How to use "but" in a sentence

I wait, but tonight the second voice doesn't come

It's not very long - only a little over nineteen kilometres - but it's one of the most difficult bike trails in the US

I like the idea, but following my plan is more important

'Maybe not, but I really want to do the Big Drop Rappel

Immediately I know this is trouble but it's too late to go back

'He's probably left already,' said Megan, 'but he can't be far away

More success, but my left arm hurts and I have to stop.

I'm a little warmer but I need something soft to put my legs on

I've done quite well, but one thought still worries me: I haven't chipped much rock from the boulder

Everything holds, but the boulder doesn't move

I put more weight on the rope, but it still doesn't work

1.00 pm I've spent four hours trying to lift the boulder, but nothing has worked.

What will I need for the job? The knife, that's certain, but also a tourniquet to stop the blood

My only hope is rescue, but I'll die before help arrives.

I feel angry with the boulder, but it's not the boulder's fault - it's mine

I feel strong enough to survive the fear of death, but not my body's need for water

I'll drink at nine, midnight, three and six in the morning, but I'll take even smaller sips.

Most of my body feels warmer, but I'm still shaking because my head and neck are cold

I still can't sleep but at least I'm warmer.

Clouds at night are good because they trap the day's heat in the canyon, but clouds during the day are bad because the sun doesn't warm the air

I push hard but the skin doesn't break

It's strange but I feel the need to urinate again

The party ended at around two o'clock the next morning, but there was still no sign of Aron.

There's still half a cup of water left, but I want to save it.

The urine tastes bad, but not quite as bad as I thought

I'll try to stay alive as long as I can, but I can't imagine living longer than one more day

It's strange, but the feeling of hopelessness doesn't last

I make the rope even shorter, but when I step on it, nothing happens

I feel like crying but I can't

It's fifteen minutes late but I'm happy

The urine tastes better at night because it's colder, but it's still going to be a long, hard night

At nine-fifteen, he called Leona to check if he had arrived, but he hadn't

I called him last week and left a message, but he didn't call back

Aron had an email address - but what was it? She found his name, but had to answer a secret question to read his emails

None of the answers she gave worked but she kept trying

He wanted to check immediately, but he had to leave for Australia that day

They smile at me in a kind way, but they never speak

I don't know if this is true, but I'm still alive when the sun rises

I continue, but soon have to stop because of the pain in my left hand

I am back in the canyon again, but now I don't feel the same as before

I try to drop the rock, but the fingers of my hand won't open.

The only thing on my mind is escape, but the pain is terrible.

There might be some at the Big Drop Rappel, but first I need to get there.

It's full of dead mosquitoes but I don't care

The paintings are amazing but all I can think of is water

I want to stop and rest, but I can't

Only three more kilometres to my truck, but I'm feeling weaker every minute.

Some ships tried to find it and kill it, but they never returned.

I didn't like this idea, but I didn't say anything at the time.

The men wanted to find and kill the sea monster, but after all this time everyone on the ship started to believe that there was no monster

A cannonball hit it, but it didn't move

I thought it was a rock, but then I realised it was metal

It was Ned Land's voice, but we couldn't see him

We knocked on the ship's sides, but they were too thick and no one heard us.

Ned screamed at the locked door, but no one answered his call.

I told them our story, but they did not seem to understand

You will stay here with me, but you will have the same freedom everyone else on the ship has."

The Captain showed Ned and Conseil to their rooms, but he stopped me for a moment.

"Well, I enjoy this room, but what I really prefer is looking out there."

They threw spears at us, but they all missed

One tried to get in, but when his hand touched the ship, he screamed

I did not want to say anything about the sick man, but I was curious

He loves the sea, yes, but here is something missing from his life

We were prisoners, but it was exciting to see all of the mysteries under the sea.

Ned Land had his harpoon with him, but he was very busy trying to collect as many oysters as he could.

The boy saw it, but it was too late.

Conseil loved the sea, but I did not think he wanted to live his life there

I felt sorry for him, but I loved the sea

There was no fire, but the hot lava still produced light.

Atlantis did exist, but only Captain Nemo knew for sure.

Many people like to tell stories about giant squid, but no one knows if they are true

The Nautilus was too strong for it, but it was a very frightening creature!

We fought them with our axes, but the large one, the one with Captain Nemo's man in his tentacle, stood holding the man in the air

"Yes, but..."

He turned to help his own man, but it was too late

I left the Captain, but I didn't return to my room

The Nautilus shook from the explosions of the cannonballs in the water, but it went forward, ready to attack the enemy ship.

I had respect for him as a scientist, but he murdered those men on the other ship!

For most of that time I enjoyed it, but now I had to leave.

Alice's sister had a book, but Alice had nothing with her

She looked down, but she couldn't see any light.

She looked round for the White Rabbit, but she couldn't see him anywhere.

There were four doors in the room, but Alice couldn't open them

She tried to walk through it, but she was too big

She went to the door, but could not open it

She tried to climb the table legs, but it was too difficult

I was Alice yesterday, but everything is different today

She tried to put her feet on the ground but she couldn't

It likes playing with children but it works too

'I'll talk to you, but let's get out of the water.'

'What is a Dodo?' thought Alice, but she smiled politely

'I can tell you,' said the Dodo,' but I won't

'Nobody likes Dinah down here, but she's the best cat in the world

She wanted to help him, but she couldn't see the hat anywhere

It didn't have the words 'DRINK ME' on it, but she drank from it.

'What will happen to me?' She waited for some time, but she didn't get bigger

'It is very big, but it is an arm, sir.'

He ran after her but Alice ran too fast for him

'But how? I have to eat or drink something, but the question is - what?'

She looked all round her, but she couldn't see anything with 'EAT ME' or 'DRINK ME' on it

'Well, perhaps it's not difficult for you, but it is for me,' said Alice.

She stood very tall and said, 'I will tell you, but first, you tell me

'It's a good size for you, but not for me,' said Alice

The Duchess did nothing, but the baby started to cry

It didn't hit her, but she left the room quickly.

It was very strange, but the baby was now a pig.

'It wasn't a pretty baby, but it's quite a pretty pig,' thought Alice.

'It looks kind, but perhaps it will get angry

'I'd like to see the Queen,' Alice said, 'but I haven't got an invitation?'

'That's strange, but not very strange,' thought Alice

'There are a lot of cats without a smile, but a smile without a cat! Now that's very strange!' Alice said.

She felt afraid, but walked to the house.

Alice looked round the table but there was only tea.

'We didn't invite you to tea, but you came

The Mad Hatter opened his eyes very wide, but he said nothing

'Yes, but you put it in with the bread knife

'It tells you the day, but it doesn't tell you the time.'

'No,' Alice answered, 'but it's the same year for a very long time.'

'Thank you, but I haven't got any tea

The White Rabbit was there, but he didn't see Alice

The Kings men looked for the gardeners but couldn't find them

The King looked for the Cat for some time, but he couldn't find it anywhere.

The Queen likes saying it, but she never does it.'

Alice wanted to ask more questions but they heard a cry: "The trial is beginning!"

'Yes, but not as fast as you,' said the Mouse

I was born an idiot - but I'm cleverer than people think

I can think things OK, but when I have to say them or write them down, sometimes they come out all wrong

I tried to play with girls, but they all ran away from me.

'I see other people playing, but I don't play and they never ask me to play with them.'

And I was in trouble, but I was lucky

The building that I went to live in was nice on the outside but not on the inside

He wasn't very tall, but he was very strong

I got the ball, but I ran the wrong way with it, and everybody got angry and started shouting at me.

'Maybe I am an idiot,' I said, 'but I'm not stupid.'

That night, everybody went to parties, but nobody asked me to go

I went back to my room, but I heard music from somewhere upstairs

We didn't talk, but after about an hour, I asked, 'Can I try it?' and he said 'OK', and gave me the harmonica

Mom knew that I was coming, but she was crying when I got home.

The place where I had to live was just a bit better than the rooms at the university, but the food was not

We could hear shooting all round us, but they didn't hit us

Suddenly, somebody started shooting at them! We couldn't see the enemy soldiers because the jungle was too thick, but somebody was shooting at our men.

We began to move back to the hill, but Doyle suddenly saw more enemy soldiers who were going towards our men! We waited until they got to the top, then Bones began shooting with the machine gun

Doyle and I and the other two men threw grenades, but then an enemy soldier shot Bones in the head

I looked round for Bubba, but he wasn't there

There was still a lot of shooting going on, but I played a song

During all of this, somebody shot me in the back of the leg, but I can't remember when it happened

He immediately started talking fast in a language that I couldn't understand, but he took me somewhere - past all the boats and the beach

I thought perhaps they were there to welcome us, but I was wrong

He tried to clean it off and not look angry, but I didn't want to wait for them to start throwing things at me! No sir! I started running.

The people ran after me - all two thousand of them! - but they couldn't catch me

Everybody but me, because I was hungry and wanted some breakfast

The President asked me a lot of questions about Vietnam and the army, but I just said, 'Yes, it's OK' or shook my head to say no, and after several minutes of this we were both silent.

I tried to walk to the Hodaddy Club from the train station, but I lost my way, so I took a taxi

Later, the group - The Broken Eggs - arrived, but I didn't see Jenny

He was against the war, like me, but he blew up buildings and things

Next, I met a teacher from Harvard University, but he was married

Rudolph didn't speak or open his eyes, but he put up his hand and smiled.

I went to find Jenny's address, but there was nobody at home

I started to walk towards her, but she turned and walked away

Oh, I threw my medal away, OK - but it hit somebody really important! One of the President's men! So they threw me into prison.

His name was Sue (yes, I know it's a girl's name, but they sent a male ape up by mistake, and NASA didn't like to tell the newspapers that)

I heard that she went to Chicago, but that was five years ago.'

'It's an old number,' he said, 'but perhaps she's still there.'

People were watching us with strange looks on their faces, but it didn't matter

None of them won because I was too strong, but plenty of people wanted to try their luck.

Jenny wasn't happy about the wrestling but I won a lot of money - sometimes by winning fights, sometimes by losing them because Mike told me to lose them

I am crying while I write this, but please don't try to find me.

I decided to go home to Mobile, but the bus stopped at Nashville on the way and I went into town for a drink and something to eat

Well, I went into the hotel to watch them, but it was a special chess tournament and it cost five dollars to watch, so I didn't go into the chess room.

He didn't look up but, after a minute, he said, 'Perhaps you're right.'

It was time for me to get back to the bus station, but when I started to leave, the old man said, 'Why don't you sit down and finish this game with me?'

'Forrest,' said Mr Tribble, 'You're a wonderful chess player, but I never know what's going to happen next! Here's half of the money that you've won - it's almost five thousand dollars

Why wasn't I ready for that news? I don't know, but I wasn't

A lot of people say that they married an idiot, but they don't know what it's like to marry a real one

I cried that night, but it didn't help.

The business was doing well, but I asked myself, 'What are you doing all this for?' And I knew that I had to get away.

Her hair was different, and she looked a bit older, and a bit tired, but it was her all right

'I knew that a baby was on the way when I left Indianapolis,' said Jenny, 'but I didn't want to say anything

Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that.

"No person held to service or labor in one State, under the laws thereof, escaping into another, shall in consequence of any law or regulation therein be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due."

