diff options
Diffstat (limited to '1833-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 1833-h/1833-h.htm | 2191 |
1 files changed, 2191 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/1833-h/1833-h.htm b/1833-h/1833-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0ed6dee --- /dev/null +++ b/1833-h/1833-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2191 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Case of the Registered Letter, by Augusta Groner + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +Project Gutenberg's The Case of the Registered Letter, by Augusta Groner + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Case of the Registered Letter + +Author: Augusta Groner + +Translator: Grace Isabel Colbron + +Release Date: November 6, 2008 [EBook #1833] +Last Updated: October 14, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CASE OF THE REGISTERED LETTER *** + + + + +Produced by An Anonymous Project Gutenberg Volunteer, and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE CASE OF THE REGISTERED LETTER + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Augusta Groner + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated by Grace Isabel Colbron + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Contents + </h3> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION TO JOE MULLER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE CASE OF THE REGISTERED LETTER </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION TO JOE MULLER + </h2> + <p> + Joseph Muller, Secret Service detective of the Imperial Austrian police, + is one of the great experts in his profession. In personality he differs + greatly from other famous detectives. He has neither the impressive + authority of Sherlock Holmes, nor the keen brilliancy of Monsieur Lecoq. + Muller is a small, slight, plain-looking man, of indefinite age, and of + much humbleness of mien. A naturally retiring, modest disposition, and two + external causes are the reasons for Muller’s humbleness of manner, which + is his chief characteristic. One cause is the fact that in early youth a + miscarriage of justice gave him several years in prison, an experience + which cast a stigma on his name and which made it impossible for him, for + many years after, to obtain honest employment. But the world is richer, + and safer, by Muller’s early misfortune. For it was this experience which + threw him back on his own peculiar talents for a livelihood, and drove him + into the police force. Had he been able to enter any other profession, his + genius might have been stunted to a mere pastime, instead of being, as + now, utilised for the public good. + </p> + <p> + Then, the red tape and bureaucratic etiquette which attaches to every + governmental department, puts the secret service men of the Imperial + police on a par with the lower ranks of the subordinates. Muller’s + official rank is scarcely much higher than that of a policeman, although + kings and councillors consult him and the Police Department realises to + the full what a treasure it has in him. But official red tape, and his + early misfortune... prevent the giving of any higher official standing to + even such a genius. Born and bred to such conditions, Muller understands + them, and his natural modesty of disposition asks for no outward honours, + asks for nothing but an income sufficient for his simple needs, and for + aid and opportunity to occupy himself in the way he most enjoys. + </p> + <p> + Joseph Muller’s character is a strange mixture. The kindest-hearted man in + the world, he is a human bloodhound when once the lure of the trail has + caught him. He scarcely eats or sleeps when the chase is on, he does not + seem to know human weakness nor fatigue, in spite of his frail body. Once + put on a case his mind delves and delves until it finds a clue, then + something awakes within him, a spirit akin to that which holds the + bloodhound nose to trail, and he will accomplish the apparently + impossible, he will track down his victim when the entire machinery of a + great police department seems helpless to discover anything. The high + chiefs and commissioners grant a condescending permission when Muller + asks, “May I do this? ... or may I handle this case this way?” both + parties knowing all the while that it is a farce, and that the department + waits helpless until this humble little man saves its honour by solving + some problem before which its intricate machinery has stood dazed and + puzzled. + </p> + <p> + This call of the trail is something that is stronger than anything else in + Muller’s mentality, and now and then it brings him into conflict with the + department,... or with his own better nature. Sometimes his unerring + instinct discovers secrets in high places, secrets which the Police + Department is bidden to hush up and leave untouched. Muller is then taken + off the case, and left idle for a while if he persists in his opinion as + to the true facts. And at other times, Muller’s own warm heart gets him + into trouble. He will track down his victim, driven by the power in his + soul which is stronger than all volition; but when he has this victim in + the net, he will sometimes discover him to be a much finer, better man + than the other individual, whose wrong at this particular criminal’s hand + set in motion the machinery of justice. Several times that has happened to + Muller, and each time his heart got the better of his professional + instincts, of his practical common-sense, too, perhaps,... at least as far + as his own advancement was concerned, and he warned the victim, defeating + his own work. This peculiarity of Muller’s character caused his undoing at + last, his official undoing that is, and compelled his retirement from the + force. But his advice is often sought unofficially by the Department, and + to those who know, Muller’s hand can be seen in the unravelling of many a + famous case. + </p> + <p> + The following stories are but a few of the many interesting cases that + have come within the experience of this great detective. But they give a + fair portrayal of Muller’s peculiar method of working, his looking on + himself as merely an humble member of the Department, and the comedy of + his acting under “official orders” when the Department is in reality + following out his directions. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CASE OF THE REGISTERED LETTER + </h2> + <p> + “Oh, sir, save him if you can—save my poor nephew! I know he is + innocent!” + </p> + <p> + The little old lady sank back in her chair, gazing up at Commissioner von + Riedau with tear-dimmed eyes full of helpless appeal. The commissioner + looked thoughtful. “But the case is in the hands of the local authorities, + Madam,” he answered gently, a strain of pity in his voice. “I don’t + exactly see how we could interfere.” + </p> + <p> + “But they believe Albert guilty! They haven’t given him a chance!” + </p> + <p> + “He cannot be sentenced without sufficient proof of his guilt.” + </p> + <p> + “But the trial, the horrible trial—it will kill him—his heart + is weak. I thought—I thought you might send some one—some one + of your detectives—to find out the truth of the case. You must have + the best people here in Vienna. Oh, my poor Albert—” + </p> + <p> + Her voice died away in a suppressed sob, and she covered her face to keep + back the tears. + </p> + <p> + The commissioner pressed a bell on his desk. “Is Detective Joseph Muller + anywhere about the building?” he asked of the attendant who appeared at + the door. + </p> + <p> + “I think he is, sir. I saw him come in not long ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask him to come up to this room. Say I would like to speak to him.” The + attendant went out. + </p> + <p> + “I have sent for one of the best men on our force, Madam,” continued the + commissioner, turning back to the pathetic little figure in the chair. “We + will go into this matter a little more in detail and see if it is possible + for us to interfere with the work of the local authorities in G———.” + </p> + <p> + The little old lady gave her eyes a last hasty dab with a dainty + handkerchief and raised her head again, fighting for self-control. She was + a quaint little figure, with soft grey hair drawn back smoothly from a + gentle-featured face in which each wrinkle seemed the seal of some loving + thought for others. Her bonnet and gown were of excellent material in + delicate soft colours, but cut in the style of an earlier decade. The + capable lines of her thin little hands showed through the fabric of her + grey gloves. Her whole attitude bore the impress of one who had adventured + far beyond the customary routine of her home circle, adventured out into + the world in fear and trembling, impelled by the stress of a great love. + </p> + <p> + A knock was heard at the door, and a small, slight man, with a kind, + smooth-shaven face, entered at the commissioner’s call. “You sent for me, + sir?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Muller, there is a matter here in which I need your advice, your + assistance, perhaps. This is Detective Muller, Miss—” (the + commissioner picked up the card on his desk) “Miss Graumann. If you will + tell us now, more in detail, all that you can tell us about this case, we + may be able to help you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if you would,” murmured Miss Graumann, with something more of hope in + her voice. The expression of sympathetic interest on the face of the + newcomer had already won her confidence for him. Her slight figure + straightened up in the chair, and the two men sat down opposite her, + prepared to listen to her story. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you all I know and understand about this matter, gentlemen,” + she began. “My name is Babette Graumann, and I live with my nephew, Albert + Graumann, engineering expert, in the village of Grunau, which is not far + from the city of G———. My nephew Albert, the dearest, truest—” + sobs threatened to overcome her again, but she mastered them bravely. + “Albert is now in prison, accused of the murder of his friend, John + Siders, in the latter’s lodgings in G———.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is the gist of what you have already told me,” said the + commissioner. “Muller, Miss Graumann believes her nephew innocent, + contrary to the opinion of the local authorities in G———. She has come + to ask for some one from here who could ferret out the truth of this + matter. You are free now, and if we find that it can be done without + offending the local authorities—” + </p> + <p> + “Who is the commissioner in charge of the case in G———?” asked Muller. + </p> + <p> + “Commissioner Lange is his name, I believe,” replied Miss Graumann. + </p> + <p> + “H’m!” Muller and the commissioner exchanged glances. + </p> + <p> + “I think we can venture to hear more of this,” said the commissioner, as + if in answer to their unspoken thought. “Can you give us the details now, + Madam? Who is, or rather who was, this John Siders?” + </p> + <p> + “John Siders came to our village a little over a year ago,” continued Miss + Graumann. “He came from Chicago; he told us, although he was evidently a + German by birth. He bought a nice little piece of property, not far from + our home, and settled down there. He was a quiet man and made few friends, + but he seemed to take to Albert and came to see us frequently. Albert had + spent some years in America, in Chicago, and Siders liked to talk to him + about things and people there. But one day Siders suddenly sold his + property and moved to G———. Two weeks later he was found dead in his + lodgings in the city, murdered, and now—now they have accused Albert + of the crime.” + </p> + <p> + “On what grounds?