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

The Andover business went with a swing[119 - to go with a swing – успешно проходить], didn’t it?

But the fun’s only just beginning. Let me draw your attention to Bexhill-on-Sea. Date, the 25th inst.[120 - inst. = instant – текущего месяца]

What a merry time we are having! Yours etc.

В В В В A B C

�Good God, Poirot,’ I cried. �Does this mean that this fiend is going to attempt another crime?’

�Naturally, Hastings. What else did you expect? Did you think that the Andover business was an isolated case? Do you not remember my saying: “This is the beginning”?’

�But this is horrible!’

�Yes, it is horrible.

�We’re up against a homicidal maniac.’

�Yes.’

His quietness was more impressive than any heroics could have been. I handed back the letter with a shudder.

The following morning saw us at a conference of powers. The Chief Constable of Sussex, the Assistant Commissioner[121 - Assistant Commissioner – заместитель комиссара] of the CID, Inspector Glen from Andover, Superintendent Carter of the Sussex police, Japp and a younger inspector called Crome, and Dr Thompson, the famous alienist, were all assembled together.

The matter was discussed fully. Dr Thompson was a pleasant middle-aged man who, in spite of his learning, contented himself with homely language, avoiding the technicalities of his profession.

�There’s no doubt,’ said the Assistant Commissioner, �that the two letters are in the same hand. Both were written by the same person.’

�And we can fairly assume that that person was responsible for the Andover murder.’

�Quite. We’ve now got definite warning of a second crime scheduled to take place on the 25th—the day after tomorrow—at Bexhill. What steps can be taken?’

The Sussex Chief Constable looked at his superintendent.

�Well, Carter, what about it?’

The superintendent shook his head gravely.

�It’s difficult, sir. There’s not the least clue towards whom the victim may be. Speaking fair and square[122 - fair and square – честно и справедливо], what steps can we take?’

�A suggestion,’ murmured Poirot.

Their faces turned to him.

�I think it possible that the surname of the intended victim will begin with the letter B.