There is some difference of opinion whether this clause should be enforced by national or by State authority; but surely that difference is not a very material one

If the slave is to be surrendered, it can be of but little consequence to him or to others by which authority it is done

Again, if the United States be not a government proper, but an association of States in the nature of contract merely, can it, as a contract, be peaceably unmade by less than all the parties who made it? One party to a contract may violate it - break it, so to speak; but does it not require all to lawfully rescind it?

I trust this will not be regarded as a menace, but only as the declared purpose of the Union that it WILL Constitutionally defend and maintain itself.

The power confided to me will be used to hold, occupy, and possess the property and places belonging to the government, and to collect the duties and imposts; but beyond what may be necessary for these objects, there will be no invasion, no using of force against or among the people anywhere

That there are persons in one section or another who seek to destroy the Union at all events, and are glad of any pretext to do it, I will neither affirm nor deny; but if there be such, I need address no word to them

A husband and wife may be divorced, and go out of the presence and beyond the reach of each other; but the different parts of our country cannot do this.

They cannot but remain face to face, and intercourse, either amicable or hostile, must continue between them

The people themselves can do this also if they choose; but the executive, as such, has nothing to do with it

By the frame of the government under which we live, this same people have wisely given their public servants but little power for mischief; and have, with equal wisdom, provided for the return of that little to their own hands at very short intervals

If there be an object to HURRY any of you in hot haste to a step which you would never take DELIBERATELY, that object will be frustrated by taking time; but no good object can be frustrated by it.

We are not enemies, but friends

Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish

One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it

It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged

"Woe unto the world because of offences; for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that mam by whom the offence cometh!" If we shall suppose that American Slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time

I ask further, is it unconstitutional for me to say to the British Government "I refuse to serve you"? Is it unconstitutional for our worthy Chairman to return with every respect all the titles that he has ever held from the Government? Is it unconstitutional for any parent to withdraw his children from a Government or aided school? Is it unconstitutional for a lawyer to say "I shall no longer support the arm of the law so long as that arm of law is used not to raise me but to debase me"? Is it unconstitutional for a civil servant or for a judge to say, "I refuse to serve a Government which does not wish to respect the wishes of the whole people"?

I ask, is it unconstitutional for a policeman or for a soldier to tender his resignation when he knows that he is called to serve a Government which traduces his own countrymen? Is it unconstitutional for me to go to the agriculturist and say to him "it's not wise for you to pay any taxes, if these taxes are used by the Government not to raise you but to weaken you?" I hold and I venture to submit, that there is nothing unconstitutional in it

I'm not anti-English; I'm not anti-British; I'm not anti any Government; but I am anti-untruth, anti-humbug and anti-un justice

Our Shastras say and I say so with the greatest deference to all the greatest religious preceptors of India but without fear of contradiction, that our Shastras teach us that there shall be no cooperation between injustice and justice, between an unjust man and a justice- loving man, between truth and untruth

Plenty is at our doorstep, but a generous use of it languishes in the very sight of the supply

These dark days, my friends, will be worth all they cost us if they teach us that our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves, to our fellow men.

It can be accomplished in part by direct recruiting by the Government itself, treating the task as we would treat the emergency of a war, but at the same time, through this employment, accomplishing great - greatly needed projects to stimulate and reorganize the use of our great natural resources.

There are many ways in which it can be helped, but it can never be helped by merely talking about it.

And there must be provision for an adequate but sound currency.

I shall spare no effort to restore world trade by international economic readjustment; but the emergency at home cannot wait on that accomplishment.

If I read the temper of our people correctly, we now realize, as we have never realized before, our interdependence on each other; that we cannot merely take, but we must give as well; that if we are to go forward, we must move as a trained and loyal army willing to sacrifice for the good of a common discipline, because without such discipline no progress can be made, no leadership becomes effective.

We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom - symbolizing an end as well as a beginning - signifying renewal as well as change

And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe - the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.

To those people in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them, help themselves, for whatever period is required - not because the communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right.

Finally, to those nations who would make them-selves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.

And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.

Now the trumpet summons us again - not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need - not as a call to battle, though embattled we are - but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation" - a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.

My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.

I went into the insurance office, but I didn't speak to Mr Sampson

I can see that, Mr Sampson, but I, too, have suffered a terrible loss recently

'He's a very rich man, but a very sick one

I replied politely to everything he said, but I was holding a weapon in my pocket as we walked along together.

He was very pale, but he looked coldly at Beckwith

'You thought I was drinking brandy all day - but I threw most of it away

He spoke calmly, but his face was white.

I could not save her - but I promised to pursue you to the end

I did everything that I could to help him, but the poor man died a few months later.

Later that night she tried to get a bed at Cooley's lodging house in Thrawl Street, but she had to leave because she had no money

The men looked at the woman, but in the darkness they did not know if she was drunk or dead

'I passed this place at 3.15,' Constable Neil said, 'but there was nothing here.'

Mrs Purkiss was awake most of the night, and Mr Purkiss slept badly and was awake between one and two o'clock, but they heard nothing

Her son, John, helped her in the business but he did not live in Hanbury Street

He thought it was somebody falling against the fence, but he did not look to see what it was

Once she had children, but one died and another was disabled

She told the deputy that she did not have any money, but asked him to keep her bed because she wanted to return with the money

She only saw the man's back, but she identified the woman as Annie Chapman later in the mortuary.

She screamed but not loudly

Schwartz thought the man was following him, but a few moments later when he looked back, there was nobody behind him.

Nobody knows when the marriage broke down, but in 1877 Elizabeth was living in a workhouse

The woman said her name was Mary Ann Kelly, but her real name was Catherine Eddowes.

The place was badly-lit, but one man, Joseph Lawende, gave a description of them

One of them walked through Goulston Street just before 2.15, but saw nothing suspicious and returned to Mitre Square

She was pleasant when sober but she could be noisy and very quarrelsome when drunk

Inspector Abbeline arrived at 11.30 a.m., but he could not give the order to break open the door until 1.30 p.m

There were lots of suspects at the time, but the police did not have any real evidence against them

In Victorian times the East End was also violent, but the Ripper murders were something new

The writer was probably talking about the injury to Annie's throat, but only the police, the doctors and the killer knew the details of Annie's murder

He tried another inn, but the same thing happened

He knocked on the doors of people's houses, but news of his arrival had quickly spread and nobody would offer him shelter from the cold

He even tried sleeping in a garden, but was chased away by a dog

'You'll let me stay? I'm a dangerous criminal, but you called me "Monsieur"

Valjean was so tired that he fell asleep, fully-dressed, on top of the sheets, but he didn't sleep for long

When he woke up, the cathedral clock was striking two, but he had not woken because of this

Now, at last, he was free, but he felt bitter and angry about his lost years

The policemen left, but Valjean did not move

He was filled with a strange kind of anger, but he did not know why

He bent down to pick up his bag but, as he did so, he caught sight of the silver coin, half-buried by his foot in the earth.

He looked around but could see nothing in the darkness - just a purple mist rising slowly from the fields.

He called the boy's name, but there was no reply

Valjean looked for the boy for another hour, running along the path, calling out his name, but with no success

The mother was young and pretty, but she looked poor and unhappy

'I used to work in Paris, but my husband died and I lost my job.' She could not tell Mme Thenardier the truth, which was that she had been made pregnant by a young man who had then abandoned her

'My little girl walked some of the way, but she's very small

'Euphrasie - but I call her Cosette

Mme Thenardier looked at Fantine thoughtfully, but said nothing.

'I have to find work, and that's not easy with a child but no husband

Mme Thenardier still said nothing, but a man's voice from inside the house called, 'We'll take seven francs a month, and six months in advance.'

She tried to find work as a servant, but no one would employ her

She finally managed to earn a little money sewing shirts, but she was unable to send money regularly to the Thenardiers.

Fantine, who did not have ten francs, but who was afraid that her daughter would freeze to death, went to the barber's shop

'My hair will grow again,' she thought, 'but teeth would be gone forever.' But then she thought about her daughter, and her own appearance suddenly seemed unimportant

He had no money but he had a revolutionary idea: he knew a cheap and efficient method of manufacturing glass

He became a very wealthy man but lived a simple life, using most of his money to build new hospitals and schools

Now I've become a bad woman, but what choice did I have? I'll never get my daughter back if I don't make money.'

Madeleine for some time, but finally gave in

'I honestly didn't know that you had lost your job, but I'll try to help you now

Madeleine sent the money, but the Thenardiers found even more dishonest excuses for not sending Cosette back.

Madeleine, but I believed you were a man called Jean Valjean

We tried to catch him, but he disappeared

When you arrived in Montreuil, I felt sure that you were this man, but now I know I was wrong, and I'm sorry

Of course, he denies everything, but that's not surprising

He offered Javert his hand, but the inspector refused to take it

She had a high fever, and was coughing badly, but she still had only one thing on her mind.

The courtroom was full but, because he was such an important man, M

Champmathieu, a large, simple-minded man, denied everything when his chance came to speak, but the crowd thought he was trying to be funny

At first, no one believed him, but he managed to persuade the court by skilfully questioning each of the witnesses, revealing personal information that only the real Jean Valjean could have known

When he had persuaded the court of the truth of his confession, he was faced with a shocked but respectful silence.

She was breathing with great difficulty, but her face looked peaceful and calm

She looked as if she was going to speak, but no words came from her lips

She was cold and hungry as she dragged the bucket behind her along the crowded street, but she could not resist stopping in front of one of the stalls

All the children in Montfermeil had gazed with wonder at this doll, but nobody in the village had enough money to buy it.

Cosette gazed at the doll for several minutes but, remembering her job, she sighed and continued on her way

'He dresses so poorly but can afford to buy the most expensive doll in Montfermeil!'

It's true we're poor, and we have bad debts, but love is more important than money.'

She had the strange but comforting feeling that she was somehow travelling closer to God.

He felt sad that Fantine had not lived to see her child again, but happy that he had been able to rescue her child from the terrible Thenardiers

Valjean quietly lay down on the mattress on his floor, but he could not close his eyes all night

There was no way forward, but as he was turning back, he saw movements in the distance and the flash of moonlight on metal

Valjean looked desperately for an escape from the alley, but could see none

He would be able to climb the wall on his own, but how could he carry Cosette? Suddenly, he had an idea

The robber took the ring but, as he turned to leave, the hand grabbed his jacket

The man had a terrible wound in his head, but he was still alive.

He survived the Battle of Waterloo but unfortunately, in the same year, his wife died

Gillenormand, was a very wealthy man, but the two men hated each other

For many years, Marius believed this, but when he was seventeen years old, he learnt the truth

He went at once to visit him, but he was too late

Marius returned to Paris, but continued to visit his father's grave regularly, without telling his grandfather

He did not earn very much money, but it was enough for the rent and simple meals

He rarely bought new clothes, but he was proud of the fact that he had never been in debt

His grandfather often tried to send him money, but Marius always returned it

Life was hard for him, but he never forgot the promise he had made his father: that he would find Thenardier, the man who had saved his father's life, and help him in any way he could.

Marius was a handsome young man, but he was also extremely shy

In fact, they were attracted by his good looks, but he was not confident enough to realize this

As a result, he had no girlfriend, but he was happy with his books.

