment to watch a ring of children (мы остановись посмотреть на круг детей) — Brownies (девочек-скаутов; brownie — девочка-скаут младшего возраста), I guessed (как я догадался), by their getup (по их экипировке) — who were singing a ditty in shrill (которые пели песенку резкими), untuneful voices (нестройными голосами) …

"What is it that they say, Hastings (что это, что они говорят, Гастингс)? I cannot catch the words (я не могу уловить слова)."

I listened (я слушал) — till I caught one refrain (пока я не уловил один припев).

castle [kA:sl], brownie ['braUnI], refrain [rI'freIn]

Poirot, who seemed pleased with himself, hummed a little tune. As we passed through Pevensey he suggested that we stop and have a look over the castle.

As we were returning towards the car, we paused a moment to watch a ring of children — Brownies, I guessed, by their getup — who were singing a ditty in shrill, untuneful voices …

"What is it that they say, Hastings? I cannot catch the words."

I listened — till I caught one refrain.

" — And catch a fox (и поймать лиса)

And put him in a box (и посадить его в ящик)

And never let him go (и никогда его не выпускать: «и никогда не позволять ему уйти») ."

"And catch a fox and put him in a box and never let him go!" repeated Poirot (повторил Пуаро).

His face had gone suddenly grave and stern (его лицо неожиданно стало серьезным и строгим). "It is very terrible that, Hastings (очень ужасно это, Гастингс)." He was silent a minute (он молчал: «он был молчалив» с минуту). "You hunt the fox here (вы охотитесь на лис здесь)?"

"I don't (я нет). I've never been able to afford to hunt (я никогда не был в состоянии позволить себе охотиться). And I don't think (и я не думаю) there's much hunting in this part of the world (здесь много возможностей для охоты: «там есть много /возможностей/ для охоты в этой части мира»)."

fox [fOks], stern [st@:n], afford [@'fO:d]

" — And catch a fox

And put him in a box

And never let him go."

"And catch a fox and put him in a box and never let him go!" repeated Poirot.

His face had gone suddenly grave and stern. "It is very terrible that, Hastings." He was silent a minute. "You hunt the fox here?"

"I don't. I've never been able to afford to hunt. And I don't think there's much hunting in this part of the world."

"I meant in England generally (я имел в виду в Англии в общем). A strange sport (странный спорт). The waiting at the covert side (ожидание в засаде: «скрытой стороне») — then they sound the tally-ho (затем они кричат /собакам/ «ату!»), do they not (не так ли)? — and the run begins (и погоня начинается) — across the country (по всей местности) — over the hedges and ditches (по горам по долам: «через преграды и ямки») — and the fox he runs (а лис, он бежит) — and sometimes he doubles back (и иногда он запутыват след; to double — удваивать; double back — запутывать след /о преследуемом звере/) — but the dogs (но собаки) — "

"Hounds (гончие)!"

" — hounds are on his trail (гончие идут по его следу: «гончие на его следе»), and at last they catch him (и наконец они ловят его) and he dies (и он умирает) — quickly and horribly (быстро и ужасно)."

"I suppose (я полагаю) it does sound cruel (это действительно звучит жестоко), but really (но на самом деле) — "

covert ['k@Uv@:t], tally-ho ['t&lI'h@U], hound [haUnd]

"I meant in England generally. A strange sport. The waiting at the covert side — then they sound the tally-ho, do they not? — and the run begins — across the country — over the hedges and ditches — and the fox he runs — and sometimes he doubles back — but the dogs — "

"Hounds!"

" — hounds are on his trail, and at last they catch him and he dies — quickly and horribly."

"I suppose it does sound cruel, but really — "

"The fox enjoys it (лис получает от этого удовольствие: «наслаждается этим»)? Do not say les btises, my friend (не говорите фр. глупостей, мой друг). Tout de mme (фр. все равно) — it is better that (лучше эта) — the quick (быстрая), cruel death (жестокая смерть) than what those children were singing (чем то, что те дети пели) … To be shut away (быть закрытым) — in a box (в ящике) — for ever (навсегда) … No, it is not good (это нехорошо), that (это)."