—oh, I beg your pardon, sir; I did not mean—” + </p> + <p> + “That’s all right, Muller,” said the commissioner. “As you may have to + undertake the case, you might as well begin to do the questioning now.” + </p> + <p> + “They say”—Miss Graumann’s voice quavered—“they say that + Albert was the last person known to have been in Siders’ room; they say + that it was his revolver, found in the room. That is the dreadful part of + it—it was his revolver. He acknowledges it, but he did not know, + until the police showed it to him, that the weapon was not in its usual + place in his study. They tell me that everything speaks for his guilt, but + I cannot believe it—I cannot. He says he is innocent in spite of + everything. I believe him. I brought him up, sir; I was like his own + mother to him. He never knew any other mother. He never lied to me, not + once, when he was a little boy, and I don’t believe he’d lie to me now, + now that he’s a man of forty-five. He says he did not kill John Siders. + Oh, I know, even without his saying it, that he would not do such a + thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell us anything more about the murder itself?” questioned Muller + gently. “Is there any possibility of suicide? Or was there a robbery?” + </p> + <p> + “They say it was no suicide, sir, and that there was a large sum of money + missing. But why should Albert take any one else’s money? He has money of + his own, and he earns a good income besides—we have all that we + need. Oh, it is some dreadful mistake! There is the newspaper account of + the discovery of the body. Perhaps Mr. Muller might like to read that.” + She pointed to a sheet of newspaper on the desk. The commissioner handed + it to Muller. It was an evening paper, dated G———, September 24th, and + it gave an elaborate account, in provincial journalese, of the discovery + that morning of the body of John Siders, evidently murdered, in his + lodgings. The main facts to be gathered from the long-winded story were as + follows: + </p> + <p> + John Siders had rented the rooms in which he met his death about ten days + before, paying a month’s rent in advance. The lodgings consisted of two + rooms in a little house in a quiet street. It was a street of simple + two-story, one and two family dwellings, occupied by artisans and small + tradespeople. There were many open spaces, gardens and vacant lots in the + street. The house in which Siders lodged belonged to a travelling salesman + by the name of Winter. The man was away from home a great deal, and his + wife, with her child and an old servant, lived in the lower part of the + house, while the rooms occupied by Siders were in the upper story. Siders + lived very quietly, going out frequently in the afternoon, but returning + early in the evening. He had said to his landlady that he had many friends + in G———. But during the time of his stay in the house he had had but + one caller, a gentleman who came on the evening of the 23rd of September. + The old maid had opened the door for him and showed him to Mr. Siders’ + rooms. She described this visitor as having a full black beard, and + wearing a broad-brimmed grey felt hat. Nobody saw the man go out, for the + old maid, the only person in the house at the time, had retired early. + Mrs. Winter and her little girl were spending the night with the former’s + mother in a distant part of the city. The next morning the old servant, + taking the lodger’s coffee up to him at the usual hour, found him dead on + the floor of his sitting-room, shot through the heart. The woman ran + screaming from the house and alarmed the neighbours. A policeman at the + corner heard the noise, and led the crowd up to the room where the dead + man lay. It was plain to be seen that this was not a case of suicide. + Everywhere were signs of a terrible struggle. The furniture was + overturned, the dressing-table and the cupboard were open and their + contents scattered on the floor, one of the window curtains was torn into + strips, as if the victim had been trying to escape by way of the window, + but had been dragged back into the room by his murderer. An overturned ink + bottle on the table had spattered wide, and added to the general + confusion. In the midst of the disorder lay the body of the murdered man, + now cold in the rigour of death. + </p> + <p> + The police commissioner arrived soon, took possession of the rooms, and + made a thorough examination of the premises. A letter found on the desk + gave another proof, if such were needed, that this was not a case of + suicide. This letter was in the handwriting of the dead man, and read as + follows: + </p> + <p> + Dear Friend: + </p> + <p> + I appreciate greatly all the kindness shown me by yourself and your good + wife. I have been more successful than I thought possible in overcoming + the obstacles you know of. Therefore, I shall be very glad to join you day + after to-morrow, Sunday, in the proposed excursion. I will call for you at + 8 A.M.—the cab and the champagne will be my share of the trip. We’ll + have a jolly day and drink a glass or two to our plans for the future. + </p> + <p> + With best greetings for both of you, + </p> + <p> + Your old friend, + </p> + <p> + John + </p> + <p> + G————, Friday, Sept. 23rd. + </p> + <p> + An envelope, not yet addressed, lay beside this letter. It was clear that + the man who penned these words had no thought of suicide. On the contrary, + he was looking forward to a day of pleasure in the near future, and laying + plans for the time to come. The murderer’s bullet had pierced a heart + pulsing with the joy of life. + </p> + <p> + This was the gist of the account in the evening paper. Muller read it + through carefully, lingering over several points which seemed to interest + him particularly. Then he turned to Miss Babette Graumann. “And then what + happened?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Then the Police Commissioner came to Grunau and questioned my nephew. + They had found out that Albert was Mr. Siders’ only friend here. And late + that evening the Mayor and the Commissioner came to our house with the + revolver they had found in the room in G———, and they—they—” + her voice trembled again, “they arrested my dear boy and took him away.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you visited him in prison? What does he say about it himself?” + </p> + <p> + “He seems quite hopeless. He says that he is innocent—oh, I know he + is—but everything is against him. He acknowledges that it was he who + was in Mr. Siders’ room the evening before the murder. He went there + because Siders wrote him to come. He says he left early, and that John + acted queerly. He knows they will not believe his story. This worry and + anxiety will kill him. He has a serious heart trouble; he has suffered + from it for years, and it has been growing steadily worse. I dare not + think what this excitement may do for him.” Miss Graumann broke down again + and sobbed aloud. Muller laid his hands soothingly on the little old + fingers that gripped the arm of the chair. + </p> + <p> + “Did your nephew send you here to ask for help?” he inquired very gently. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no!” The old lady looked up at him through her tears. “No, he would + not have done that. I’m afraid that he’ll be angry if he knows that I have + come. He seemed so hopeless, so dazed. I just couldn’t stand it. It seemed + to me that the police in G———— were taking things for granted, + and just sitting there waiting for an innocent man to confess, instead of + looking for the real murderer, who may be gone, the Lord knows where, by + now!” Miss Graumann’s faded cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she + straightened up in her chair again, while her eyes snapped defiance + through the tears that hung on their lashes. + </p> + <p> + A faint gleam twinkled up in Muller’s eyes, and he did not look at his + chief. Doctor von Riedau’s own face glowed in a slowly mounting flush, and + his eyes drooped in a moment of conscious embarrassment at some + recollection, the sting of which was evidently made worse by Muller’s + presence. But Commissioner von Riedau had brains enough to acknowledge his + mistakes and to learn from them. He looked across the desk at Miss + Graumann. “You are right, Madam, the police have made that mistake more + than once. And a man with a clear record deserves the benefit of the + doubt. We will take up this case. Detective Muller will be put in charge + of it. And that means, Madam, that we are giving you the very best + assistance the Imperial Police Force affords.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Babette Graumann did not attempt to speak. In a wave of emotion she + stretched out both little hands to the detective and clasped his warmly. + “Oh, thank you,” she said at last. “I thank you. He’s just like my own boy + to me; he’s all the child I ever had, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “But there are difficulties in the way,” continued the commissioner in a + business-like tone. “The local authorities in G———— have not + asked for our assistance, and we are taking up the case over their heads, + as it were. I shall have to leave that to Muller’s diplomacy. He will come + to G———— and have an interview with your nephew. Then he will + have to use his own judgment as to the next steps, and as to how far he + may go in opposition to what has been done by the police there.” + </p> + <p> + “And then I may go back home?” asked Miss Graumann. “Go home with the + assurance that you will help my poor boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you may depend on us, Madam. Is there anything we can do for you + here? Are you alone in the city?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you. There is a friend here who will take care of me. She will + put me on the afternoon express back to G———.