The Murder of Roger Ackroyd / Убийство Роджера Экройда - стр. 46

‘It is of no consequence,’ said the detective. ‘of no consequence whatever. What I really want to ask you is this, M. raymond: did any stranger come to see Mr Ackroyd during this past week?’

The secretary reflected for a minute or two, knitting his brows, and during the pause Parker appeared in answer to the bell.

‘No,’ said Raymond at last. ‘I can’t remember anyone. Can you, Parker?’

‘I beg your pardon, sir?’

‘Any stranger coming to see Mr Ackroyd this week?’

The butler reflected for a minute or two.

‘There was the young man who came on Wednesday, sir,’ he said at last. ‘From Curtis and Troute, I understood he was.’

Raymond moved this aside with an impatient hand.

‘Oh! yes, I remember, but that is not the kind of stranger this gentleman means.’ he turned to Poirot. ‘Mr Ackroyd had some idea of purchasing a dictaphone,’ he explained. ‘It would have enabled us to get through a lot more work in a limited time. The firm in question sent down their representative, but nothing came of it. Mr Ackroyd did not make up his mind to purchase.’

Poirot turned to the butler.

‘Can you describe this young man to me, my good Parker?’

‘He was fair-haired, sir, and short. Very neatly dressed in a blue serge suit. A very presentable young man, sir, for his station in life.’

Poirot turned to me.

‘The man you met outside the gate, doctor, was tall, was he not?’

‘Yes,’ I said. ‘Somewhere about six feet, I should say.’

‘There is nothing in that, then,’ declared the Belgian. ‘I thank you, Parker.’

The butler spoke to Raymond.

‘Mr Hammond has just arrived, sir,’ he said. ‘He is anxious to know if he can be of any service, and he would be glad to have a word with you.’

‘I’ll come at once,’ said the young man. He hurried out.

Poirot looked inquiringly at the chief constable.

‘The family solicitor, M. Poirot,’ said the latter.

‘It is a busy time for this young M. raymond,’ murmured M. Poirot. ‘he has the air efficient, that one.’

‘I believe Mr Ackroyd considered him a most able secretary.’

‘He has been here – how long?’

‘Just on two years, I fancy.’

‘His duties he fulfils punctiliously. Of that I am sure. In what manner does he amuse himself? Does he go in for le sport?’

‘Private secretaries haven’t much time for that sort of thing,’ said colonel Melrose, smiling. ‘Raymond plays golf, I believe. And tennis in the summer time.’

‘He does not attend the courses – I should say the running of the horses?’

‘Race meetings? No, I don’t think he’s interested in racing.’

Poirot nodded and seemed to lose interest. He glanced slowly round the study.