" I said, "and I'll kill him. Have no fear of
that, Migul. We will work together--human friends."

"Yes. Human friends. What do you want me to do?"

Asking for orders! So nearly human, yet always something was lacking!

"Lead us to Tugh," I said promptly. "And give me that weapon."

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."

*