< class="book">He shook his head (он покачал головой). Then he said (затем он сказал), with a change of tone (с переменой в тоне): "Tomorrow (завтра), I am to visit the man Cust (я должен посетить этого человека, Каста)," and he added to the chauffeur (и он добавил шоферу): "Back to London (назад в Лондон)."

"Aren't you going to Eastbourne?" I cried (вы не едете в Истборн? — вскричал я).

"What need (какова нужда)? I know (я знаю) — quite enough for my purpose (вполне достаточно для моей цели)."

quick [kwIk], box [bOks], London ['lVnd@n]

"The fox enjoys it? Do not say les btises, my friend. Tout de mme it is better that — the quick, cruel death than what those children were singing … To be shut away — in a box — for ever … No, it is not good, that."

He shook his head. Then he said, with a change of tone: "Tomorrow, I am to visit the man Cust," and he added to the chauffeur: "Back to London."

"Aren't you going to Eastbourne?" I cried.

"What need? I know — quite enough for my purpose."

XXXIII. Alexander Bonaparte Cust

(Александр Бонапарт Каст)

I was not present at the interview (я не присутствовал на беседе) that took place between Poirot and that strange man (которая произошла между Пуаро и тем странным человеком) — Alexander Bonaparte Cust (Александром Бонапартом Кастом). Owing to his association with the police (благодаря его отношениям с полицией) and the peculiar circumstances of the case (и особыми обстоятельствами дела), Poirot had no difficulty in obtaining a Home Office^[48] order (у Пуаро не было трудностей получить министерский ордер) — but that order did not extend to me (но тот ордер не распространялся на меня), and in any case (и в любом случае) it was essential (это было важно), from Poirot's point of view (с точки зрения Пуаро), that that interview should be absolutely private (что этой беседе следует быть совершенно частной) — the two men face to face (двое мужчин лицом к лицу).

difficulty ['dIfIk@ltI], Home Office ['h@Um'OfIs], absolutely ['&bs(@)lu:tlI]

I was not present at the interview that took place between Poirot and that strange man — Alexander Bonaparte Cust. Owing to his association with the police and the peculiar circumstances of the case, Poirot had no difficulty in obtaining a Home Office order — but that order did not extend to me, and in any case it was essential, from Poirot's point of view, that that interview should be absolutely private — the two men face to face.

He has given me, however (он дал мне, однако), such a detailed account of what passed between them (такой тщательный отчет того, что произошло между ними) that I set it down with as much confidence on paper (что я изложил его с такой уверенностью на бумаге; to set down — класть; записывать, письменно излагать) as though I had actually been present (как если бы я действительно /там/ присутствовал).

Mr. Cust seemed to have shrunk (мистер Каст, казалось, съежился; to shrink — уменьшаться; усыхать). His stoop was more apparent (его сутулость была более явной). His fingers plucked vaguely at his coat (его пальцы рассеянно теребили пальто; to pluck — собирать; щипать, перебирать).

For some time (некоторое время), I gather (я делаю вывод = как я понял), Poirot did not speak (Пуаро не говорил).

He sat (он сидел) and looked at the man opposite him (и смотрел на человека напротив него).

shrunk [SrVNk], pluck [plVk], coat [k@Ut]

He has given me, however, such a detailed account of what passed between them that I set it down with as much confidence on paper as though I had actually been present.

Mr. Cust seemed to have shrunk. His stoop was more apparent. His fingers plucked vaguely at his coat.

For some time, I gather, Poirot did not speak.

He sat and looked at the man opposite him.

The atmosphere became restful (обстановка стала мирной) — soothing (успокаивающей) — full of infinite leisure (полной бесконечного расслабления). It must have been a dramatic moment (это, должно быть, был драматический момент) — this meeting of the two adversaries in the long drama (эта встреча двух противников в долгой драме). In Poirot's place (на месте Пуаро) I should have felt the dramatic thrill (я бы почувствовал драматический трепет).

Poirot, however (Пуаро, однако), is nothing if not matter-of-fact (это сплошная прозаичность; matter-of-fact — основанный на фактах, сухой, прозаичный; лишенный фантазии). He was absorbed in producing a certain effect upon the man opposite him (он был поглощен тем, что производил определенное впечатление на человека напротив него).