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very likely that I will take that train myself,” said Muller. “If + there is anything that you need on the journey, call on me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you, I will indeed! Thank you both, gentlemen. And now + good-bye, and God bless you!” + </p> + <p> + The commissioner bowed and Muller held the door open for Miss Graumann to + pass out. There was silence in the room, as the two men looked after the + quaint little figure slowly descending the stairs. + </p> + <p> + “A brave little woman,” murmured the commissioner. + </p> + <p> + “It is not only the mother in the flesh who knows what a mother’s love + is,” added Muller. + </p> + <p> + Next morning Joseph Muller stood in the cell of the prison in G———— + confronting Albert Graumann, accused of the murder of John Siders. + </p> + <p> + The detective had just come from a rather difficult interview with + Commissioner Lange. But the latter, though not a brilliant man, was at + least good-natured. He acknowledged the right of the accused and his + family to ask for outside assistance, and agreed with Muller that it was + better to have some one in the official service brought in, rather than a + private detective whose work, in its eventual results, might bring shame + on the police. Muller explained that Miss Graumann did not want her nephew + to know that it was she who had asked for aid in his behalf, and that it + could only redound to his, Lange’s, credit if it were understood that he + had sent to Vienna for expert assistance in this case. It would be a proof + of his conscientious attention to duty, and would insure praise for him, + whichever way the case turned out. Commissioner Lange saw the force of + this argument, and finally gave Muller permission to handle the case as he + thought best, rather relieved than otherwise for his own part. The + detective’s next errand was to the prison, where he now stood looking up + into the deep-set, dark eyes of a tall, broad-shouldered, black-bearded + man, who had arisen from the cot at his entrance. Albert Graumann had a + strong, self-reliant face and bearing. His natural expression was somewhat + hard and stern, but it was the expression of a man of integrity and + responsibility. Muller had already made some inquiries as to the + prisoner’s reputation and business standing in the community, and all that + he had heard was favourable. A certain hardness and lack of amiability in + Graumann’s nature made it difficult for him to win the hearts of others, + but although he was not generally loved, he was universally respected. + Through the signs of nagging fear, sorrow, and ill-health, printed clearly + on the face before him, Muller’s keen eyes looked down into the soul of a + man who might be overbearing, pitiless even, if occasion demanded, but who + would not murder—at least not for the sake of gain. This last + possibility Muller had dismissed from his mind, even before he saw the + prisoner. The man’s reputation was sufficient to make the thought + ridiculous. But he had not made up his mind whether it might not be a case + of a murder after a quarrel. Now he began to doubt even this when he + looked into the intelligent, harsh-featured face of the man in the cell. + But Muller had the gift of putting aside his own convictions, when he + wanted his mind clear to consider evidence before him. + </p> + <p> + Graumann had risen from his sitting position when he saw a stranger. His + heavy brows drew down over his eyes, but he waited for the other to + speak. + </p> + <p> + “I am Detective Joseph Muller, from Vienna,” began the newcomer, when he + had seen that the prisoner did not intend to start the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Have you come to question me again?” asked Graumann wearily. “I can say + no more than I have already said to the Police Commissioner. And no amount + of cross-examination can make me confess a crime of which I am not guilty—no + matter what evidence there may be against me.” The prisoner’s voice was + hard and determined in spite of its note of physical and mental weariness. + </p> + <p> + “I have not come to extort a confession from you, Mr. Graumann,” Muller + replied gently, “but to help you establish your innocence, if it be + possible.” + </p> + <p> + A wave of colour flooded the prisoner’s cheek. He gasped, pressed his hand + to his heart, and dropped down on his cot. “Pardon me,” he said finally, + hesitating like a man who is fighting for breath. “My heart is weak; any + excitement upsets me. You mean that the authorities are not convinced of + my guilt, in spite of the evidence? You mean that they will give me the + benefit of the doubt—that they will give me a chance for life?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is the reason for my coming here. I am to take this case in + hand. If you will talk freely to me, Mr. Graumann, I may be able to help + you. I have seen too many mistakes of justice because of circumstantial + evidence to lay any too great stress upon it. I have waited to hear your + side of the story from yourself. I did not want to hear it from others. + Will you tell it to me now? No, do not move, I will get the stool myself.” + </p> + <p> + Graumaun sat back on the cot, his head resting against the wall. His eyes + had closed while Muller was speaking, but his quieter breathing showed + that he was mastering the physical attack which had so shaken him at the + first glimpse of hope. He opened his eyes now and looked at Muller + steadily for a moment. Then he said: “Yes, I will tell you: my life and my + work have taught me to gauge men. I will tell you everything I know about + this sad affair. I will tell you the absolute truth, and I think you will + believe me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will believe you,” said Muller simply. + </p> + <p> + “You know the details of the murder, of course, and why I was arrested?” + </p> + <p> + “You were arrested because you were the last person seen in the company of + the murdered man?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly. Then I may go back and tell you something of my connection with + John Siders?” + </p> + <p> + “It would be the very best thing to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I live in Grunau, as you doubtless know, and am the engineering expert of + large machine works there. My father before me held an important position + in the factory, and my family have always lived in Grunau. I have traveled + a great deal myself. I am forty-five years old, a childless widower, and + live with my old aunt, Miss Babette Graumann, and my ward, Miss Eleonora + Roemer, a young lady of twenty-two.” Muller looked up with a slight start + of surprise, but did not say anything. Graumann continued: + </p> + <p> + “A little over a year ago, John Siders, who signed himself as coming from + Chicago, bought a piece of property in our town and came to live there. I + made his acquaintance in the cafe and he seemed to take a fancy to me. I + also had spent several years in Chicago, and we naturally came to speak of + the place. We discovered that we had several mutual acquaintances there, + and enjoyed talking over the old times. Otherwise I did not take + particularly to the man, and as I came to know him better I noticed that + he never mentioned that part of his life which lay back of the years in + Chicago. I asked a casual question once or twice as to his home and + family, but he evaded me every time, and would not give a direct answer. + He was evidently a German by birth and education, a man with university + training, and one who knew life thoroughly. He had delightful manners, and + when he could forget his shyness for a while, he could be very agreeable. + The ladies of my family came to like him, and encouraged him to call + frequently. Then the thing happened that I should not have believed + possible. My ward, Miss Roemer, a quiet, reserved girl, fell in love with + this man about whom none of us knew anything, a man with a past of which + he did not care to speak. + </p> + <p> + “I was not in any way satisfied with the match, and they seemed to realise + it. For Siders managed to persuade the girl to a secret engagement. I + discovered it a month or two ago, and it made me very angry. I did not let + them see how badly I felt, but I warned Lora not to have too much to do + with the boy, and I set about finding out something regarding his earlier + life. It was my duty to do this, as I was the girl’s guardian. She has no + other relative living, and no one to turn to except my aunt and myself. I + wrote to Mr. Richard Tressider in Chicago, the owner of the factory in + which I had been employed while there. John had told me that Tressider had + been his client during the four years in which he practiced law in + Chicago. I received an answer about the middle of August. Mr. Tressider + had been able to find out only that John was born in the town of Hartberg + in a certain year. This was enough. I took leave of absence for a few days + and went to Hartberg, which, as you know, is about 140 miles from here. + Three days later I knew all that I wanted to know. John Siders was not the + man’s real name, or, rather, it was only part of his name. His full name + was Theodor John Bellmann, and his mother was an Englishwoman whose maiden + name was Siders. His father was a county official who died at an early + age, leaving his widow and the boy in deepest poverty. Mrs. Bellmann moved + to G————to give music lessons. Theodor went to school there, + then finally to college, and was an excellent pupil everywhere. But one + day it was discovered that he had been stealing money from the banker in + whose house he was serving as private tutor to the latter’s sons. A large + sum of money was missing, and every evidence pointed to young Bellmann as + the thief. He denied strenuously that he was guilty, but the District + Judge (it was the present Prosecuting Attorney Schmidt in G———) + sentenced him. He spent eight months in prison, during which time his + mother died of grief at the disgrace. There must have been something good + in the boy, for he had never forgotten that it was his guilt that struck + down his only relative, the mother who had worked so hard for him. He had + atoned for this crime of his youth, and during the years that have passed + since then, he had been an honest, upright man.” + </p> + <p> + Graumann paused a moment and pressed his hand to his heart again. His + voice had grown weaker, and he breathed hard. Finally he continued: “I + commanded my ward to break off her engagement, as I could not allow her to + marry a man who was a freed convict. Siders sold his property some few + weeks after that and moved to G———. Eleonora acquiesced in my + commands, but she was very unhappy and allowed me to see very little of + her. Then came the events of the evening of September 23rd, the events + which have turned out so terribly. I will try to tell you the story just + as it happened, so far as I am concerned. I had seen nothing of John since + he left this town. He had made several attempts before his departure for G———— + to change my opinion, and my decision as to his marriage to my ward. But I + let him see plainly that it was impossible for him to enter our family + with such a past behind him. He asserted his innocence of the charges + against him, and declared that he had been unjustly accused and + imprisoned. I am afraid that I was hard towards him. I begin to understand + now, as I never thought I should, what it means to be accused of crime. I + begin to realise that it is possible for every evidence to point to a man + who is absolutely innocent of the deed in question. I begin to think now + that John may have been right, that possibly he also may have been accused + and sentenced on circumstantial evidence alone. I have thought much, and I + have learned much in these terrible days.” