Shakedown for Murder

Начало книги

he must have died within seconds after phoning me. I found him over the hall table. You and I, we're more than merely old friends, so believe me when I tell you that in a case like this, there isn't anything a doctor can do. At his age, the heart grows very tired.” Doctor Edward Barnes placed a hand on the other's damp, trembling shoulder; a hand both firm and gentle.

     “Yes...I...I

understand, Edward.” The voice was dazed, sullen with mounting hysteria.

     “What?” the doctor asked, cupping an ear, brushing the rain from his face with his other hand. “What did you say?”

     “I said... I'm okay. It's just... I'll miss him so. You know how close we were.”

     The doctor pulled his old felt hat down as he said, “Come now, no weeping. There isn't much one can say about death, especially the death of an old friend. Yet I always find myself groping for the meaningless phrases. Our only consolation is to remember he lived a long and useful life. And he died without pain. Remember the old Indian saying you once told me.... Death is but the opening of a new trail. Do you recall telling me that?”

Читать дальше →