At last he said gently (наконец он мягко сказал): "Do you know who I am (вы знаете, кто я)?"

infinite ['InfInIt], leisure ['leZ@], matter-of-fact [,m&t@r(@)v'f&kt]

The atmosphere became restful — soothing — full of infinite leisure. It must have been a dramatic moment — this meeting of the two adversaries in the long drama. In Poirot's place I should have felt the dramatic thrill.

Poirot, however, is nothing if not matter-of-fact. He was absorbed in producing a certain effect upon the man opposite him.

At last he said gently: "Do you know who I am?"

The other shook his head (другой покачал головой). "No — no — I can't say (я не могу сказать) I do (что я /знаю/). Unless you are Mr. Lucas's (только если вы не мистера Лукаса) — what do they call it (как они называют это)? — junior (помощник; junior — младший; подчиненный). Or perhaps you come from Mr. Maynard (или, может быть, вы пришли от мистера Мейнарда)?"

(Maynard & Cole were the defending solicitors («Мейнард-энд-Коул» были юристами защиты).)

His tone was polite (его тон был вежливый) but not very interested (но не очень заинтересованный). He seemed absorbed in some inner abstraction (он казался поглощенным внутренними мыслями; abstraction — абстракция; погруженность мысли, задумчивость).

"I am Hercule Poirot (я — Эркюль Пуаро)…"

Poirot said the words very gently (Пуаро сказал эти слова очень мягко) … and watched for the effect (и наблюдал за эффектом).

Mr. Cust raised his head a little (мистер Каст немного поднял голову). "Oh, yes (о, да)?"

He said it as naturally (он сказал это так естественно) as Inspector Crome might have said it (как инспектор Кроум мог бы сказать это) — but without the superciliousness (но без надменности; supercilious — высокомерный, надменный, презрительный).

solicitor [s@'lIsIt@], abstraction [&b'str&kS(@)n], superciliousness [,sju:p@'sIlI@snIs]

The other shook his head. "No — no — I an't say I do. Unless you are Mr. Lucas's — what do they call it? — junior. Or perhaps you come from Mr. Maynard?"

(Maynard & Cole were the defending solicitors.)

His tone was polite but not very interested. He seemed absorbed in some inner abstraction.

"I am Hercule Poirot …"

Poirot said the words very gently … and watched for the effect.

Mr. Cust raised his head a little. "Oh, yes?"

He said it as naturally as Inspector Crome might have said it — but without the superciliousness.

Then (затем), a minute later (минутой спустя), he repeated his remark (он повторил свое замечание). "Oh, yes?" he said (о, да?), and this time his tone was different (и на этот раз его тон был другим) — it held an awakened interest (он содержал пробудившийся интерес). He raised his head and looked at Poirot (он поднял голову и посмотрел на Пуаро).

Hercule Poirot met his gaze (Эркюль Пуаро встретил его взгляд) and nodded his own head gently once or twice (и кивнул головой один или два раза).

"Yes," he said. "I am the man (я тот человек) to whom you wrote the letters (которому вы писали ваши письма)."

At once the contact was broken (неожиданно контакт нарушился). Mr. Cust dropped his eyes (мистер Каст опустил глаза) and spoke irritably and fretfully (и заговорил раздраженно и нетерпеливо; fretful — капризный, раздражительный, нетерпеливый).

"I never wrote to you (я никогда не писал вам). Those letters weren't written by me (те письма не были написаны мною). I've said so again and again (я уже говорил так снова и снова)."

"I know," said Poirot (я знаю). "But if you did not write them (но если не вы написали их), who did (кто же написал)?"

interest ['Int@r@st], gaze [geIz], fretfully ['fretfUlI]

Then, a minute later, he repeated his remark. "Oh, yes?" he said, and this time his tone was different — it held an awakened interest. He raised his head and looked at Poirot.

Hercule Poirot met his gaze and nodded his own head gently once or twice.

"Yes," he said. "I am the man to whom you wrote the letters."

At once the contact was broken. Mr. Cust dropped his eyes and spoke irritably and fretfully.

"I never wrote to you. Those letters weren't written by me. I've said so again and again."

"I know," said Poirot. "But if you did not write them, who did?"

"An enemy (враг). I must have an enemy (у меня, должно быть, есть враг). They are all against me (они все против меня). The police (полиция) — everyone (каждый) — all against me (все против меня). It's a gigantic conspiracy (это гигантский заговор; conspiracy — секретность; тайный сговор)."