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner paused again and sat brooding, his eyes looking out into + space. Muller respected his suffering and sat in equal silence, until + Graumann raised his eyes to his again. “Then came the evening of the 23rd + of September?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that evening—it’s all like a dream to me.” Graumann began + again. “John wrote me a letter asking me to come to see him on that + evening. I tore up the letter and threw it away—or perhaps, yes, I + remember now, I did not wish Eleonora to see that he had written me. He + asked me to come to see him, as he had something to say to me, something + of the greatest importance for us both. He asked me not to mention to any + one that I was to see him, as it would be wiser no one should know that we + were still in communication with each other. There was a strain of nervous + excitement visible in his letter. I thought it better to go and see him as + he requested; I felt that I owed him some little reparation for having + denied him the great wish of his heart. It was my duty to make up to him + in other ways for what I had felt obliged to do. I knew him for a nervous, + high-strung man, overwrought by brooding for years on what he called his + wrongs, and I did not know what he might do if I refused his request. It + was not of myself I thought in this connection, but of the girl at home + who looked to me for protection. + </p> + <p> + “I had no fear for myself; it never occurred to me to think of taking a + weapon with me. How my revolver—and it is undoubtedly my revolver, + for there was a peculiar break in the silver ornamentation on the handle + which is easily recognisable—how this revolver of mine got into his + room, is more than I can say. Until the Police Commissioner showed it to + me two or three days ago, I had no idea that it was not in the box in my + study where it is ordinarily kept.” Graumann paused again and looked about + him as if searching for something. He rose and poured himself out a glass + of water. “Let me put some of this in it,” said Muller. “It will do you + good.” From a flask in his pocket he poured a few drops of brandy into the + water. Graumann drank it and nodded gratefully. Then he took up his story + again. + </p> + <p> + “I never discovered why Siders had sent for me. When I arrived at the + appointed time I found the door of the house closed. I was obliged to ring + several times before an old servant opened the door. She seemed surprised + that it had been locked. She said that the door was always unlatched, and + that Mr. Siders himself must have closed it, contrary to all custom, for + she had not done it, and there was no one else in the house but the two of + them. Siders was waiting for me at the top of the stairs, calling down a + noisy welcome. + </p> + <p> + “When I asked him finally what it was so important that he wanted to say + to me, he evaded me and continued to chatter on about commonplace things. + Finally I insisted upon knowing why he had wanted me to come, and he + replied that the reason for it had already been fulfilled, that he had + nothing more to say, and that I could go as soon as I wanted to. He + appeared quite calm, but he must have been very nervous. For as I stood by + the desk, telling him what I thought of his actions, he moved his hand + hastily among the papers there and upset the ink stand. I jumped back, but + not before I had received several large spots of ink on my trousers. He + was profuse in his apologies for the accident, and tried to take out the + spots with blotting paper. Then at last, when I insisted upon going, he + looked out to see whether there was still a light on the stairs, and led + me down to the door himself, standing there for some time looking after + me. + </p> + <p> + “I was slightly alarmed as well as angry at his actions. I believe that he + could not have been quite in his right mind, that the strain of + nervousness which was apparent in his nature had really made him ill. For + I remember several peculiar incidents of my visit to him. One of these was + that he almost insisted upon my taking away with me, ostensibly to take + care of them, several valuable pieces of jewelry which he possessed. He + seemed almost offended when I refused to do anything of the kind. Then, as + I parted from him at the door, not in a very good humour I will + acknowledge, he said to me: ‘You will think of me very often in the future—more + often than you would believe now!’ + </p> + <p> + “This is all the truth, and nothing but the truth, about my visit to John + Siders on the evening of September 23rd. As it had been his wish I said + nothing to the ladies at home, or to any one else about the occurrence. + And as I have told you, I destroyed his letter asking me to come to him. + </p> + <p> + “The following day about noon, the Commissioner of Police from G———— + called at my office in the factory, and informed me bluntly that John + Siders had been found shot dead in his lodgings that morning. I was + naturally shocked, as one would be at such news, in spite of the fact that + I had parted from the man in anger, and that I had no reason to be + particularly fond of him. What shocked me most of all was the sudden + thought that John had taken his own life. It was a perfectly natural + thought when I considered his nervousness, and his peculiar actions of the + evening before. I believe I exclaimed, ‘It was a suicide!’ almost without + realising that I was doing so. The commissioner looked at me sharply and + said that suicide was out of the question, that it was an evident case of + murder. He questioned me as to Siders’ affairs, of which I told only what + every one here in the village knew. I did not consider it incumbent upon + me to disclose to the police the disgrace of the man’s early life. I had + been obliged to hurt him cruelly enough because of that, and I saw no + necessity for blackening his name, now that he was dead. Also, as + according to what the commissioner said, it was a case of murder for + robbery, I did not wish to go into any details of our connection with + Siders that would cause the name of my ward to be mentioned. After a few + more questions the commissioner left me. I was busy all the afternoon, and + did not return to my home until later than usual. I found my aunt somewhat + worried because Miss Roemer had left the house immediately after our early + dinner, and had not yet returned. We both knew the girl to be still + grieving over her broken engagement, and we dreaded the effect this last + dreadful news might have on her. We supposed, however, that she had gone + to spend the afternoon with a friend, and were rather glad to be spared + the necessity of telling her at once what had happened. I had scarcely + finished my supper, when the door bell rang, and to my astonishment the + Mayor of Grunau was announced, accompanied by the same Police Commissioner + who had visited me in my office that morning. The Mayor was an old friend + of mine and his deeply grave face showed me that something serious had + occurred. It was indeed serious! and for some minutes I could not grasp + the meaning of the commissioner’s questions. Finally I realised with a + tremendous shock that I—I myself was under suspicion of the murder + of John Siders. The description given by the old servant of the man who + had visited Siders the evening before, the very clothes that I wore, my + hat and the trousers spotted by the purple ink, led to my identification + as this mysterious visitor. The servant had let me in but she had not seen + me go out. + </p> + <p> + “Then I discovered—when confronted suddenly with my own revolver + which had been found on the floor of the room, some distance from the body + of the dead man, that this same revolver had been identified as mine by my + ward, Eleonora Roemer, who had been to the police station at G———— + in the early afternoon hours. Some impulse of loyalty to her dead lover, + some foolish feminine fear that I might have spoken against him in my + earlier interviews with the commissioner had driven the girl to this step. + A few questions sufficed to draw from her the story of her secret + engagement, of its ending, and of my quarrel with John. I will say for her + that I am certain she did not realise that all these things were + calculated to cast suspicion on me. The poor girl is too unused to the + ways of police courts, to the devious ways of the law, to realise what she + was doing. The sight of my revolver broke her down completely and she + acknowledged that it was mine. That is all. Except that I was arrested and + brought here as you see. I told the commissioner the story of my visit to + John Siders exactly as I told it to you, but it was plain to be seen that + he did not believe me. It is plain to be seen also, that he is firmly + convinced of my guilt and that he is greatly satisfied with himself at + having traced the criminal so soon.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet he was not quite satisfied,” said Muller gently. “You see that he + has sent to the Capital for assistance on the case.” Muller felt this + little untruth to be justified for the sake of the honour of the police + force. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I’m surprised at that,” said Graumann in his former tone of + weariness. “What do you think you will be able to do about it?” + </p> + <p> + “I must ask questions here and there before I can form a plan of + campaign,” replied Muller. “What do you think about it yourself? Who do + you think killed Siders?” + </p> + <p> + “How can I know who it was? I only know it is not I,” answered Graumann. + </p> + <p> + “Did he have any enemies?” + </p> + <p> + “No, none that I knew of, and he had few friends either.” + </p> + <p> + “You knew there was a sum of money missing from his rooms?