A few moments' thought put the key of the matter into her hand.

She saw now what was the reason of the granting of the pass, and of the determined and partially successful attempt at wholesale murder of which they had been the victims.

She saw, too, why her old uncle had been condemned to death--it was to be used as a lever with Bessie; the man was capable even of that.
Yes, she saw it all as clear as daylight; and in her heart she swore, helpless as she seemed to be, that she would find a way to prevent it.
But what way?
what way?
Ah, if only John were here! but he was not, so she must act without him if only she could see the road to action.

She thought first of all of going down boldly to face Muller and denounce him as a murderer before his men; but a moment's reflection showed that this was impracticable.

For his own safety he would be obliged to stop her mouth somehow, and the best she could expect would be to be incarcerated and rendered quite powerless.