The man, who was perhaps sixty, had white hair and a serious but friendly-looking face

She was very thin, almost ugly, but Marius noticed that she had lovely blue eyes

When he returned, one summer morning six months later, he saw the same couple sitting on the same bench, but something amazing had happened

The man was the same, but the thin, plain girl of six months earlier had become a beautiful young woman

A second later she looked away and Marius walked on but, in a strange way, he knew his life had changed

As he walked past, he kept his eyes fixed on the girl, but she did not seem to notice him

He did not go back a third time, but sat down on a bench at the opposite end of the Gardens

Finally he left the Gardens in the mad hope of seeing her in the street, but instead he met Enjolras, who invited him to a meal.

Every day for the next month, Marius went to the Luxembourg Gardens, excited by knowing that the girl was secretly looking at him, but too shy and embarrassed to know what to do

Leblanc and had simply fallen out of his pocket, but Marius was unaware of this

Summer and autumn passed, and winter came, but Marius saw no sign of M

He searched everywhere for them, but without success

Enjolras and his other friends tried to cheer him up by taking him to exciting places, but these expeditions always ended in the same way: Marius would leave the group and walk around the streets of Paris unhappily on his own.

One cold but sunny afternoon in February, Marius was walking along the street when two young girls dressed in rags ran into him

Realizing that one of the girls must have dropped it, he picked it up and called after them, but it was too late

The Jondrette family had been Marius's neighbours for many months, but he had never before paid much attention to them

Marius, but I know you

Marius had lived for five years without much money, but he had never been really poor

He had heard them and seen them, but had paid them no attention, and he suddenly felt guilty.

The Jondrettes' room was dirty and evil-smelling, unlike Marius's bare but clean room

He went into his room, pushing the door behind him, but the door would not shut

She did not reply but stood thoughtfully looking at him, seeming to have lost all her earlier confidence

She had not entered the room, but was still standing in the half-light of the corridor.

Now please leave me alone.' Marius tried again to shut the door, but she still held it open.

'You aren't rich, but you were generous this morning

It's been eight years, but I recognized him at once.'

Her sister has taken her to hospital, but they'll be back soon.'

Leblanc trembled slightly, but still shook his head

'I don't know who you are, but I know what you are

Leblanc, but the old man was too quick for him

He managed to open it but, before he could jump, the three men jumped on him and held him to the floor.

'Never mind.' He sat on the bed next to the helpless but brave old man, and said, 'Let's discuss things quietly

I realize that you don't have the money with you now, but I want you to write a letter

The brave man was in terrible danger, but Marius still could not fire the gun

They threw the rope ladder from the open window but, before they could escape, the door opened and Inspector Javert walked in.

He turned to speak to another policeman but, when he looked back, he saw that the prisoner had gone

Inspector Javert looked for Marius everywhere, but without success.

Marius still said nothing, and after a moments pause she said, 'You don't seem very glad to see me, but I could make you look happy if I wanted to!'

'I'm sorry, but what do you mean?'

He pushed it into her hand, but she opened her fingers and let the coin fall to the ground

He told her not to worry, but she noticed an anxious look in his eyes

He spent the next two nights walking around the garden, checking the gate, listening for noises, but nothing unusual happened.

Cosette felt suddenly faint, but she did not move or make a sound.

It's a long time ago, but do you remember the day when you first looked at me - in the Luxembourg Gardens? And the day you walked past me? Those things happened nearly a year ago

For six weeks, he had known nothing but uncomplicated happiness

I haven't told you, Cosette, but I'm a poor man

I'll ask no more questions, but you must promise to be here early the day after tomorrow

He was unhappy about many things - about losing his teeth, about the political situation but, most of all, about the fact that he had not seen his grandson for four years, since their big quarrel

Nothing of him was clearly visible except his face, which was calm and serious, but strangely sad.

At last! After four years! Was it really him? He wanted to open his arms and hug him, but all he said was, 'What have you come for?'

I know I'm not welcome here, but I have come to ask for only one thing

I haven't a pair of shoes, and she hasn't a shirt, but never mind

Have fun with the girl, but don't marry her

Make her your lover but not your wife.'

Gillenormand called for Marius to come back, but it was too late

People were running around, and there was a lot of noise, but Marius paid little attention

At nine o'clock that evening, Marius crept into the garden of Cosette's house, but she was not there waiting for him as she had promised

The ordinary people liked him at first, but he soon showed that he was more interested in power for his family than democracy for his people

He understood business, but he could not understand the problems of poor people

There was a tall, grey-haired man whom nobody knew, but whose strong, brave face had impressed everybody

Night fell, but nothing happened

Someone fired a gun and a bullet hit a wall just behind him, but he didn't care.

Soldiers now occupied the top of the barricade, but were unable to advance any further because the defenders fought so fiercely

He looked about him but, seeing no one, he started to walk away, thinking that he was imagining things.

Marius gazed into the shadows, but could still see nothing.

'The bullet passed through my hand,' Eponine murmured, 'but it came out through my back

It's no use trying to move me, but I'll tell you how you can treat my wound better than any doctor

I was asked to post it, but I didn't

So she still loved him! He thought for a moment that now he must not die, but then he thought, 'She's going away.'

I hurried to see you, but you had gone

She had not wanted to leave the house, but she had eventually obeyed him

They had left quickly, at nightfall, bringing their servant, Toussaint, with them, but very little luggage

As he was eating, Toussaint told him about the fighting in the city, but he did not pay much attention

He stared down at the four uniforms but, as he did so, a fifth uniform fell as if by magic at his feet.

The sky grew lighter, but not a door or window was open in the street

The rebels fired their guns but, when the smoke had cleared, they saw the soldiers, unharmed, steadily aiming the cannon at the barricade

The cannonball crashed into the bottom of the barricade with a loud explosion, but did little damage

The battle continued for some time; the cannon destroyed the upper windows of the wine shop, and did some damage to the barricade, but the rebels did not withdraw

They were filled with hope that help would come soon, but the hope did not last long

As other guns began firing at the smaller barricade, the rebels fought back bravely, but they were running out of bullets

Many fell, but many more reached the barricade

The first assault was beaten back by the brave rebels, but the soldiers attacked again and again

The rebels fought long and hard to defend the stronghold, but finally they had to withdraw to the low wall outside the wine shop

Enjolras and the few surviving rebels fought bravely, but the soldiers were too strong

Marius had indeed been taken prisoner, but not by the soldiers

Ahead of him lay total darkness, but he had to go on

He could not see where he was going, but he knew he had to follow the downward slope of the passages towards the river.

He had to bend as the roof of the tunnel became lower, but when he reached the light, Valjean stopped and gave a cry of despair

Through the bars, Valjean could see daylight, the river, a narrow riverbank - but how could he get out?

Javert looked unhappy, but he did not refuse

'The wound to his body is not serious, but there are deep cuts on his head

He noticed his grandfather's tenderness towards him, but he could not forget the old man's unfairness and cruelty to his father, who had died penniless and unloved

I knew you were angry with me, and I thought, "What can I do to make him love me?" Then I thought, "I can give him Cosette." I wanted to invite her to see you, but the doctor warned me that you would probably get too excited

She wanted to throw herself into Marius's arms, but was unable to move, afraid to show the world that she loved him.

Having been a mayor, he knew how to solve an awkward problem: the question of Cosette's real family He told everybody that he was not her father, but her guardian

Valjean, as her guardian, gave Cosette a large amount of money - half a million francs - but did not tell her that the money was his

He was, without doubt, a bad man, but Marius had promised his father to find him and help him

He employed agents to find Thenardier, but without success

He was proud of having helped to bring her happiness with Marius, but another thing troubled his soul: the fact that nobody, not even Cosette, knew the truth about him

Marius hugged Valjean warmly, addressed him as 'father' and invited him to lunch, but Valjean shook his head and said, 'Monsieur, I have something to tell you.'

I tried to persuade myself that it would be better not to admit the truth about my past, but it was no use

It was cold and damp, but a fire had been lit and two armchairs had been placed in front of it

Jean Valjean continued his evening visits, but the relationship between himself and Cosette became cooler and more distant

One evening in April, he called at the usual time but was told that Cosette had gone out with her husband

Valjean replied that he was very well, but that he had business to attend to

He achieved this without cruelty, but without weakness

The visitor laughed, but Marius went on, 'You're also Jondrette

'You're a completely rotten man, but I'll give you this.' Marius took a banknote out of his pocket and threw it in the stranger's face.

'I told you that I do not like to see a man accused unjustly, but I do like to see a man punished for crimes he has committed.'

You came here to destroy a man, but you have done the opposite

I know that your wife is dead, but take the money and start a new life in America with your daughter

Jean Valjean listened as she described the view from the room that would be his, the beauty of the garden, the singing of the birds, but he was listening more to the music of her voice than to the meaning of her words

Finally, he said, 'Yes, it would be delightful, but

Valjean smiled, his eyes shining with love and happiness, but he was beginning to lose strength.

You'll feel some grief for me, but not too much

They're made of silver, but to me they are pure gold

As she was going through the wood, she met with a wolf, who had a very great mind to eat her up, but he dared not, because of some woodcutters working nearby in the forest

Little Red Riding Hood, hearing the big voice of the wolf, was at first afraid; but believing her grandmother had a cold and was hoarse, answered, "It is your grandchild Little Red Riding Hood, who has brought you a cake and a little pot of butter mother sends you."

I try to remember anything, but I cannot! I have no idea who I am.

Why am I here? I ask myself, but I have no answer

I try to stand, but then I realise that my head hurts and that there is a sharp pain behind my right ear

I look carefully at my clothes, but they mean nothing

The jeans are new, but now they are dirty: muddy stains cover the legs from the wet grass

I am sure that I know her, but I still do not remember why

"Catherine!" I shout into the dark, but there is no reply.

I remember Catherine's face, but she is not smiling like she is in the picture, and her blue eyes look scared and desperate

I want to shout again, but then I do not

There is nothing cruel about the face, but I know instantly that this is the man that has Catherine, and I hate that face with all of my heart.

I begin to walk faster, but I am soon running

I try not to think of anything but the direction I am moving in, but I am starting to remember things now

"Hello handsome," she always says to me, "another day at the office?" And I never say much, but I do not have to: we understand each other without words

Do I hear voices in the fog behind me? I try to turn to look, but the fog behind me is too thick, and I only see the occasional light in the distance.

I expect him to have dark eyes and dirty hair, but he does not

"I just want Catherine," I say, but I can see the hate in the man's eyes, and I know that the only thing I can do now is run to the stone where I know she is tied and try to escape into the fog with her.

"Don't!" says the man, as if he can see my intention in my eyes, but I have to

At first, I think that maybe I am quick enough, but then I hear the snap of the gun and feel the explosion in my back.

"Catherine," I shout, but there is no reply

When I look to see why, I see that she is not there: the white ropes are still tied to the stone, but she is not.

I do not understand anything else that they say, but I do understand these three words, and I smile again.

The two women move, but slowly; one of them looks down at the counter, where I know there is a secret alarm

"What is this?" he says, and he looks nervous but not nervous enough.

