"The key!" "No," she answered, and her firmness matched his own.

"I will not have you slain." "'Tis not my purpose--not just yet.

But I must save the others.

God forgive me if I offer violence to a woman," he added, "and lay rude hands upon her.

Do not compel me to it." He advanced upon her, but she, lithe and quick, evaded him, and sprang for the middle of the room.