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the sum they named to me was just about the price that he had + received for the sale of his property here. They did me the honour to + believe that if I had taken the money at all, I had done so merely as a + blind. At least they did not take me for a thief as well as a murderer. If + the money is really missing, it was for its sake he was murdered I + suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that would be natural,” said Muller. “And you know nothing of any + other relations or connections that the man may have had? Anything that + might give us a clue to the truth?” + </p> + <p> + “No, nothing. He stood so alone here, as far as I knew. Of course, as I + told you, his actions of the evening before having been so peculiar—and + as I knew that he was not in the happiest frame of mind—I naturally + thought of suicide at once, when they told me that he had been found shot + dead. Then they told me that the appearance of the room and many other + things, proved suicide to have been out of the question. I know nothing + more about it. I cannot think any more about it. I know only that I am + here in danger of being sentenced for the crime that I never committed—that + is enough to keep any man’s mind busy.” He leaned back with an intense + fatigue in every line of his face and figure. + </p> + <p> + Muller rose from his seat. “I am afraid I have tired you, Mr. Graumann,” + he said, “but it was necessary that I should know all that you had to tell + me. Try and rest a little now and meanwhile be assured that I am doing all + I can to find out the truth of this matter. As far as I can tell now I do + not believe that you have killed John Siders. But I must find some further + proofs that will convince others as well as myself. If it is of any + comfort to you, I can tell you that during a long career as police + detective I have been most astonishingly fortunate in the cases I have + undertaken. I am hoping that my usual good luck will follow me here also. + I am hoping it for your sake.” + </p> + <p> + The man on the cot took the hand the detective offered him and pressed it + firmly. “You will let me know as soon as you have found anything—anything + that gives me hope?” + </p> + <p> + “I will indeed. And now save your strength and do not worry. I will help + you if it is in my power.” + </p> + <p> + After leaving the prison, Muller took the train for the village of Grunau, + about half an hour distant from the city. He found his way easily to + Graumann’s home, an attractive old house set in a large garden amid groups + of beautiful old trees. When he sent up his card to Miss Graumann, the old + lady tripped down stairs in a flutter of excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see him?” she asked. “You have been to the prison? What do you + think? How does he seem?” + </p> + <p> + “He seems calm to-day,” replied Muller, “although the confinement and the + anxiety are evidently wearing on him.” + </p> + <p> + “And you heard his story? And you believe him innocent?” + </p> + <p> + “I am inclined to do so. But there is more yet for me to investigate in + this matter. It is certainly not as simple as the police here seem to + believe. May I speak to your ward, Miss Roemer? She is at home now?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Lora is at home. If you will wait here a moment I will send her in.” + </p> + <p> + Muller paced up and down the large sunny room, casting a glance over the + handsome old pieces of furniture and the family portraits on the wall. It + was evidently the home of generations of well-to-do, well-bred people, the + narrow circle of whose life was made rich by congenial duties and a + comfortable feeling of their standing in the community. + </p> + <p> + While he was studying one of the portraits more carefully, he became aware + that there was some one in the room. He turned and saw a tall blond girl + standing by the door. She had entered so softly that even Muller’s quick + ear had not heard the opening of the door. + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish to speak to me?” she said, coming down into the room. “I am + Eleonora Roemer” + </p> + <p> + Her face, which could be called handsome in its even regularity of feature + and delicate skin, was very pale now, and around her eyes were dark rings + that spoke of sleepless nights. Grief and mental shock were preying upon + this girl’s mind. “She is not the one to make a confidant of those around + her,” thought Muller to himself. Then he added aloud: “If it does not + distress you too much to talk about this sad affair, I will be very + grateful if you will answer a few questions.” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you whatever I can,” said the girl in the same low even tone + in which she had first spoken. “Miss Graumann tells me that you have come + from Vienna to take up this case. It is only natural that we should want + to give you every assistance in our power.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your opinion about it?” was Muller’s next remark, made rather + suddenly after a moment’s pause. + </p> + <p> + The directness of the question seemed to shake the girl out of her + enforced calm. A slow flush mounted into her pale cheeks and then died + away, again leaving them whiter than before. “I do not know—oh, I do + not know what to believe.” + </p> + <p> + “But you do not think Mr. Graumann capable of such a crime, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Not of the robbery, of course not; that would be absurd! But has it been + clearly proven that there is a robbery? Might it not have been—might + they not have—” + </p> + <p> + “You mean, might they not have quarreled? Of course there is that + possibility. And that is why I wanted to speak to you. You are the one + person who could possibly throw light on this subject. Was there any other + reason beyond the dead man’s past that would render your guardian + unwilling to have you marry him?” + </p> + <p> + Again the slow flush mounted to Eleonora Roemer’s cheeks and her head + drooped. + </p> + <p> + “I fear it may be painful for you to answer this,” said Muller gently, + “and yet I must insist on it in the interest of justice.” + </p> + <p> + “He—my guardian—wished to marry me himself,” the girl’s words + came slowly and painfully. + </p> + <p> + Muller drew in his breath so sharply that it was almost like a whistle. + “He did not tell me that; it might make a difference.” + </p> + <p> + “That... that is... what I fear,” said the girl, her eyes looking keenly + into those of the man who sat opposite. “And then, it was his revolver.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you do believe him guilty?” + </p> + <p> + “It would be horrible, horrible—and yet I do not know what to + think.” + </p> + <p> + There was silence in the room for a moment. Miss Roemer’s head drooped + again and her hands twisted nervously in her lap. Muller’s brain was very + busy with this new phase of the problem. Finally he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Let us dismiss this side of the question and talk of another phase of it, + a phase of which it is necessary for me to know something. You would + naturally be the person nearest the dead man, the one, the only one, + perhaps, to whom he had given his confidence. Do you know of any enemies + he might have had in the city?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not know of any enemies, or even of any friends he had there. + When the terrible thing happened that clouded his past, when he had + regained his freedom, after his term of imprisonment, there was no one + left whom he cared to see again. He does not seem to have borne any malice + towards the banker who accused him of the theft. The evidence was so + strong against him that he felt the suspicion was justified. But there was + hatred in his heart for one man, for the Justice who sentenced him, + Justice Schmidt, who is now Attorney General in G———.” + </p> + <p> + “The man who, in the name of the State, will conduct this case?” asked + Muller quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I believe it is so. Is it not an irony that this man, the only one + whom John really hated, should be the one to avenge him now?” + </p> + <p> + “H’m! yes. But did you know of any friends in G———?” + </p> + <p> + “No, none at all.” + </p> + <p> + “No friends whom he might have made while he was in America and then met + again in Germany?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he never spoke of any such to me. He told me that he made few + friends. He did not seek them for he was afraid that they might find out + what had happened and turn from him. He was morbidly sensitive and could + not bear the disappointment.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did he return to Germany?” + </p> + <p> + “He was lonely and wanted to come home again. He had made money in America—John + was very clever and highly educated—but his heart longed for his own + tongue and his own people.” + </p> + <p> + Muller took a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “Do you know this + handwriting?” + </p> + <p> + Miss Roemer read the few lines hastily and her voice trembled as she said: + “This is John’s handwriting. I know it well. This is the letter that was + found on the table?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, this letter appears to be the last he had written in life. Do you + know to whom it could have been written? The envelope, as I suppose you + know from the newspaper reports, was not addressed. Do you know of any + friends with whom he could have been on terms of sufficient intimacy to + write such a letter? Do you know what these plans for the future could + have been? It would certainly be natural that he should have spoken to you + first about them.” + </p> + <p> + “No; I cannot understand this letter at all,” replied the girl. “I have + thought of it frequently these terrible days. I have wondered why it was + that if he had friends in the city, he did not speak to me of them. He + repeatedly told me that he had no friends there at all, that his life + should begin anew after we were married.” + </p> + <p> + “And did he have any particular plans, in a business way, perhaps?” + </p> + <p> + “No; he had a comfortable little income and need have no fear for the + future. John was, of course, too young a man to settle down and do + nothing. But the only definite plans he had made were that we should + travel a little at first, and then he would look about him for a congenial + occupation. I always thought it likely he would resume a law practice + somewhere. I cannot understand in the slightest what the plans are to + which the letter referred.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you think, from what you know of his state of mind when you saw + him last, that he would be likely so soon to be planning pleasures like + this?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no indeed! John was terribly crushed when my guardian insisted on + breaking off our engagement. Until my twenty-fourth birthday I am still + bound to do as my guardian says, you know. John’s life and early + misfortune made him, as I have already said, morbidly sensitive and the + thought that it would be a bar to anything we might plan in the future, + had rendered him so depressed that—and it was not the least of my + anxieties and my troubles—that I feared... I feared anything might + happen.” + </p> + <p> + “You feared he might take his own life, do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, that is what I feared. But is it not terrible to think that he + should have died this way—by the hand of a murderer?” + </p> + <p> + “H’m! And you cannot remember any possible friend he may have found—some + schoolboy friend of his youth, perhaps, with whom he had again struck up + an acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, no, I am positive of that. John could not bear to hear the names + even of the people he had known before his misfortune. Still, I do + remember his once having spoken of a man, a German he had met in Chicago + and rather taken a fancy to, and who had also returned to Germany.” + </p> + <p> + “Could this possibly have been the man to whom the letter is addressed?