"You can't be serious? A bank robbery?" And for a moment he looks surprised, but then he laughs

"Good Lord, you should leave now before the police get here, and maybe you can still escape," he laughs again, "but I doubt it."

Only Hastings can see now, but we stand behind him

I can see sweat on Hastings' face now, but it is on mine too

but what do you want? You have my money."

He looks at the newspaper for a moment but says nothing.

Hastings is silent, but Robin points the gun at him

Bank manager receives two hundred and forty thousand pound salary despite bank failure." He stops and tries to turn to look at us, but Robin pulls the trigger back on the gun

Beethoven fills the silence again, and I look at Robin and see that there is sweat on his face too, but Hastings does not move.

"Then goodbye, Mr Hastings," Robin says, and he moves the gun, but...

And I want to smile, but there is no time

"Oh, and just to let you know, there are no bullets in any of our guns." Hastings starts to shout, but we do not listen

And then there is nothing but chaos.

No, Emily, of course you're more important than them, but

She needs to come now, he knows, but he cannot shout for her

"Sorry to bother you, but do you have a lighter?"

Oliver tries to stay calm, but he knows there is too little time

And the attendant ignores Oliver but returns her smile

He then gives him another long, hard look, but Oliver does not care.

"Oh yes, that would be very nice!" She smiles, but in the half-light Oliver thinks he sees something strange in her expression.

Just one push, and then he can shout for the attendant and pretend to help but really just watch the monster go down into the loch

For a moment he goes down, but then he kicks his legs, and he comes to the surface and looks up at Sylvia in the boat

You can call that stupid girl of yours 'Darling,' but not me

For a few moments he sinks slowly into the great loch, but then, somehow, miraculously, he kicks again, and he comes to the surface once more

He tries to swim, but his clothes and his coat are too heavy.

His shift finishes in five minutes, but there is no one around in Howarth's quiet police station, and so he leads the woman to the first interview room and tries to suppress the image of a pint of beer in the Black Bull pub.

The interview room is cold, the lights weak and grey, but he offers the woman a seat and hopes that this will be quick.

I can get you a tea if you like," but she shakes her head and puts the bag at her feet

Sometimes he's so close that I think he can touch me, and other times he's far away, but I still know that he's there

And Detective, you might think that I'm crazy, but I know what this man wants..."

"He wants to kill me." Branwell says nothing but watches the woman's face

"You work in Leeds, but you don't drive? I think your sports car can get you there a lot faster than the bus to Keighley and then the train to Leeds."

"Dangerous, yes," but she does not say anything else, and Branwell continues.

"Easily," she says, but again she pauses, and Branwell sees her turn quickly to look over her shoulder

I turn on the lights, and I see nothing, but when I go to the window, I can see him in the field

"I'm sorry Miss Thornton, but there's very little that we can do

We never found the driver, but William died instantly, they say."

No, he cannot feel any sympathy for her, but maybe now she can find some rest

Branwell knows it, but he cannot believe it.

It is a cold smile, but Branwell sees that the man's eyes look a little more alive now

"My name is Grey, Detective, but not William

Inside the pub it is small and dark, and the barman is rude and suspicious, but Gerry has to agree that the view from the terrace is more than spectacular

The rest of his luggage is in the pickup truck, but not this bag

He looks forwards but cannot see because of the sunlight

Gerry is not sure, but he thinks that the man looked at the bag by his feet.

Gerry considers lying, but Big Jones can never find him here

"Well, nice to meet you both, but I need to get up to the farm before dark."

The building is old but in okay shape, and he turns the generator on, and the electric lights start

He thinks he sees a dark shape, but he does not shoot

"Who's there?" he says, but there is no answer.

He tries to see what the dark shape is, but the evening light is too weak

"No," says a terrifyingly familiar voice, "but I can, Gerry

but..

Gerry's gun fires three times into the evening light, and screams fill the creek, but there is no escape.

He always calls Jake 'kid', but he must be the same age as him: twelve or thirteen.

He thinks about home for a moment, but that is too far away now, and too long ago.

They both stand up, but before Nick moves into the crowds, Jake stops him

Most do not see anything, but one always sees something, and one is enough.

He expects to hear a shout, but there is nothing

He wants to run, but he walks and notices that the bag is heavy, really heavy

He has no time to think, but he must

There is another shout from behind him, but Jake keeps moving

For a moment there are people all around him, and he thinks he will never get there, but then he pushes past some kids who shout at him, and he is there

He hears another shout, and knows that the man is nearly here, but the camera is not looking at him

"Down here! Look down here!" but he has no idea if anyone can hear him

Jake holds up the bag, but he is scared, so scared, though he has to do it.

"How did you know, kid?" a voice says, but this time it is not Nick.

Sure, there are one or two bigger than her, but none of them has her romance or her luxury," Mrs Carolina Heath says as they enter the dining room.

"Well, maybe not pirates, but you should still be careful

"Oh, but can I trust you three to look after Eleanor? This is her first night, and her first cruise

"Oh, well, I suppose we can change the subject, but we are having a really interesting conversation."

"Oh, but I am

Mrs Heath is lovely, but she only talks about scandal and gossip."

The Statue of Liberty is still visible in the distance, but they will soon be alone on the dark ocean.

"Maybe," she says with another shy smile, "but you first: what's your idea for the perfect murder weapon?"

"Okay, well, it's not my idea, and it's old, but I think it's great for a film

but..

She always goes for a run in the evening, but this time she waits until he falls asleep in a chair in the lounge, and she puts a candle to the curtains

Peter nods his head, "Interesting, but a coroner will find traces of sleeping pills in the blood

"Very clever," Edward agrees, "but unfortunately the wife is always a suspect in a murder."

"Normally, yes," says Eleanor, and all three men notice how her smile fades a little, "but she has a plan for that

They try to stop her, but she runs into the burning building

Normally Nick likes his job, but not today

It is better than serving drinks in a pub or helping out at his dad's office, but only if it is a short day, and only if the case is closed quickly

He also enjoys deciding who is innocent and who is guilty, but today that is too easy.

There are pictures of these injuries, but there is no proof that Mr Dawson hit Mrs Dawson

The words she said were 'I will kill him,' but the defendant says she does not remember that

The defence says that this is not murder, but manslaughter

It is obvious what the decision will be, but it looks like he will be here until four now

He has to say something to someone, but who? The judge? Maybe.

She stands near to him, and he can see the tears in her eyes and the sad expression on her face, but this time he knows it is not real.

I don't know what you heard, but I love my sister, and I used to love my husband."

For a second he does not know what to say, but he knows what to do, and he pulls his hand away and moves to the door

For a second she is silent, but then she speaks again, though this time her voice is hard and angry

So you can tell them what you want, but they can do nothing, and you are still here in Bristol, and so is my family

He wants to say something, but without proof he has nothing, and the judge can do nothing.

And you try to remember what it was, but you cannot.

So you do not move, but you let your eyes adjust, and soon the complete darkness is not so complete

You try to see the clock in the dark, but it is impossible, and you think that it must be somewhere between four and six o'clock: the darkest hours of the night when even the lively and vibrant city of Manchester sleeps.

There! A sound! Not a dream, but movement in the spare room, where you keep the computer!

You know you should call the police, but you need to do something more, something quick.

It is colder here, but you do not feel it

Your heart is beating so fast that you do not feel anything but the strange mixture of fear and anger.

The light switch is not near your door but halfway to the stairs

You turn on the lights and swing the heavy statue in his direction, but you cannot see him now because the light is so bright

In the distance he can hear the siren of a gardai car in the city centre, but he is sure it is not for him

He pauses for a moment to try and remember what he has to do next, but then the door to the church opens again, and three women enter

"Father?" he says, but there is no reply, and he can see no movement behind the grille that separates his small space from the other.

Barry tries to see the face through the grille, but there is only a dark shape.

"Maybe, but why, my son? I can only help you if you tell me why

"Okay, Father, but remember, you promise not to tell a soul."

He thinks about lying, but why? The priest promises not to tell a soul

And yes, it is stolen, but I promise, Father, no one needs it now

He wonders if there are still any people there, but he thinks there are not.

The car is big and old, but it is a classic, and it moves along the road like a shark, the evening sun reflecting off the red paint.

The plan was to get to Flagstaff, but it is too many miles away

The skin is raw, and he tries to remember exactly what happened last night, but he cannot

There's something about Needles, something about trouble on Route Sixty-Six, and he tries to listen, but the signal is weak.

He looks at his hand again and tries to make a fist, but it hurts.

He remembers that afterwards they were in the hotel room kissing, but then something happened, and she laughed

She laughed at him, but he cannot remember why

He saw the blood, but there was only a little, and his hand hurt

Yeah, he could not remember, but he knew.

And he thinks for a moment about not stopping, but there is nowhere for him to go

God, he wishes he could remember last night: not just the girl's expression when he hit her, but everything.

The cop looks at him and nods, but says nothing

Dan wants to see the eyes behind the glasses but cannot.

The cop nods but does not take them

He is almost quick enough, but the knife still cuts him, and he screams and falls to the floor

The cop falls too, and there is a moment of confusion, but then Dan pushes himself up onto his feet and runs

One is clearly a policewoman, but the other, a short man, has no uniform.

And he starts to run again, not on the road now, but into the desert

He wants to turn to look back to see if the man is following him, but he does not dare

He tries to move faster through the snow, but it is so deep..

He wants to put his hand in his coat pocket, but he has to keep the grey pistol ready.

Then Greg was on the floor; Brandon wanted to stop and help him, but Greg told him to run

He can see nothing because of the trees, but he knows he is very near

In Canada, in the mountains, when you are cold you are okay, but when you are warm, you are in trouble.

That's enough time for them to get the money from Banff but not enough to do anything else like phone the cops

No one saw them, but they covered Greg's plates to be sure, and they wore masks

The kid screamed at first, but they gagged him and tied his hands

He tried to escape from the truck that chased him, but he crashed on the highway

I saw the tracks from your truck, and I told the police, but I made sure I found the cabin first

The other detective, West, is younger and thinner but with an empty look in his eye.

Around the old but impressive school, there are green gardens and grounds that continue for miles, and at the windows of the building there are the thirty faces of serious young men, who watch them strangely.

West nods but does not say anything

The secretary outside the headmaster's room tells them they can enter, but Smith stops

The headmaster is a man about the same age as Smith, but there the comparison ends

The headmaster, Mr Bowen, does not exactly look happy, but he looks content

The chief inspector told us to come, but he didn't say why."

Two other teachers live there, but neither saw him."

I think he hits the boys sometimes, but I can't prove it."

I suppose you didn't notice, but those two are having some sort of romantic affair."

He tried desperately to shout, but he could not, and he tried to move, but he could not

What a beauty, hey, lad?" And he looks to his son, Owen Junior, and he wants to see a smile on the boy's pale face, but, like always, there is nothing but disinterest.

"The same? Well, I suppose, but look at it, Son

"Come on, Son, this is going to be great fun," he says, and Junior follows him but says nothing.

His wife Rhea is a good woman and pretty too, but sometimes he cannot help but look at Junior and wonder.

"Of course lad, but I need to show you how first."

"At this time of year, we want to look for rabbits, Son, but if we can get a hare, even better."

