原文
At the time the murderer was committed, I was travelling on the eight o'clock train to London, said the man. Do you always catch such an early train? Asked the inspector. Of course I do, answered the man.
I must be at work at ten o'clock. My employer will confirm that I was there on time. Would a later train get you to work on time? Asked the inspector.
I suppose it would, but I never catch a later train. At what time did you arrive at the station? At ten to eight, I bought a paper and waited for the train. And you didn't notice anything unusual?
Of course not. I suggest, said the inspector, that you are not telling the truth. I suggest that you did not catch the eight o'clock train, but that you caught the eight twenty-five, which would still get you to work on time. You see, on the morning of the murder, the eight o'clock train did not run at all.
It broke down at Fern Green station and was taken off the line.