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no. This friend of John’s was not married; I remember his saying + that. And he lived in Germany somewhere—let me think—yes, in + Frankfort-on-Main.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you remember the man’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I cannot, I am sorry to say. John only mentioned it once. It was only + by a great effort that I could remember the incident at all.” + </p> + <p> + “And has it not struck you as rather peculiar that this friend, the one to + whom the cordial letter was addressed, did not come forward and make his + identity known? G———— is a city, it is true, but it is not a + very large city, and any man being on terms of intimate acquaintance with + one who was murdered would be apt to come forward in the hope of throwing + some light on the mystery.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, I had not thought of that. It is peculiar, is it not? But some + people are so foolishly afraid of having anything to do with the police, + you know.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very true, Miss Roemer. Still it is a queer incident and + something that I must look into.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you believe?” asked the girl tensely. + </p> + <p> + “I am not in a position to say as yet. When I am, I will come to you and + tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you do not think that my guardian killed John—that there was a + quarrel between the men?” + </p> + <p> + “There is, of course, a possibility that it may have been so. You know + your guardian better than I do, naturally. Our knowledge of a man’s + character is often a far better guide than any circumstantial evidence.” + </p> + <p> + “My guardian is a man of the greatest uprightness of character. But he can + be very hard and pitiless sometimes. And he has a violent temper which his + weak heart has forced him to keep in control of late years.” + </p> + <p> + “All this speaks for the possibility that there may have been a quarrel + ending in the fatal shot. But what I want to know from you is this—do + you think it possible, that, this having happened, Albert Graumann would + not have been the first to confess his unpremeditated crime? Is not this + the most likely thing for a man of his character to do? Would he so + stubbornly deny it, if it had happened?” + </p> + <p> + The girl started. “I had not thought of that! Why, why, of course, he + might have killed John in a moment of temper, but he was never a man to + conceal a fault. He is as pitiless towards his own weakness, as towards + that of others. You are right, oh, you must be right. Oh, if you could + take this awful fear from my heart! Even my grief for John would be easier + to bear then.” + </p> + <p> + Muller rose from his chair. “I think I can promise you that this load will + be lifted from your heart, Miss Roemer.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you believe—that it was just a case of murder for robbery? For + the money? And John had some valuable jewelry, I know that.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know yet,” replied Muller slowly, “but I will find out, I + generally do.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, to think that I should have done that poor man such an injustice! It + is terrible, terrible! This house has been ghastly these days. His poor + aunt knows that he is innocent—she could never believe otherwise—she + has felt the hideous suspicion in my mind—it has made her suffering + worse—will they ever forgive me?” + </p> + <p> + “Her joy, if I can free her nephew, will make her forget everything. Go to + her now, Miss Roemer, comfort her with the assurance that you also believe + him to be innocent. I must hasten back to G———— and go on with + this quest.” + </p> + <p> + The girl stood at the doorway shaded by the overhanging branches of two + great trees, looking down the street after the slight figure of the + detective. “Oh, it is all easier to hear, hard as it is, easier now that + this horrible suspicion has gone from my mind—why did I not think of + that before?” + </p> + <p> + Alone in the corner of the smoking compartment in the train to G———, + Muller arranged in his mind the facts he had already gathered. He had + questioned the servants of John Siders’ former household, had found that + the dead man received very few letters, only an occasional business + communication from his bank. Of the few others, the servants knew nothing + except that he had always thrown the envelopes carelessly in the waste + paper basket and had never seemed to have any correspondence which he + cared to conceal. No friend from elsewhere had ever visited him in Grunau, + and he had made few friends there except the Graumann family. + </p> + <p> + The facts of the case, as he knew them now, were such as to make it + extremely doubtful that Graumann was the murderer. Muller himself had been + inclined to believe in the possibility of a quarrel between the two men, + particularly when he had heard that Graumann himself was in love with his + handsome ward. But the second thought that came to him then, impelled by + the unerring instinct that so often guided him to the truth, was the + assurance that in a case of this kind, in a case of a quarrel terminating + fatally, a man like Albert Graumann would be the very first to give + himself up to the police and to tell the facts of the case. Albert + Graumann was a man of honour and unimpeachable integrity. Such a man would + not persist in a foolish denial of the deed which he had committed in a + moment of temper. There would be nothing to gain from it, and his own + conscience would be his severest judge. “The disorder in the room?” + thought Muller. “It’ll be too late for that now. I suppose they have + rearranged the place. I can only go by what the local detectives have + seen, by the police reports. But I do not understand this extreme + disorder. There is no reason why there should be a struggle when the + robber was armed with a pistol. If Siders was supposed to have been + interrupted when writing a letter, interrupted by a thief come with intent + to steal, a thief armed with a revolver, the sight of this weapon alone + would be sufficient to insure his not moving from his seat. I can + understand the open drawers and cupboard; that is explained by the thief’s + hasty search for booty. But the torn window curtain and the overturned + chairs are peculiar. + </p> + <p> + “Of course there is always a possibility that the thief might have entered + one room while Siders was in the other; that the latter might have + surprised the robber in his search for money or valuables, and that there + might have been a hand-to-hand struggle before the intruder could pull out + his revolver. Oh, if I could only have seen the body! This is working + under terrific difficulties. The marks of a hand-to-hand struggle would + have been very plain on the clothes and on the person of the murdered man. + But this letter? I do not understand this letter at all. It is the dead + man’s handwriting, that we know, but why did not the friend to whom it was + addressed come forward and make himself known? As far as I can learn from + the police reports in G———, there was no personal interest shown, no + personal inquiries made about the dead man. There was only the natural + excitement that a murder would create. Now a family, expecting to make a + pleasure excursion with a friend in a day or two and suddenly hearing that + this friend had been found murdered in his lodgings, would be inclined to + take some little personal interest in the matter. These people must have + been in town and at home, for the excursion spoken of in the letter was to + occur two days after the murder. Miss Roemer’s remark about the dread that + some people have as to any connection with the police, is true to a + limited extent only. It is true only of the ignorant mind, not of a man + presumably well-to-do and properly educated. I do not understand why the + man to whom this letter was addressed has not made himself known. The only + explanation is—that there was no such man!” A sudden sharp whistle + broke from the detective’s lips. + </p> + <p> + “I must examine the dead man’s personal effects, his baggage, his papers; + there may be something there. His queer letter to Graumann—his + desire that the latter’s visit should be kept secret—a visit which + apparently had no cause at all, except to get Graumann to the house, to + get him to the house in a way that he should be seen coming, but should + not be seen going away. What does this mean? + </p> + <p> + “Graumann was the only person against whom Siders had an active cause of + quarrel for the moment. There was one other man whom he hated, and this + other man was the prosecuting attorney who would conduct any case of + murder that came up in the town of G———. + </p> + <p> + “Now John Siders is found murdered—is found killed, in his lodgings, + the morning after he has arranged things so that his antagonist, his rival + in love, Albert Graumann, shall come under suspicion of having murdered + him. + </p> + <p> + “What evidence have we that this man did not commit suicide? We have the + evidence of the disorder in the room, a disorder that could have been made + just as well by the man himself before he ended his own life. We have the + evidence of a letter to some unknown, making plans for pleasure during the + next days, and speaking of further plans, presumably concerning business, + for the future. In a town the size of G———, where every one must have + read of the murder, no one has come forward claiming to be the friend for + whom this letter was written. Until this Unknown makes himself known, the + letter as an evidence points rather to premeditated suicide than to the + contrary. Oh, if I could only have seen the body! They tell me the pistol + was found some little distance from the body. Is it at all likely that a + murderer would go away leaving such evidence behind him? If Graumaun had + killed Siders in a hasty quarrel, he might possibly, in his excitement, + have left his revolver. But I have already disposed of this possibility. A + man of sufficient brains to so carefully plan his suicide as to conceal + every trace of it and cast suspicion upon the man who had made him + unhappy, such a one would be quite clever enough to throw the pistol far + away from his body and to leave no traces of