"Well, it is, Son, but only like downloading films for free

That's a crime, that's illegal, but you still do that, don't you? Well, this is just like that

Now, not many people come to this side of the forest at this time of the year, but if you see someone you just put the gun down gently in a bush or under some leaves

Sure, he likes films and television and not sports, but maybe this can be their thing

It doesn't have to be every weekend if Junior does not want to, but occasionally

Keep to your left but not directly behind you

He tries to see through the trees but he cannot

He thinks there is someone or something moving, and it is big: bigger than a rabbit or a hare, but he does not think it can be a person

In the summer maybe, but not now.

Owen sees the boy throw the gun and tries to shout that it is just a deer, but it is too late

Do you know what I mean when I say cheat? I mean you use the little tricks, the fast fingers and the good memory, but you use it to break the rules of the game.

There are people everywhere, but here on the roof there are only four people

No one but me and the boys

Hank slaps him again, "No, Jimmy, but cheating in my casino is!"

You can hit me, or you can try to scare me, but I never cheat!"

For a moment there is nothing, but then two long, grey shapes appear in the clear water, and Jimmy starts to shout again.

I don't know how, but I know!"

You see, he is not a cruel man, but he sometimes has to do cruel things

Sarah considers sitting on one of the seats by the wall of the tunnel, but she is so tired that she thinks that maybe she will fall asleep if she rests.

Twenty tired faces: some talking, but most are silent and waiting like her.

It is a comforting but also rather depressing thought.

Inside the carriage it is even hotter than on the platform, but it is almost empty too.

She cannot see his face because he has the hood of his sports jacket up, but he seems to be asleep, and there is something about his face that she does not like

The poor old woman must not feel too comfortable next to the noisy kids, but Sarah knows that they are okay: she can spot the bad kids from a mile away.

No, these kids are okay, but they are loud, and it is impossible for Sarah not to hear their conversation

He uses something strange: not a knife but something long and thin, and he stabs them again and again, and they just bleed and bleed."

"Yeah, but the weird thing is none of them tried to fight," says the tall kid.

Is he watching her? She looks again and, yes, his hood is still covering his face, but she is sure that his eyes are focused on her.

I will, she thinks, but only if the strange man stays on the train

She stands up and looks in the corner of the carriage one more time, but it looks like the man is asleep.

The platform at North Acton is quiet, but it always is at this time of the evening

She can see the stairs to the street, and she wants to walk to them, but she feels so weak

"What?" she tries to say, but then she falls to the floor

The old woman smiles, but it is a horrible smile

...He uses something strange: not a knife but something long and thin, and he stabs them again and again, and they just bleed and bleed.

She tries to scream, but it is too late.

They cannot travel, but there will be no more wars

A simulator cost five units per hour, which was a lot - but it was worth it for the escape it offered from the city.

that's so sweet of you!" Taste-pots were great, because they weren't expensive, but gave you the taste of something luxurious like double chocolate ice cream

"Yes." Sala loved painting, but the paints were expensive, so it was something she couldn't do very often.

She'd turned around quickly and seen a boy: about her age but a little taller, with black hair and dark, smiling eyes..

A pod was like a simulator, but a million times better

In a simulator, it was hard to forget that there were four walls just five or six steps away - but in a pod, you lost your awareness of the world around you

She didn't know how Cham could afford it, but he was always so kind and generous - it would be rude to ask

"It's like a pod experience, but you stay in for much longer," explained Ding

It was one thing to have a pod experience - but to stay inside the pod was something else

She had a hat pulled low over her face, so it was partly hidden, but Sala could just see her green eyes.

It had taken years for Gran to make her garden because it was so difficult to find soil or plants, but she had made some soil with rotten vegetables and fruit, and slowly found bits and pieces here and there

It was tiny, but full of life; Gran was managing to grow all sorts of plants

Gran was bending over a tomato plant, but as Sala entered, she straightened up slowly

"After the Oil Wars, I looked for him all over the city, but I couldn't find him anywhere

Such adventures had been normal then, but they seemed almost magical now.

Gran had a chip buried under her skin like everyone else, but she wore a bracelet to hide it as a small way of protesting about the government's tight control over everyone.

There was one from Niki, but nothing from Cham, so she began a message to him

This one was very exciting, but Sala couldn't concentrate

You shouldn't have bought us such an expensive present - I mean, it's wonderful, but you don't have enough money

You never earned many, but it was better than nothing - and a good way to exercise, and get out of your apartment.

After thirty minutes, Apat was still jumping up and down happily, but Sala and Cham took a break and went to the cafe, where a drinks machine made special mixtures of juice and energy liquids.

She managed not to say anything in front of her little brother, but Gran could see at once that she was upset.

I'm sure he loves you, but you can't blame hint for thinking about the future

Some of them were really beautiful, but you couldn't really explore them because you were still in a little room with a time limit

It wasn't far to Cham's apartment block, but another storm had gathered

There was a choice of lifelike views in 3D - not as clever as the illusions in the simulator, but they did help the family to forget, at times, that they lived deep under the ground.

"I know what you said before, but..

He asked her gently, but his words still came as a shock

What was going on? Was it some kind of game? Sala wondered whether to tell Gran, but there was nothing new to say

I'll see you again, the woman had said: well, then, there was really nothing to do but wait.

You were excited and you couldn't concentrate on anything else, but you were also a tiny bit afraid

Sala had seen it before, of course, from a distance - but she'd never been so close to it.

She tried to move her arms, but they were trapped

She wanted to fight, or run, but she couldn't lift her legs.

it was you in there, wasn't it? Your voice sounded a bit different, but apart from that..."

"Yes, but it's controlled by our thoughts

A bit too clever, said a voice in Sala's head: they'd been together, and yet not together; they were able to talk to each other, but sometimes experienced things separately

I would do it - but only if you want to do it, too

Real life is difficult, but it's..

Gran said nothing more, but her eyes were shining

"I know," said Cham, "but I think it's just stopping

I know it's a big opportunity, but..

I loved the pod, but I'd be afraid of doing it for longer

"Also, I know you think it's crazy, but..

Sala looked out at the view: nothing but black and silver tower blocks against the cold gray sky

It wasn't really fair to give you such a tough decision to make, but I knew you'd be strong enough."

Many of the other students still talked about nothing but Pod Life, but she didn't care.

All the reasons she'd given to Cham ran through her mind, but how could she explain them to Niki? It was really complicated.

She'd been about to do some studying, but watching a love story-stream was a much better idea

Maybe it's part of the story, she thought sleepily - but then a light started flashing, and she opened her eyes.

She wished she could be with Cham, but his family was in crisis; they all needed him more than she did right now

I've been trying to send a message for many years, but nothing has crossed the boundary successfully

We know you can't leave your city, but now I hear that maybe messages can reach you, if you are still alive

Here, we are free, and we have beauty all around us, but my heart breaks when I think of you trapped in that city, like a bird in a cage.

We think we can trust them, but we know that this letter could put you in danger

I'm sure Cham's parents are good people, but we don't know them well enough."

The journey across the city seemed to take forever; but when she arrived, Cham was waiting, hands in pockets

Cham was enthusiastic, but he didn't seem to think the news had anything to do with him

What more could she say? Cham's number one consideration right now was his family, and she couldn't stand in the way of that; but she wished that he would at least think about other possibilities.

Leti smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes

"I'm sorry, but you can't come any further with us

He looked pale and tired, but a feverish excitement was burning in his eyes.

The screen was red, but as her skin touched it, it changed to orange, and then green

Sala couldn't believe how much her life was suddenly changing, but she didn't try to discuss it with Cham

Sala didn't look at her at first, but when the woman spoke, she recognized her voice at once.

I'm going to be late, but it's important

The woman wore a bright yellow bag on her back, so at least she was easy enough to follow, but she walked rapidly, and Sala was soon breathless.

She had lost sight of the woman - where had she gone? She tried to message Cham, but nothing happened

Sala felt like running away, but something made her keep going

The government's story about contamination is all a big lie, but it's too dangerous to challenge it, or to talk about this."

We wanted to contact your grandmother directly, but she never goes out

"Well, he can't leave the pod for two years, can he?" Wena's eyes were calm, but hard, too

Sala half-wanted to rush home to tell Gran and Mom what had happened, but she didn't want to lose any of her remaining time with Cham

I know your gran is really excited, but..

This world, the city with its wrist chips and simulators, was the only one they knew, but Gran often talked about life before the Oil Wars - how they used to walk freely in the forests, grow flowers and fruit, sing songs around fires on the beach, and travel to wonderful places

Cham and the other three talked excitedly about Pod Life, but Sala felt strange.

She was dying to tell the others, but knew that she couldn't.

She looked exhausted at first; but the light came back into her eyes as Sala began to talk about her meeting with Wena.

Sala wished she could see him on her own, but she knew that time with his family was precious

The girls were delighted, but inside, Sala felt like crying

Everyone tried to be happy and cheerful, but then it was all over

It rained constantly, but Sala didn't really care; the dark, miserable skies matched her mood

I really miss you, though." Sala wanted to tell him about seeing Wena, but she knew that she needed to be careful over the ultranet

he's fine." Sala described how enthusiastic he'd been, but she didn't mention his warning

She'd been really excited to discover what the group was doing, but she hadn't considered actually joining them

She knew it would be best to go straight to the earth apartment, but she felt a little afraid to do that

She checked the energy center and the crowded walkways instead, but there was no sign of Wena

People were coming and going from the main entrance, like last time, but the narrow passageway down the side looked dark and empty

but curiosity was burning inside her

The old sofa had been pushed against one wall, but there was no metal table or chairs

She was at the kitchen table with Mom and Gran, but Apat was in his room, and she didn't want him to hear them.

but it's so long since you last saw him, Gran," said Sala

It seems to say the right things, but..

It might take a while to find the right time, but..

It was good to know that they could do something to test Eston's letter; but even so, it wouldn't tell them where Wena and Oban's group had gone

"I'm not sure he'll agree to leave the pod anyway, but if he does, they might still want him to stay

It's all new and exciting right now, but he'll get tired of it

"Look, I know this will sound strange, but to me, he doesn't seem the same," she insisted

Maybe his parents would be disappointed, but it was the only responsible thing to do; they'd thank her, in the end.

There was one last Ultranet Talk Hour with Cham before the end of the month, but Sala decided it wasn't even worth trying to talk to him about leaving

but on the other, her life with Cham had never felt more uncertain.

She wasn't even sure if his family would give them time alone together - but she'd have to make sure it happened

He looked pale and confused, but it was him

Cham followed, but his steps seemed heavy and slow

He laughed and smiled and seemed happy to see them all; but to Sala, he was different

Normally she loved it when Cham was fooling around with his sisters, but now she thought she'd explode.

but..." Sala hung her head.

"I know what he's doing is awful, but I still love him, Mom."

They went to bed at last, but Sala couldn't sleep

Cham's parents and sisters sat next to her, talking quietly, but she didn't join in

Her knees were trembling, but along with Cham's family, she followed Zee through the glass doors.

Some of them looked a little stiff and strange, maybe; but most of them seemed perfectly normal

I hated my life with Mrs Van Hopper, but she paid me a little money to be her companion

I was very rude after lunch.' The note was not signed, but I knew it was from de Winter.

I have a sister, but that's all.'