Poirot did not reply (Пуаро не ответил).

Mr. Cust said (мистер Каст сказал): "Everyone's hand has been against me (все были против меня: «рука каждого против меня») — always (всегда)."

"Even when you were a child (даже когда вы были ребенком)?"

Mr. Cust seemed to consider (мистер Каст, казалось, раздумывал). "No — no — not exactly then (не совсем тогда; exactly — точно). My mother was very fond of me (моя мать очень любила меня). But she was ambitious (но она была честолюбива) — terribly ambitious (ужасно честолюбива). That's why she gave me those ridiculous names (поэтому он дала мне эти нелепые имена). She had some absurd idea (у нее была некая абсурдная идея) that I'd cut a figure in the world (что я стану значительной мировой фигурой; to cut a /fine/ figure — производить /хорошее/ впечатление; to cut — вырезать; кроить). She was always urging me to assert myself (она всегда торопила меня утвердиться) — talking about will power (говорила о силе воли) … saying anyone could be master of his fate (говорила, что каждый может быть хозяином своей судьбы) … she said I could do anything (она говорила, что я смогу сделать что угодно)!"

gigantic [dZaI'g&ntIk], conspiracy [k@n'spaI@r@sI], ambitious [&m'bIS@s]

"An enemy. I must have an enemy. They are all against me. The police — everyone — all against me. It's a gigantic conspiracy."

Poirot did not reply.

Mr. Cust said: "Everyone's hand has been against me — always."

"Even when you were a child?"

Mr. Cust seemed to consider. "No — no — not exactly then. My mother was very fond of me. But she was ambitious — terribly ambitious. That's why she gave me those ridiculous names. She had some absurd idea that I'd cut a figure in the world. She was always urging me to assert myself — talking about will power … saying anyone could be master of his fate … she said I could do anything!"

He was silent for a minute (он молчал: «был молчалив» с минуту).

"She was quite wrong, of course (она была совершенно неправа, конечно). I realized that myself quite soon (я достаточно скоро это осознал сам). I wasn't the sort of person to get on in life (я был не тем человеком, чтобы преуспевать в жизни). I was always doing foolish things (я всегда делал глупости: «глупые вещи») — making myself look ridiculous (заставляя себя выглядеть нелепо). And I was timid (и я был застенчив) — afraid of people (боялся людей). I had a bad time at school (мне плохо приходилось в школе) — the boys found out my Christian names (мальчишки узнали мои имена) — they used to tease me about them (они, бывало, дразнили меня из-за них). I did very badly at school (я очень плохо успевал в школе) — in games (в играх) and work (и работе) and everything (и во всем)."

He shook his head (он покачал головой). "Just as well poor mother died (как раз тогда моя бедная мать умерла). She'd have been disappointed (она была разочарована) … Even when I was at the Commercial College (даже когда я был в колледже коммерции) I was stupid (я был туп) — it took me longer to learn typing and shorthand (у меня занимало дольше, чтобы научиться печатать и стенографировать; shorthand — стенография) than anyone else (чем у кого-либо еще). And yet I didn't feel stupid (и все же я не чувствовал себя тупым) — if you know what I mean (если вы знаете, что я имею в виду)."

timid ['tImId], tease [ti:z], shorthand ['SO:th&nd]

He was silent for a minute.

"She was quite wrong, of course. I realized that myself quite soon. I wasn't the sort of person to get on in life. I was always doing foolish things — making myself look ridiculous. And I was timid — afraid of people. I had a bad time at school — the boys found out my Christian names — they used to tease me about them. I did very badly at school — in games and work and everything."

He shook his head. "Just as well poor mother died. She'd have been disappointed … Even when I was at the Commercial College I was stupid — it took me longer to learn typing and shorthand than anyone else. And yet I didn't feel stupid — if you know what I mean."

He cast a sudden appealing look at the other man (он бросил неожиданный умоляющий взгляд на другого человека).

"I know what you mean," said Poirot (я знаю, что вы имеете в виду). "Go on (продолжайте)."

"It was just the feeling (это просто было чувство) that everybody else thought me stupid (что все остальные думали, что я тупой). Very paralysing (это очень обескураживающе; to paralyze — парализовывать; лишать сил). It was the same thing later in the office (все то же было и позднее, на работе/в офисе)."

