I made a tentative reach for it, and the Robot pushed it toward me. I connected it and made sure I could fire it: its operation was obvious. Then I stuffed the whole thing in my jacket pocket; and always afterward my hand at intervals went to that cool, sweating little cylinder. What a comfort that weapon was! I stood up. "Shall we go now? Migul, we will have to plan what to do according to where we find Tugh. Do not go too fast; let us keep close behind you." "Us?" The Robot was on its feet. "Do you mean this girl?" * * * * * What was this? My heart sank. I noticed, too, that Migul was planted firmly between us and the door. "Why, of course, Migul. We can't leave her here." "She is not going." "Why not?" I demanded. "Of course she's going." I tried an experiment. "Migul, I order you to let us out of here." The Robot stood inert. "Do you understand me?" "Yes, I understand you." "It is an order. Think about it. I control you now. Isn't that so?" My heart sank. Whatever the mysterious science involved in my dealing with this mechanism, I was not operating it correctly. The Robot did not move. Finally it said: "No one--nothing--controls me. I have an independent impulse of my own. The girl must stay here until we return." Mary gave a faint cry and sank back to the couch, a huddled white heap in her satin dress. I thought she had fainted, but she raised her face to me and tried to smile. "But I won't leave her, Migul." "She must stay." "But why? If you are human now, you must act with a reason." "Then because, if we fail to kill Tugh, I would not have him confront me with the knowledge I have released this girl. He would derange me; end me." "I will stay," said Mary faintly. "You go, George. But come back to me." I bent over her; suggested, "If we locked this door so Tugh could not get in--" Migul said, "I can do that. She will be safer here than with us. I have other reasons. She is dressed in white--a mark to betray us if we go in darkness. And she is that kind of a human you call a girl--and that style human cannot travel fast, nor fight." * * * * * It occurred to me that Mary might very well be safer here. Again I leaned over her. "It seems horrible to leave you alone." "I'll stay. It may be best." Her smile was pathetically tremulous. "Lock me in so Tugh--so nothing outside--can reach me. But, oh, George, come back quickly!" "Yes." I bent lower, and whispered, "It's Larry, not Tugh I really want to find--he and that Princess Tina. We'll come back and get you, and then all of us will get away in one of the Time-cages. That's all I want, Mary--to get us safely out of this accursed Time-world." Migul said, "I am ready to start." I pressed Mary's hand. "Good-by. I will come back soon, God willing." "Yes. God willing."