He did not talk about his life there, but about the house itself

The sandwiches were dry, but I ate them without thinking

I have forgotten the places we went to, but I have not forgotten the excitement of those mornings

I had to play cards with Mrs Van Hopper that afternoon, but I was still happy

'He's an attractive man,' she said, 'but not easy to know

Maxim was smiling, but he said nothing about being happy

Mrs Van Hopper was smiling, but there was no kindness in her smile

I tried to smile but suddenly I felt lonely and afraid

She may be rather strange at first, but don't worry about that

It was the normal Manderley breakfast, but far too much for two people

'Yes, but she won't stay long

The fire was laid, but not lit

I looked round for a box of matches, but I could not find one

Everyone laughed, but they seemed friendly

I haven't seen the gardens, but I'm sure I shall never get tired of them

'Beatrice is very kind-hearted, but she always says the wrong thing.'

We called and whistled, but he did not come.

In the bay was a green and white buoy, but no boat.

The dog looked up, but he did not come to me

I looked back, but I could not see Maxim

The man said nothing, but stared at me in the same stupid way.

He's a bit mad, but he won't hurt you

'Darling,' I said to Maxim when we were alone, 'I meant to tell you before, but I forgot

At least not afraid, but...'

I had not wanted Maxim to go to London, but now I was glad to be alone.

He was a big, handsome man, but his face was red and his eyes were a hard blue

No one comes here but me.

I tried to smile, but I felt sick and ill.

I hoped that Maxim would ask for me but he did not.

I hoped that she would tell me more about Favell, but she did not

The door was shut, but I could hear what he said.

'Oh, but you are wrong,' said another woman

I made sketches of some of the costumes, but I did not like any of them

I hoped she would go, but she stood at the door.

Maxim and Frank asked me about my costume but I told them nothing

My body was tired, but my mind would not rest

It was cold now, but I drank it

No one could help me, but myself.

It was very hot, but the sun was hidden behind the wall of fog

I could not speak to Rebecca, but I could speak to Mrs Danvers.

I could not see him, but I could hear his voice

Frank was there talking to a coast-guard, but I could not see Maxim.

'There was nobody there but me

I wanted to take the boat a good way out, but the wind was too strong for me.

She waited, but I did not say anything

'I wish an inquest wasn't necessary,' Colonel Julyan said, 'but I'm afraid it is

'We'll keep it as short as possible, but I'm afraid the reporters will be there.'

There were clouds, but the rain did not fall.

I tried to stand up, but I could not

I tried to stand up but my legs were so weak that I had to lean against a chair

'I don't want to be rude, but I am very tired

"I tried to phone you," Favell read, "but you were out

'Now, listen, Danny,' Favell began to shout, but Mrs Danvers took no notice.

Dr Baker used to live there, but he left six months ago

Tomorrow will be a long day.' He held my hand for a moment, but he did not look into my eyes

Maxim looked pale and tired, but he did not say anything

You think you've won, but don't be too sure, I haven't finished with you yet.'

There may be some talk, but I'll make sure that people hear about Dr Baker.'

I wanted to get to the Happy Valley, but I could not find it

He listens, but everything is quiet in the room

'Now you do! And Bud, you try to stop Nathan, but he gets away.'

'Nathan is very good, but I don't need a stand-in.'

Nathan is angry, but he says nothing

Mr Wakeman says "no" but I...'

'Yes, but look! There's a train coming!' says Nathan.

'It's not going to be easy,' says Sam, 'but let's go!'

She does not see it, but Nathan does.

The bag does not hit Natalie, but it hits Nathan.

'OK, but we need a new stand-in for Natalie

Tina could see only the side of his face, but she gasped in painful recognition.

Gradually, day by day, week by week, she had put Danny behind her, with sorrow, with guilt, with tears and much bitterness, but also with firmness and determination

Time should have put even more distance between her and the anguish, but instead the passing days were bringing her around full circle in her grief

This was a warm and wonderful fantasy, but she could not sustain it for long

She had loved Danny with all her heart, but he was gone

She wanted to cry, needed to cry, but she didn't.

She wasn't a dancer anymore; now she worked behind the curtain, in the production end of the show, but she still felt physically and psychologically best when she weighed no more than she had weighed when she'd been a performer.

On four or five occasions during the past two weeks, she had taken the pistol from the nightstand and searched the place, room by room, but she hadn't found anyone

She remained on guard for a few minutes, but the night was so peaceful that at last she had to admit she was alone

During the twelve years of their marriage, Tina had become a different and more complex person than she'd been on their wedding day, but Michael hadn't changed at all - and didn't like the woman that she had become

They began as lovers, sharing every detail of their daily lives - triumphs and failures, joys and frustrations - but by the time the divorce was final, they were strangers

She wasn't sleepy now, but she knew she had to get more rest

She began her career as a dancer - not a showgirl but an actual dancer - in the Lido de Paris, a gigantic stage show at the Stardust Hotel

The Lido was one of those incredibly lavish productions that could be seen nowhere in the world but Vegas, for it was only in Las Vegas that a multimillion-dollar show could be staged year after year with little concern for profit; such vast sums were spent on the elaborate sets and costumes, and on the enormous cast and crew, that the hotel was usually happy if the production merely broke even from ticket and drink sales

The tricky spelling of the title was not Tina's idea, but most of the rest of the program was her creation, and she remained pleased with what she had wrought

She would never forget him, that sweet child who had been such a large part of her, but she would no longer have to live her life around the gaping hole that he had left in it

The wound was achingly tender but healed.

It didn't last long enough for Tina to identify the source, but there was a stealthiness about it

She considered calling the police, but she was afraid of making a fool of herself

Tina searched the entire house, except for Danny's old room, but she didn't find an intruder

She had been sorry that he'd had to know, but she hadn't said a word to him; she'd offered no explanations, no reassurances

He's been acting like an ass lately, but he'll get over it

Her inability to clean out his room suddenly frightened her; for the first time it seemed like more than just a weakness of spirit but an indication of serious mental illness

An Electronic Battleship game had stood on that table, as Danny had left it, ready for play, but the easel had toppled into it and knocked it to the floor.

She was wide-awake, but she had to get some sleep

With seven massive production numbers, five major variety acts, forty-two girl dancers, forty-two boy dancers, fifteen showgirls, two boy singers, two girl singers (one temperamental), forty-seven crewmen and technicians, a twenty-piece orchestra, one elephant, one lion, two black panthers, six golden retrievers, and twelve white doves, the logistics were mind-numbingly complicated, but a year of arduous labor was evident in the slick and faultless unfolding of the program.

Joel was an odd little man: five-feet-four, slightly chubby but not fat, with curly brown hair that appeared to have frizzed and kinked in response to a jolt of electricity

He had become not just a valued business associate, but a good friend as well, a big brother.

Her future was inextricably linked to that gaudy but undeniably impressive pile of concrete and steel

Directly overhead, the ceiling of the immense porte cochere was lined with hundreds of lights; none of the bulbs were burning now, but after nightfall, they would rain dazzling, golden luminosity upon the glossy cobblestones below

Tina supposed that some people would say this hotel was gross, crass, tasteless, ugly - but she loved the place because it was here that she had been given her big chance.

Along the entire Strip and in the less posh but nonetheless jammed casinos downtown, things were jumping, sparking.

Vivienne had been scheduled to work this afternoon, but she'd canceled

She was a sweet old woman, feisty and independent-minded but not the type to play cruel pranks.

She'd thought he had regained his perspective during the last few months, but evidently not.

She was certain to be quite late, but she wasn't going to worry about waking him.

Until recently, she had rarely used alcohol to calm her nerves - but now it was her cure of first resort

Tina wanted to stay in the wings throughout the performance, but she could do nothing more behind the curtains

She was tall, slender, striking, fifty-five years old but able to pass for a well-preserved forty.

He made no great show of being more than ordinarily interested in her, but the attraction she held for him was evident in his eyes

Together they formed an odd but solid community, with a satisfying sense of belonging

In a country that worshiped youth, most elderly Americans devoutly desired to discover a place where they belonged, but unlike the duchesses, many of them never found it.

At first Vivienne thought that, she was imagining the change in temperature, but the closer she drew to the end of the corridor, the colder it got

In spite of her anxiety, a power she could sense - but which she could not define - drew her inexorably to Danny's room.

Vivienne reached for the doorknob but stopped before touching it, unable to believe what she was seeing

She blinked rapidly, closed her eyes, opened them again, but still the doorknob appeared to be sheathed in a thin, irregular jacket of ice.

The electronic squeal began to warble faster, but it was no quieter, no less bone penetrating than it had been.

The knob turned, but the door wouldn't open

She would have been lovely enough if her eyes had been dark, in harmony with the shade of her hair and skin, but they were crystalline blue

Sitting in the dark theater, he smiled, not at the comic magician who was performing in front of the closed stage curtains, but at his own sudden, youthful exuberance.

Outside, the night was cool but not wintry

She believed in death and taxes, in the inevitability of slot-machine jackpots, in all-you-can-eat casino buffets for $5.95 per person, in the Lord God Almighty, in the truth of alien abductions and Big Foot, but she didn't believe in ghosts.

The closet doors closed with a jarring crash - but they didn't open again

Vivienne had no logical explanation for what had happened, but she knew one thing for sure: She wasn't going to tell anyone what she had seen here tonight

They would nod and smile woodenly and agree that it was a strange and frightening experience, but all the while, they would be thinking that poor old Vivienne was finally getting senile

"Yeah, but there are advantages to a rubber suit."

The voice faded after a minute, but the bed began to bang up and down.

He was desperate to get out, and she was frantic to rescue him; but he was chained, unable to climb, and the sides of the pit were sheer and smooth, so she had no way to reach him

Tina shouted at the man in black, but he ignored her and kept shoveling dirt on top of Danny

She edged around the pit, determined to make the hateful bastard stop what he was doing, but he took a step away from her for every step that she took toward him, and he always stayed directly across the hole from her

Danny wailed and shrieked, and now the earth was even with his chin, but the man in black wouldn't stop filling in the hole

She wasn't sure she would be able to get any more sleep, but she had to try

He would be sleeping, but she wouldn't feel guilty if she woke him, not after all the sleepless nights that he had given her

She phoned Michael, but he wasn't home

Vivienne Neddler had been in to clean last evening, but this wasn't the kind of thing that Vivienne would be capable of doing

Bally's, formerly the MGM Grand, was getting to be one of the older establishments on the continuously rejuvenating Las Vegas Strip, but it was still one of the most popular hotels in town, and on this last day of the year it was packed

Hundreds of gamblers - pretty young women, sweet-faced grandmothers, men in jeans and decoratively stitched Western shirts, retirement-age men in expensive but tacky leisure outfits, a few guys in three-piece suits, salesmen, doctors, mechanics, secretaries, Americans from all of the Western states, junketeers from the East Coast, Japanese tourists, a few Arab men - sat at the semielliptical blackjack tables, pushing money and chips forward, sometimes taking back their winnings, eagerly grabbing the cards that were dealt from the five-deck shoes, each reacting in one of several predictable ways: Some players squealed with delight; some grumbled; others smiled ruefully and shook their heads; some teased the dealers, pleading half seriously for better cards; and still others were silent, polite, attentive, and businesslike, as though they thought they were engaged in some reasonable form of investment planning

On the left, slot machines ran the entire length of the casino, bank after nerve-jangling bank of them, brightly and colorfully lighted, attended by gamblers who were more vocal than the card players but not as loud as the craps shooters

Some dealers were cold and uncommunicative, but Michael felt the day went faster when he was friendly with people

He's been drinking pretty regularly, but he's so deep in a trance that he can completely ignore the call of nature until - bingo! - He has a bladder spasm

Crowds surged past the souvenir shops, art galleries, jewelry stores, clothing stores, and other retail businesses, but they were neither shoulder-to-shoulder nor as insistent as they were upstairs in the casino.