powder on his coat or any + such other evidence. + </p> + <p> + “If I were to say now what I think, I would say that John Siders + deliberately took his own life and planned it in such a way as to cast + suspicion upon Albert Graumann. But that would indeed be a terrible + revenge. And I must have some tangible proof of it before any court will + accept my belief. This proof must be hidden somewhere. The thing for me to + do is to find it.” + </p> + <p> + The evidence gathered at the time of the death went to show that Siders + had been paid a considerable sum in cash for the sale of his property at + Grunau. And there was no trace of his having deposited this sum in any + bank in G———— or in Grunau, in both of which places he had + deposited other securities. Therefore the money had presumably been in his + room at the time of his death. A search had been made for this money in + every possible place of concealment among the dead man’s belongings, and + it had not been found. Muller asked the Police Commissioner to give him + the key to the rooms, which were still officially closed, and also the + keys to the dead man’s pieces of baggage. Commissioner Lange seemed to + think all this extra search quite unnecessary, as it did not occur to him + that anything else was to be looked for except the money. + </p> + <p> + It was quite late when Muller began his examination of the dead man’s + effects. He was struck by the fact that there was scarcely a bit of paper + to be found anywhere, no letters, no business papers, except bank books + showing the amount of his securities in the bank in G———— and in + Grunau, and giving facts about some investments in Chicago. There was + nothing of more recent date and no personal correspondence whatever. The + same was true of the pockets of the suit Siders had been wearing at the + time of his death. A man of any property or position at all in the world + gathers about him so much of this kind of material that its absence shows + premeditation. The suit Siders had been wearing when he was killed was + lying on the table in the room. It was a plain grey business suit of good + cut and material. The body had been prepared for burial in a beseeming + suit of black. Muller made a careful examination of the clothes, and found + only what the police reports showed him had already been found by the + examination made by the local authorities. Upon a second careful + examination, however, he found that in one of the vest pockets there was a + little extra pocket, like a change pocket, and in it he found a crumpled + piece of paper. He took it out, smoothed and read it. It was a post office + receipt for a registered letter. The date was still clear, but the name of + the person to whom the letter had been addressed was illegible. The + creases of the paper and a certain dampness, as if it had been + inadvertently touched by a wet finger, had smeared the writing. But the + letter had been sent the day before the death of John Siders, and it had + been registered from the main post office in G———. This was sufficient + for Muller. Then he turned to the desk. Here also there was nothing that + could help him. But a sudden thought, came to him, and he took up the + blotting pad. This, to his delight, was in the form of a book with a + handsome embroidered cover. It looked comparatively new and was, as Muller + surmised, a gift from Miss Roemer to her betrothed. But few of the pages + had been used, and on two of them a closely written letter had been + blotted several times, showing that there had been several sheets of the + letter. Muller held it up to the looking-glass, but the repeated blotting + had blurred the writing to such an extent that it was impossible to + decipher any but a few disconnected words, which gave no clue. On a page + further along on the blotter, however, he saw what appeared to be the + impression of an address. He held it up to the glass and gave a whistle of + delight. The words could be plainly deciphered here: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “MR. LEO PERNBURG, + “FRANKFURT AM MAIN, + “MAINZER LANDSTRASSE.” + </pre> + <p> + and above the name was a smear which, after a little study, could be + deciphered as the written word “Registered.” + </p> + <p> + With this page of the blotter carefully tucked away in his pocketbook, + Muller hurried to the post office, arriving just at closing hour. He made + himself known at once to the postmaster, and asked to be shown the records + of registered letters sent on a certain date. Here he found scheduled a + letter addressed to Mr. Leo Pernburg, Frankfurt am Main, sent by John + Siders, G———, Josef Street 7. + </p> + <p> + Muller then hastened to the telegraph office and despatched a lengthy + telegram to the postal authorities in Frankfurt am Main. When the answer + came to him next morning, he packed his grip and took the first express + train leaving G———. He first made a short visit, however, to Albert + Graumann’s cell in the prison. Muller was much too kind-hearted not to + relieve the anxiety of this man, to whom such mental strain might easily + prove fatal. He told Graumann that he was going in search of evidence + which might throw light on the death of Siders, and comforted the prisoner + with the assurance that he, Muller, believed Graumann innocent, and + believed also that within a day or two he would return to G———— + with proofs that his belief was the right one. + </p> + <p> + Three days later Muller returned to Grunau and went at once to the + Graumann home. It was quite late when he arrived, but he had already + notified Miss Roemer by telegram as to his coming, with a request that she + should be ready to see him. He found her waiting for him, pale and + anxious-eyed, when he arrived. “I have been to Frankfurt am Main,” he + said, “and I have seen Mr. Pernburg—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, that is the name; now I remember,” interrupted the girl + eagerly. “That is the name of John’s friend there.” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen Mr. Pernburg and he gave me this letter.” Muller laid a thick + envelope on the girl’s lap. + </p> + <p> + She looked down at it, her eyes widening as if she had seen a ghost. “That—that + is John’s writing,” she exclaimed in a hoarse whisper. “Where did it come + from?” + </p> + <p> + “Pernburg gave it to me. The day before his death John Siders sent him + this letter, requesting that Pernburg forward it to you before a certain + date. When I explained the circumstances to Mr. Pernburg, he gave me the + letter at once. I feel that this paper holds the clue to the mystery. Will + you open it?” + </p> + <p> + With trembling hands the girl tore open the envelope. It enclosed still + another sealed envelope, without an address. But there was a sheet of + paper around this letter, on which was written the following: + </p> + <p> + My beloved Eleonore: + </p> + <p> + Before you read what I have to say to you here I want you to promise me, + in memory of our love and by your hope of future salvation, that you will + do what I ask you to do. + </p> + <p> + I ask you to give the enclosed letter, although it is addressed to you, to + the Judge who will preside in the trial against Graumann. The letter is + written to you and will be given back to you. For you, the beloved of my + soul, you are the only human being with whom I can still communicate, to + whom I can still express my wishes. But you must not give the letter to + the Judge until you have assured yourself that the prosecuting attorney + insists upon Graumann’s guilt. In case he is acquitted, which I do not + think probable, then open this letter in the presence of Graumann himself + and one or two witnesses. For I wish Graumann, who is innocent, to be able + to prove his innocence. + </p> + <p> + You will know by this time that I have determined to end my life by my own + hand. Forgive me, beloved. I cannot live on without you—without the + honour of which I was robbed so unjustly. + </p> + <p> + God bless you. + </p> + <p> + One who will love you even beyond the grave, Remember your promise. It was + given to the dead. + </p> + <p> + JOHN. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what does it all mean?” asked Eleonora, dropping the letter in her + lap. + </p> + <p> + “It is as I thought,” replied Muller. “John Siders took his own life, but + made every arrangement to have suspicion fall upon Graumann.” + </p> + <p> + “But why? oh, why?” + </p> + <p> + “It was a terrible revenge. But perhaps—perhaps it was just + retribution. Graumaun would not understand that Siders could have been + suspected of, and imprisoned for, a theft he had not committed. He must + know now that it is quite possible for a man to be in danger of sentence + of death even, for a crime of which he is innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my God! It is terrible.” The girl’s head fell across her folded arms + on the table. Deep shuddering sobs shook her frame. + </p> + <p> + Muller waited quietly until the first shock had passed. Finally her sobs + died away and she raised her head again. “What am I to do?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “You must open this letter to-morrow in the presence of the Police + Commissioner and Graumaun.” + </p> + <p> + “But this promise? This promise that he asks of me—that I should + wait until the trial?” + </p> + <p> + “You have not given this promise. Would you take it upon yourself to + endanger your guardian’s life still more? Every further day spent in his + prison, in this anxiety, might be fatal.” + </p> + <p> + “But this promise? The promise demanded of me by the man to whom I had + given my love? Is it not my duty to keep it?” + </p> + <p> + Muller rose from his chair. His slight figure seemed to grow taller, and + the gentleness in his voice gave way to a commanding tone of firm + decision. + </p> + <p> + “Our duty is to the living, not to the dead. The dead have no right to + drag down others after them. Believe me, Miss Roemer, the purpose that was + in your betrothed’s mind when he ended his own life, has been fulfilled. + Albert Graumann knows now what are the feelings of a man who bears the + prison stigma unjustly. He will never again judge his fellow-men as + harshly as he has done until now. His soul has been purged in these + terrible days; have you the right to endanger his life needlessly?