"And later still in the war?" prompted Poirot (а еще позднее, на войне? — подсказал Пуаро).

Mr. Cust's face lightened up suddenly (неожиданно лицо мистера Каста просветлело). "You know," he said (вы знаете), "I enjoyed the war (я наслаждался войной). What I had of it, that was (это на самом деле так было: «что я имел из этого, это было»). I felt (я чувствовал /себя/), for the first time (в первый раз), a man like anybody else (человеком, подобным всем другим). We were all in the same box (мы были все в одинаково трудном положении; to be in a /tight/ box — быть в трудном положении: «в /тесном/ ящике»). I was as good as anyone else (я был таким же, как все: «я был так же хорош, как любой другой»)."

appealing [@'pi:lIN], paralysing ['p&r@laIzIN], prompt [prOmpt]

He cast a sudden appealing look at the other man.

"I know what you mean," said Poirot. "Go on."

"It was just the feeling that everybody else thought me stupid. Very paralysing. It was the same thing later in the office."

"And later still in the war?" prompted Poirot.

Mr. Cust's face lightened up suddenly. "You know," he said, "I enjoyed the war. What I had of it, that was. I felt, for the first time, a man like anybody else. We were all in the same box. I was as good as anyone else."

His smile faded (его улыбка померкла; to fade — вянуть, увядать).

"And then I got that wound on the head (а затем я получил то ранение в голову). Very slight (очень легкое). But they found out I had fits (но они обнаружили/выявили, что у меня были припадки) … I'd always known, of course (я всегда знал, конечно), that there were times (что были времена) when I hadn't been quite sure (когда я не был совсем уверен) what I was doing (что я делал). Lapses (провалы /памяти/), you know (вы знаете). And of course (и, конечно), once or twice I'd fallen down (раз или два я упал). But I don't really think (но я действительно не думаю) they ought to have discharged me for that (что им следовало увольнять меня из-за этого). No, I don't think it was right (я не думаю, что это было правильно)."

"And afterwards?" asked Poirot (а затем?).

fade [feId], lapse [l&ps], afterwards ['A:ft@w@dz]

His smile faded.

"And then I got that wound on the head. Very slight. But they found out I had fits … I'd always known, of course, that there were times when I hadn't been quite sure what I was doing. Lapses, you know. And of course, once or twice I'd fallen down. But I don't really think they ought to have discharged me for that. No, I don't think it was right."

"And afterwards?" asked Poirot.

"I got a place as a clerk (я получил место клерка). Of course (конечно) there was good money to be got just then (тут были хорошие деньги, /которые можно/ было получить как раз тогда). And I didn't do so badly after the war (и я не так плохо справлялся после войны). Of course (конечно), a smaller salary (меньшая зарплата) … … And — I didn't seem to get on (я как-то не преуспевал: «я не казался продвигаться»). I was always being passed over for promotion (меня всегда обходили с повышением). I wasn't going ahead enough (я не достаточно рвался вперед). It grew very difficult (становилось очень трудно; to grow) — really very difficult (действительно очень трудно) … Especially when the slump came (особенно когда начался кризис; slump — резкое или внезапное падение; кризис). To tell you the truth (по правде вам говоря), I'd got hardly enough to keep body and soul together (я получал едва ли достаточно, чтобы сводить концы с концами: «держать тело и душу вместе») (and you've got to look presentable as a clerk (а, будучи клерком, надо выглядеть представительно)) when I got the offer of this stocking job (когда я получил предложение об этой чулочной работе). A salary and commission (жалование и комиссионные)!"

Poirot said gently (Пуаро мягко сказал): "But you are aware (но вы понимаете), are you not (что вы не /работаете там/), that the firm (что фирма) who (которая) you say (/как/ вы говорите) employed you (наняла вас) deny the fact (отрицает этот факт)?"

promotion [pr@'m@US(@)n], slump [slVmp], commission [k@'mIS(@)n]

"I got a place as a clerk. Of course there was good money to be got just then. And I didn't do so badly after the war. Of course, a smaller salary … And — I didn't seem to get on. I was always being passed over for promotion. I wasn't going ahead enough. It grew very difficult — really very difficult … Especially when the slump came. To tell you the truth, I'd got hardly enough to keep body and soul together (and you've got to look presentable as a clerk) when I got the offer of this stocking job. A salary and commission!"