When they were first married, he'd been fun, charming, easygoing, but he had not been that way with her in a long time.

"Somebody broke in three times but didn't steal anything?"

There was something peculiar in his eyes, a speculative look, but it wasn't guile

"I really do understand, Tina." His voice was reassuring, but his tone was condescending

The insufferable bastard! She was furious, but she said nothing; she didn't trust herself to speak, afraid that she would start screaming at him the instant she opened her mouth.

She had tried to encourage him to seek advances in his own career - from dealer to floor man to pit boss to higher casino management - but he had no interest in climbing that ladder

He didn't tell her directly, but his behavior said as much

I knew what you wanted to say, but I should have let you say it at your own speed

"Maybe the past wasn't so great, but the future seems pretty damn good."

Her eyes were red, but she wouldn't pass for Dracula

When she had suspected Michael of doing the dirty work, she had been disturbed and distressed, but she hadn't been frightened

Computer-controlled designs ebbed and flowed, a riotous and mad - but curiously beautiful - excess of energy consumption.

In the locked center drawer of the desk was a book with the code numbers that permitted access to the sensitive information stored not on diskette but only in the central memory

How could the temperature have dropped so far in such a short time? She listened for the sound of the air conditioner, but the telltale whisper wasn't issuing from the wall vents

She spun around in her chair, but no one had come into the room.

She didn't want to look at the screen again, but she did

She took a step toward him, but then she realized that he might have come here straight from a computer in one of the other third-floor offices

Still puzzled but beginning to get impatient with her, Elliot said, "My business wasn't on the third floor

She searched his face for any sign that he was lying, but his bewilderment seemed genuine

It was hot in her throat, but it didn't burn away the chill at the center of her.

They drove up a steep, abandoned logging trail, a deteriorated dirt road so treacherous, so choked with snow, so icy that only a fool would have attempted to negotiate it any way but on foot."

I can pour anything straight or over ice, but I can't even mix vodka and orange juice properly."

Tina was still tense, but she no longer felt cold inside.

They plugged it in and tried to get it to repeat what it had done earlier, but they had no luck; the machine behaved exactly as it was meant to behave.

And I don't know of anyone but Michael who places any of the blame for Danny's death on me."

Maybe I'd hire private detectives, and they wouldn't catch anyone but me."

She felt more relaxed than she'd been ten minutes ago, but she wasn't even slightly tipsy

It never lasts for long, but when I first wake up, I'm sure he's alive somewhere

You see, I've convinced my conscious mind that my boy is dead, but when I'm asleep it's my subconscious mind that's in charge; and my subconscious just isn't convinced that Danny's gone."

I'll admit I don't know you all that well yet, but I think I know you well enough to say you wouldn't react that way

"The body's in an airtight casket, but it'll be even more deteriorated now than it was a year ago when they recommended you not look at it."

"God knows, I'm not happy about this, but I'm convinced it's something I've got to do."

We represented some people no one else would touch, entrepreneurs who had a lot of good ideas but not much money for start-up legal fees

Perhaps it was too soon to tell for sure, but he was beginning to think that fate, in an uncharacteristic flush of generosity, had given him a second chance at happiness.

It was fast but right, inevitable.

She hadn't been to bed with any man but Michael in the past fourteen years, since she was nineteen

She told herself that sex was just like riding a bicycle, impossible to un learn, but the frivolousness of that analogy didn't increase her self-confidence.

He was not a particularly large man, but he picked her up in his arms as if she were a child.

He'd had other women in this bed during the past two years, and a few had stayed the night, but not one of those other lovers had made him feel content merely by the fact of her presence, as Tina did

With her, sex was a delightful bonus, a lagniappe, but it wasn't the main reason he wanted her beside him

She was an excellent lover - silken, smooth, and uninhibited in the pursuit of her own pleasure - but she was also vulnerable and kind

Eventually he fell asleep, but at four o'clock in the morning, he was awakened by cries of distress.

She had told him about the dreams, but he hadn't realized, until now, how terrible they were

The malicious tormentor wanted her to suffer mental anguish and spiritual pain; but he didn't want her to die, because that would spoil his fun.

He spent an hour and a half in his library, paging through legal casebooks, boning up on precedents for the exhumation of a body that, as the court had put it, "was to be disinterred in the absence of a pressing legal need, solely for humane reasons, in consideration of certain survivors of the deceased." Elliot didn't think Harold Kennebeck would give him any trouble, and he didn't expect the judge to request a list of precedents for something as relatively simple and harmless as reopening Danny's grave, but he intended to be well prepared

In Army Intelligence, Kennebeck had been a fair but always demanding superior officer.

At night, the view of Las Vegas from the mountainside was undeniably spectacular, but Elliot couldn't understand what other reasons anyone could possibly have for choosing to live here rather than in the city's older, greener neighborhoods

So he'd contest the exhumation for no other reason but to cause her grief?"

He knew that Kennebeck was a cautious man, but usually not excessively so

The judge's hesitation in this relatively simple matter struck Elliot as odd, but he said nothing more

He had no choice but to wait for Kennebeck's call.

Elliot's mind raced through a list of cases that his law firm was currently handling, searching for some connection with these two intruders, but he couldn't think of one.

The gun wavered, but it didn't move off target far enough to give Elliot a chance.

"It's a lot, thirty or forty questions altogether, but it won't take long if you just sit down over there and cooperate."

"Who?" Vince asked, but it was too late to cover the revealing look they had exchanged.

I'm not gonna answer any more questions, but I am gonna put a bullet in your crotch if you don't move over to the table and sit down."

The pistol still frightened him, but he was now thinking of something else that scared him more than the gun

She tried to lift one of them, but it was too heavy

Initially his growing fascination with the macabre had not seemed entirely healthy to her, but she had never denied him the freedom to pursue it

It was as heavy as the first, and she figured it contained more comic books, but she opened it to be sure.

She hesitated, but then opened the door without removing the heavy-duty security chain

The darkness was dispelled, but shadows remained along the walls and in the corners.

The garage was slightly musty, but Tina wasn't able to detect the odor of gas.

Gas might be leaking under the concrete slab and building up down there, in which case it's possible you wouldn't detect it right away, but you'd still be sitting on top of a bomb."

This was a bizarre notion, and she didn't know where it had come from, but she couldn't dispel it.

Elliot had a pretty good idea of what it would feel like, and he was sweating under his arms and in the small of his back, but he didn't move, and he didn't respond to the stranger's taunting.

Elliot dropped the measuring cup and seized the gun, but Vince reflexively squeezed off a shot that breezed past Elliot's face and smashed the window behind the sink

Elliot went after him but was slowed by the dining-room chairs, which the fleeing man had overturned in his wake

Most of the story dealt with Death's attempts to stop the mother and father on their desperate night journey; they were assaulted by every form of the walking dead, every manner of living corpse and vampire and ghoul and zombie and ghost, but they triumphed

Crazily, Tina felt as if her nightmare had not come from within her, but from without, as if some person or force had projected the dream into her mind in an effort to-

He put a hand against her back, gently but firmly urging her out of the foyer.

The flagstone walk that led across her front lawn seemed to be one of those treadmill pathways in a dream, stretching out farther in front of her the harder that she ran, but at last, she reached the end of it and dashed into the street

He was safe, close behind her, knocked off balance by the force of the shock wave, staggering forward, but unhurt.

The tires squealed, and the car slid sideways, but the superb suspension and responsive steering held the Mercedes firmly on four wheels all the way through the arc.

"I'll tell you what I know, but later."

Too late, he saw the sign at the fourth intersection - NOT A THROUGH STREET - but they were already around the corner and headed down the narrow dead end, with nothing but a row of ten modest stucco houses on each side.

Her hand was cold, but her grip was firm.

The door that connected the garage to the house opened without warning, but with a sharp, dry squeak of unoiled hinges.

Physically, he was still hard, tough; but mentally and emotionally, he was softer than he had been in his prime

"I'd sure like to interrogate Vince, but we can't

"That's the wisdom of the service, not mine, but in many cases it's true

He had his law degree, but he didn't want the hassle of a day-to-day legal practice

Regulations on banks and real estate agents and on everyone else - except casino owners - are less troublesome here than in other states, which takes a burden off everybody, but which is especially attractive to people trying to spend and invest dirty cash

No one was following them, but he kept checking.

"The good old days of spies and counterspies? Sorry, but no, I don't long for that at all

He risked a quick look, shifting his attention from the road, but there wasn't enough light in the car for him to see what she held

"It's crazy," he said, "but I feel eyes on me."

"Just jumpy," he said, but he wasn't really convinced that their imagination was to blame.

not just, as if I'm being watched but..

He knew exactly what she meant, but he didn't want to think about it, because there was no way he could make sense of it

Elliot couldn't see it, but he could hear the beating of its wings.

They read quickly through the remaining material, but none of it was enlightening

People might have discounted most of what the boys said about it, but they'd have believed Jaborski and Lincoln

The French fries were crisp, and the coleslaw was tart but not sour.

We might eventually have to talk to him, but first we should pay a visit to the mortician who handled the body

They might track us when we use the cards, but not for a couple of days."

The song proceeded smoothly again - but only for one more line of verse

Elliot shook the jukebox again, but this time to no avail.

Elliot shook the machine harder than he had done the last time, then harder still, but it continued to repeat the two-word message in the voice of the country singer, as if an invisible hand were holding the pick-up stylus or laser-disc reader firmly in place.

She wanted to scream, but she couldn't make a sound.

Her heartbeat became less like the pounding of a jackhammer, but it still did not settle into a normal rhythm; now it was affected by excitement rather than terror

If she tried to scream now, she would be able to do so, but she no longer wanted to scream.

Al didn't believe her, but Tina did.

He was confused by the change in her demeanor, but she didn't want to explain things to him here in the diner

The windstorm was still in progress, but it was not raging as fiercely as it had been when Elliot and Tina had watched it through the restaurant window

Jaborski, Lincoln, and all the other boys might have died in the Sierras, but Danny didn't

Maybe there was an accident, but it wasn't like anything we were told

Danny survived the accident, but they couldn't let him come home because he'd tell everyone the government was responsible for the deaths of the others, and that would blow their secret military installation wide open."

Those might not be the precise circumstances, but they're pretty damn close to the truth."

but he's reaching out to me." She struggled to explain the understanding that had come to her in the diner

"Tina, this is a very imaginative theory, but-"

"It might be imaginative, but it's not a theory

Danny was barely old enough to understand the rules, but he'd never played before

"I can't think of a better explanation, but I'm not ready to accept yours

The faith that he was beginning to question was not religious, however, but scientific.