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I do not know! I do not know what to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no choice,” said Muller firmly. “It is my duty to make known the + fact to the Police Commissioner that there is such a letter in existence. + The Police Commissioner will then have to follow his duty in demanding the + letter from you. Mr. Pernburg, Sider’s friend, saw this argument at once. + Although he also had a letter from the dead man, asking him to send the + enclosure to you, registered, on a certain date, he knew that it was his + duty to give all the papers to the authorities. Would it not be better for + you to give them up of your own free will?” Muller took a step nearer the + girl and whispered: “And would it not be a noble revenge on your part? You + would be indeed returning good for evil.” + </p> + <p> + Eleonora clasped her hands and her lips moved as if in silent prayer. Then + she rose slowly and held out the letters to Muller. “Do what you will with + them,” she said. “My strength is at an end.” + </p> + <p> + The next day, in the presence of Commissioner Lange and of the accused + Albert Graumann, Muller opened the letter which he had received from Miss + Roemer and read it aloud. The girl herself, by her own request, was not + present. Both Muller and Graumann understood that the strain of this + message from the dead would be too much for her to bear. This was the + letter: + </p> + <p> + G———— September 21st. + </p> + <p> + My beloved: + </p> + <p> + When you put this letter in the hands of the Judge, I will have found in + death the peace that I could never find on earth. There was no chance of + happiness for me since I have realised that I love you, that you love me, + and that I must give you up if I am to remain what I have always been—in + spite of everything—a man of honour. + </p> + <p> + Albert Graumann would keep his word, this I know. Wherever you might + follow me as my wife, there his will would have been before us, blasting + my reputation, blackening the flame which you were to bear. + </p> + <p> + I could not have endured it. My soul was sick of all this secrecy, sick at + the injustice of mankind. In spite of worldly success, my life was cold + and barren in the strange land to which I had fled. My home called to me + and I came back to it. + </p> + <p> + I kissed the earth of my own country, and I wept at my mother’s grave. I + was happy again under the skies which had domed above my childhood. For I + am an honest man, beloved, and I always have been. + </p> + <p> + One day I sat at table beside the man—the Judge who condemned me, + here in G———— in those terrible days. He naturally did not know + me again. I, myself, brought the conversation around to a professional + subject. I asked him if it were not possible that circumstantial evidence + could lie; if the entire past, the reputation of the accused would not be + a factor in his favour. The Judge denied it. It was his opinion, beyond a + doubt, that circumstantial evidence was sufficient to convict anyone. + </p> + <p> + My soul rose within me. This infallibility, this legal arrogance, aroused + my blood. “That man should have a lesson!” I said to myself. + </p> + <p> + But I had forgotten it all—all my anger, all my hatred and + bitterness, when I met you. I dare not trust myself to think of you too + much, now that everything is arranged for the one last step. It takes all + my control to keep my decision unwavering while I sit here and tell you + how much your love, your great tenderness, your sweet trust in me, meant + to me. + </p> + <p> + Let me talk rather of Albert Graumann. I will forgive him for believing in + my guilt, but I cannot forgive him that he, the man of cultivation and + mental grasp, could not believe it possible for a convicted thief to have + repented and to have lived an honest life after the atonement of his + crime. I still cannot believe that this was Graumann’s opinion. I am + forced to think that it was an excuse only on his part, an excuse to keep + us apart, an excuse to keep you for himself. + </p> + <p> + You are lost to me now. There is nothing more in life for me. If the + injustice of mankind has stained my honour beyond repair, has robbed me of + every chance of happiness at any time and in any place, then I die easily, + beloved, for there is little charm in such a life as would be mine after + this. + </p> + <p> + But I do not wish to die quite in vain. There are two men who have touched + my life, who need the lesson my death can teach them. These men are Albert + Graumann and the prosecuting attorney Gustav Schmidt, the man who once + condemned me so cruelly. His present position would make him the + representative of the state in a murder trial, and I know his opinions too + well not to foresee that he would declare Graumann guilty because of the + circumstantial evidence which will be against him. My letter, given to the + Presiding Judge after the Attorney has made his speech, will cause him + humiliation, will ruin his brilliant arguments and cast ridicule upon him. + </p> + <p> + Do not think me hard or revengeful. I do not hate anyone now that death is + so near. But is it inhuman that I should want to teach these two men a + lesson? a lesson which they need, believe me, and it is such a slight + compensation for the torture these last eight years have been to me! + </p> + <p> + And now I will explain in detail all the circumstances. I have arranged + that Albert Graumann shall come to me on the evening of September 23rd + between 7 and 8 o’clock. I asked him to do so by letter, asking him also + to keep the fact of his visit to me a secret. To-night, the 22nd of + September, I received his answer promising that he would come. Therefore I + can look upon everything that is to happen, as having already happened, + for now there need be no further change in my plans. I will send this + letter this evening to my friend Pernburg in Frankfurt am Main. In case + anything should happen that would render impossible for me to carry out my + plans, I will send Pernburg another letter asking him not to carry out the + instructions of the first. + </p> + <p> + I can now proceed to tell you what will happen here to-morrow evening, the + 23rd of September. + </p> + <p> + Albert Graumann will come to me, unknown to his family or friends, as I + have asked him to come. I will so arrange it that the old servant will see + him come in but will not see him go out. My landlady will not be in my + way, for she has already told me that she will spend the night of the 23rd + with her mother, in another part of the city. It is to be a birthday + celebration I believe, so that I can be certain her plans will not be + changed. + </p> + <p> + Graumann and I will be alone, therefore, with no reliable witnesses near. + I will keep him there for a little while with commonplace conversation, + for I have nothing to say to him. If he moves near the desk I will upset + the inkbottle. The spots on his clothes will be another evidence against + him. I will endeavour to get him to keep my jewelry which is, as you know, + of considerable value. I will tell him that I am going away for a while + and ask him to take charge of it for me. I, myself, will take him down to + the door and let him out, when I have satisfied myself that the old + servant is in bed or at least at the back of the house. The revolver which + shall end my misery is Graumann’s property. I took it from its place + without his knowledge. + </p> + <p> + The 10,000 gulden which I told my landlady were still in the house, and + which would therefore be thought missing after my death, I have deposited + in a bank in Frankfort in your name. Here is the certificate of deposit. + </p> + <p> + I will endeavour not to hold the revolver sufficiently close to have the + powder burn my clothes. And I will exert every effort of mind and body to + throw it far from me after I have fired the fatal shot. I think that I + will be able to do this, for I am a very good shot and I have no fear of + death. One thing more I will do, to turn aside all suspicion of suicide. I + will write a letter to some person who does not exist, a letter which will + make it appear as if I were in excellent humour and planning for the + future. + </p> + <p> + And now, good-bye to life. People have called me eccentric, they may be + right. This last deed of mine at least, is out of the ordinary. No one + will say now that ended my life in a moment of darkened mind, in a rush of + despair. My brain is perfectly clear, my heart beats calmly, now that I + have arranged everything for my departure from this world of falsehood and + unreality. My last deed shall go to prove to the world how little actual, + apparent facts can be trusted. + </p> + <p> + The one thing real, the one thing true in all this world of falsehood was + your love and your trust. I thank you for it. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THEODOR BELLMANN, + known as + JOHN SIDERS. +</pre> + <p> + Joseph Muller refuses to take any particular credit for this case. The + letter would have come in time to prevent Graumann’s conviction without + his assistance, he says. The only person whose gratitude he has a right to + is Prosecuting Attorney Gustav Schmidt. He managed to have the Police + Commissioner in G———— read the letter in detail to the attorney. + But Muller himself knows that it failed of its effect, so far as that + dignitary was concerned. For nothing but open ridicule could ever convince + a man of such decided opinions that he is not the one infallible person in + the world. + </p> + <p> + But Albert Graumann had learned his lesson. And he told Muller himself + that the few days of life which might remain to him were a gift to him + from the detective. He felt that his weak heart would not have stood the + strain and the disgrace of an open trial, even if that trial ended in + acquittal. Two months later he was found dead in his bed, a calm smile on + his lips. + </p> + <p> + Before he died he had learned that it was the undaunted courage of his + timid little old aunt that had brought Muller to take charge of the case + and to free her beloved nephew from the dreaded prison. And the last days + that these two passed together were very happy. + </p> + <p> + But as aforesaid, Muller refuses to have this case included in the list of + his successes. He did not change the ultimate result, he merely + anticipated it, he says. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Case of the Registered Letter, by +Augusta Groner + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CASE OF THE REGISTERED LETTER *** + +***** This file should be named 1833-h.htm or 1833-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/8/3/1833/ + +Produced by An Anonymous Project Gutenberg Volunteer, and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project +Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the Foundation” + or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the phrase “Project +Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase “Project Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +“Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, “Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.” + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +“Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right +of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’ WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm’s +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws. + +The Foundation’s principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation’s web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + </body> +</html> |