Poirot said gently: "But you are aware, are you not, that the firm who you say employed you deny the fact?"

Mr. Cust got excited again (мистер Каст опять разволновался). "That's because they're in the conspiracy (это потому что они в заговоре) — they must be in the conspiracy (они, должно быть, в заговоре).''

He went on (он продолжил): "I've got written evidence (у меня есть письменные доказательства), written evidence (письменные доказательства). I've got their letters to me (у меня есть их письма ко мне), giving me instructions (дающие мне инструкции) as to what places to go (как то, в какие места ехать) and a list of people to call on (и список людей, /которых надо/ посетить)."

"Not written evidence exactly (не письменные доказательства /более/ точно) — typewritten evidence (а напечатанные доказательства)."

"It's the same thing (это одно и тоже). Naturally a big firm of wholesale manufacturers typewrite their letters (естественно, что крупная фирма оптовых производителей печатает свои письма)."

"Don't you know, Mr. Cust (вы не знаете, мистер Каст), that a typewriter can be identified (что печатная машинка может быть определена; to identify — устанавливать тождество; опознавать)? All those letters were typed by one particular machine (все те письма были напечатаны на одной определенной машине)."

instruction [In'strVkS(@)n], wholesale ['h@UlseIl], typewriter ['taIpraIt@]

Mr. Cust got excited again. "That's because they're in the conspiracy — they must be in the conspiracy.''

He went on: "I've got written evidence, written evidence. I've got their letters to me, giving me instructions as to what places to go and a list of people to call on."

"Not written evidence exactly — typewritten evidence."

"It's the same thing. Naturally a big firm of wholesale manufacturers typewrite their letters."

"Don't you know, Mr. Cust, that a typewriter can be identified? All those letters were typed by one particular machine."

"What of it (что из этого)?"

"And that machine was your own (и что эта машина была вашей собственной) — the one found in your room (той, найденной у вас в комнате)."

"It was sent me by the firm at the beginning of my job (она была послана мне компанией в начале моей работы)."

"Yes, but these letters were received afterwards (но эти письма были получены после). So it looks (так это выглядит), does it not (не так ли), as though you typed them yourself (как будто вы напечатали их сами) and posted them to yourself (и отправили их по почте самому себе)?"

"No, no! It's all part of the plot against me (это все часть заговора против меня)!"

He added suddenly (он неожиданно добавил): "Besides (кроме того), their letters would be written on the same kind of machine (их письма были бы написаны на машинке того же самого типа)."

beginning [bI'gInIN], besides [bI'saIdz], machine [m@'Si:n]

"What of it?"

"And that machine was your own — the one found in your room."

"It was sent me by the firm at the beginning of my job."

"Yes, but these letters were received afterwards. So it looks, does it not, as though you typed them yourself and posted them to yourself?"

"No, no! It's all part of the plot against me!"

He added suddenly: "Besides, their letters would be written on the same kind of machine."

"The same kind (того же типа), but not the same actual machine (но не на той же реально существующей машинке; actual — актуальный; действительный)."

Mr. Cust repeated obstinately (мистер Каст упрямо повторил): "It's a plot (это заговор; plot — заговор)!"

"And the A.B.C.'s that were found in the cupboard (и /железнодорожные справочники/ «Эй-би-си», которые были найдены в шкафу)?"

"I know nothing about them (я /не/ знаю ничего о них). I thought (я думал) they were all stockings (это все были чулки)."

"Why did you tick off the name of Mrs. Ascher in that first list of people in Andover (почему вы отметили галочкой имя миссис Эшер в первом списке людей в Эндовере)?"

"Because I decided to start with her (потому что я решил начать с нее). One must begin somewhere (нужно с чего-то начинать; somewhere — где-либо)."

"Yes that is true (да, это правда). One must begin somewhere (нужно с чего-то начинать)."

actual ['&ktSU@l], obstinately ['ObstIn@tlI], tick [tIk]

"The same kind, but not the same actual machine."

Mr. Cust repeated obstinately: "It's a plot!"

"And the A.B.C.'s that were found in the cupboard?"