I know some pretty damn intelligent people believe in ESP, but I don't

She felt as if he were not merely looking at her but into her, through her

What had happened to Danny might still prove to be terrible, shattering, but she didn't think it would be as hard to accept as his "death" had been

He tried to appear intently interested in the outcome of this game, but in fact, he didn't care

A thin film of moisture covered the victim's nose and lips and chin, but this was only the harmless medium in which the toxin had been suspended

"I'm no doctor," Bruckster said, "but it sure looks like a heart attack to me, the way he dropped like a stone, same way my uncle Ned went down last Fourth of July right in the middle of the fireworks display."

The guard tried to find a pulse but wasn't able to do so

He began CPR, but then relented

There was an element of coincidence involved, but not all coincidence was meaningful

Christina Evans probably hadn't entertained a single doubt about the official explanation of the Sierra accident; she probably hadn't known a damned thing about Pandora when she had requested an exhumation, but her timing couldn't have been worse.

The whole family was nothing but a bunch of hypocrites

Left-wingers and right-wingers differed about certain details, of course, but their only major point of contention centered on the identity of those who would be permitted to be a part of the privileged ruling class, once the power had been sufficiently centralized.

Eventually, yes, but not for a long time

These days cream seldom rose in the intelligence community - but crap still floated.

"You think he's licensed for instrument flying? Most businessmen-pilots and hobby pilots aren't certified for anything but daylight."

"A great cook but a lousy pilot," she said.

They'd exhume it illegally if they could, but they can't get near the cemetery with us watching it

"Eventually, but not necessarily right now

"Our people in Reno will have to move fast, but they'll manage

When they had landed, they'd been alert for unusual activity on the runway and in the private-craft docking yard - suspicious vehicles, an unusual number of ground crewmen - but they had seen nothing out of the ordinary

Then as he had signed for the rental car and picked up the keys from the night clerk, he had kept one hand in a pocket of his coat, gripping the handgun he'd taken off Vince in Las Vegas - but there was no trouble.

Heat was pushing out of it, but the air temperature continued to plunge.

The sound of her laughter startled Elliot, but then he had to admit to himself that he did not feel menaced by the work of this poltergeist

"I know, but-"

He's more important because he's a human being, not because he's a source of data, Dombey thought angrily, but he didn't voice the thought because it would have identified him as a dissident and as a potential security risk.

He didn't have any choice but to commit the installation to it once we found out the damn Chinese were deeply into it

We don't have any choice but to maintain a strong defense

Elliot almost turned in at the entrance, but at the last moment, he decided to drive by the place.

Elliot was worried about her, afraid for her, but at the same time, he was glad to have her company.

A few evergreen shrubs were clustered near the house, but none was of sufficient size to conceal a man

Elliot strained his eyes, trying to catch a glimpse of movement beyond the rectangles of glass, but he saw nothing suspicious.

It wasn't the gauzy, insubstantial stirring of windblown flakes, but an unnatural and purposeful rising of an entire mound of white

When he was across the wall, he looked back, but he couldn't see anyone.

They figured there wasn't anywhere else we could go but Bellicosti's funeral home."

He didn't hear a shot, but a bullet shattered the rear side window behind his head and slammed into the back of the front seat, spraying gummy bits of safety glass through the car.

You drive on down the street, but not too fast

The first two clanged through sheet metal, but the third punctured the right front tire.

In the car again, with the doors locked and the engine running and the heater operating full-blast, they sat in stunned silence, basking in the warm air, but shivering nonetheless.

At the request of its casino manager, every hotel held a handful of rooms off the market, just in case a few regular customers - high rollers, of course - showed up by surprise, with no advance notice, but with fat bankrolls and no place to stay

A short time later, in bed, they held each other close, but neither of them had sex in mind

The Network was financed with some difficulty, to be sure, but it was undeniably well funded

These diplomatic and intelligence-gathering assignments were never an insult to his family name, but they were always minor postings to embassies in smaller countries like Iceland and Ecuador and Tonga, nothing for which The New York Times would deign to acknowledge his existence.

The Alexander's were all idealists when they were discussing the way things ought to be, but they were also hardheaded pragmatists when dealing with the way things actually were

It wasn't a pretty job, but it also wasn't without a measure of real dignity and heroism

Kurt Hensen snorted in his sleep but didn't wake.

He was in chains, sitting in the center of a small, well-lighted cavern, but the passageway that led to him was shadowy and reeked of danger

She cried out, but then she saw that Death could not quite reach her

A dozen times, she passed chinks in the wall, and Death glared out at her from every one of those apertures, screamed and cursed and raged at her, but none of the holes was large enough to allow him through

Tina stared at the map and tried to think of nothing but the appealing greens, blues, yellows, and pinks that the cartographers had used to indicate various types of terrain

Elliot got out of his chair and reached for the map - but it spun into the air again

I'm a good cook, but I'm not a hypnotist."

I wanted to use him in Magyck! , but he was tied up in an exclusive contract with a chain of Reno-Tahoe hotels

"Your eyes are open, but you are in a deep, deep sleep."

Billy Sandstone watched Tina intently for a while, but at last, he shifted impatiently in his chair

Sandstone stared at him as if to say, You're nuts, but are you dangerous?

"One thing I learned in the military was you have to stop and regroup your forces once in a while, but if you stop too long, the tide will turn and wash right over you."

That's really what I most wanted to be, but I didn't really have the skill for it

"Not much insurance, but better than nothing."

This was his second pill since he'd gotten out of bed just three and a half hours ago, but he still felt edgy.

Perhaps the lateness of the hour and the fading light would work against them, but approaching in the night might actually be to their advantage

A narrow and forbidding track led into the woods, recently plowed but still treacherous

It was unpaved, but a solid bed had been built over the years by the generous and repeated application of oil and gravel.

He was driving at only ten miles an hour, but she gave him so little warning that he passed the turnoff

It was not merely a gate, but a checkpoint

The plateau was basically the work of nature, but man's hand was in evidence

They're allowed to go into Reno for shore leave between cruises, but for long stretches of time, they're confined to this 'ship.'"

How long could Danny continue to pave the way? The boy appeared to have some incredible powers, but he wasn't God

Elliot and Tina did not put their hands on the plate, but the inner door of the vestibule opened with another puff of compressed air

Elliot ducked, but not fast enough

The young guard wheezed in pain, but as far as Tina could see, he was not mortally wounded

It hurts like hell, but it isn't serious

Danny seemed able to work miracles with inanimate objects, but he could not control people, like the guard upstairs, whom Elliot had been forced to shoot

Because he had the pistol, Elliot went through first, but Tina was close behind him.

Elliot lowered the gun but still kept it pointed in their general direction

I knew this whole business was too dirty to end any way but disaster." He sighed, as if a great weight had been lifted from him

My country's far from perfect, but what's been done to Danny Evans isn't something that my country would approve of

In the chopper's brilliant floodlights, there was little to see but driving snow

It'll take us a little longer that way, but at least we'll have a fighting chance

Most of him was covered, but his head, raised on a pillow, was turned toward the window

For the past six or seven weeks, he hasn't been able to keep anything but liquids in his stomach

She couldn't pinpoint what else about his eyes made him so different from any eyes she had ever seen, but as she met Danny's gaze, a shiver passed through her, and she felt a profound and terrible pity for him.

He has been very infectious, off and on, but not at the moment

She struggled to contain her tears, but she needed all her willpower to keep her eyes dry.

She was overwhelmed with the joy of seeing him again but also with fear when she realized how hideously wasted he was.

The chopper hugged the valley floor, streaking northward, ten feet above an ice-blocked river, still forced to make its way through a snowfall that nearly blinded them, but sheltered from the worst of the storm's turbulence by the walls of mammoth evergreens that flanked the river

Occasionally wind found the aircraft and pummeled it, but the chopper bobbed and weaved like a good boxer, and it no longer seemed in danger of being dealt a knockout punch.

they're now supposed to be our new friends, but they keep developing bacteriological weapons, new and more virulent strains of viruses, because they're broke, and this is a lot cheaper than other weapons systems

The child still clung to her, but his deeply sunken eyes were riveted on Dombey.

Tina was too busy with Danny to think about what Carl Dombey had said, but Elliot knew what the scientist meant

Jaborski didn't believe Bollinger's story for a minute, but he finally offered to take him to the wildlife center where a rescue effort could be mounted

There doesn't appear to be anything life-threatening about the parietal spot, but you sure should keep a watch on it."

Could this spot on Danny's brain have anything to do with the boy's psychic power? Were his latent psychic abilities brought to the surface as a direct result of the man-made virus with which he had been repeatedly infected? Crazy - but it didn't seem any more unlikely than that he had fallen victim to Project Pandora in the first place

He's not too heavy for me, worn down as he is, but he's still an awkward bundle."

They might pretend to close us down, but they won't

In the room near the elevators, people were still talking and laughing, but no one stepped into the corridor.

His forehead was furrowed, as if he were concentrating, but that was the only indication that he had anything to do with the elevator's movement.

To Hensen, who had the submachine gun, Alexander said, "Like I told you, waste Stryker right away, but not the woman."

It had been only fifteen or twenty feet above the pavement, but it rapidly climbed forty, fifty, sixty feet.

The writers had envisioned a heated roadbed not as ordinary blacktop but as an arrangement of thousands of interconnected hot-plate griddles

After reviewing the chaos that he had inherited, the new head of network decided that even though Darkfall was an exciting script, he didn't want to make a movie "about little creatures living in the walls." He decided that we would film the other script I had done; for which I received primary credit but not sole credit because of Writers Guild rules virtually guaranteeing the first writer some kind of credit as long as that writer's drafts had been composed in one of the languages spoken on Earth.

"I don't know anyone in Pondicherry!" he said, but when he opened the envelope, five little orange pips fell on to his plate

I began to laugh but stopped when I saw my uncle's white face.

I hope you can enjoy it, but if not, give it to your worst enemy

The police said he killed himself, but I knew he was afraid to die, so I didn't think that was true.'

Of course I asked him to look carefully at the locked room, but we didn't find anything important.'

They decided it was an accident, but I didn't agree

Two left the country, but one didn't, so the K.K.K

The police said it was an accident, but Holmes was very angry about it.

In the evening, when he came back to Baker Street, he was tired, but pleased

'I'm sending the pips, not from the K.K.K., but from me, Sherlock Holmes, to Captain James Calhoun

Sherlock Holmes is a very clever detective, but he can do nothing about the weather

The murderers of John Openshaw did not get the pips, but, in the end, death came to them.

So when my sister-in-law phoned at two in the morning, asking me to come over, but first to warn the police that she had just killed my brother, I spoke in my usual calm manner.

but who are you? What is your name? Where do you live? I said, where do you live!'

He wanted to be away from Paris but near skilled workmen who could build things for his experimental so I offered him one of the old workshops of the factory

It was originally a steam hammer, but everything is worked electrically now

They took away some of his instruments, but told the commissaire that the most interesting documents and instruments had been destroyed.

'I really don't know, but 1 shouldn't think so

but I hope to some day.'

It has grown quite a lot, but I recognized it all right.'

Feeling more and more like Commissaire Charas, but trying to look unconcerned, I went on: