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 "Necessity has no law," said the general. "And if need be, I shall have to do it now."

It required no long time for a clever woman like Bimala to understand that the key of the window was indispensably necessary to the soldier. But she did not know how to evade him. He that can take a thing by force, jests when he solicits for it. If the key was not voluntarily given, the general would master it by force. Any other person in her position would undoubtedly have handed the key, but the clever Bimala said,

"If I don't give you the key willingly, how will you take it, Sir?"

Whilst she was speaking, she took her sheet in her hand.

"If you don't," replied Osman, his eyes fast fixed on the sheet, "if you don't, I will enjoy the pleasure of touching your body."

"Do it, Sir," said she and sent the sheet in the direction of the wood. No sooner had she done so, than Osman, whose gaze had been rivetted to the sheet, stretched out his hand and caught hold of the flying cloth. Bimala was amazed at the vigilance of Osman.

Having secured the sheet, Osman Khan took hold of Bimala's arm with a firm grasp. Then holding the sheet between hie teeth, he loosened the key and deposited it in his belt. His next action blanched the countenance of Bimala; he bound her hands fast to the balustrade with the sheet.

"What are you at?" enquired Bimala.

"It's an exigency of war," replied Osman.

Bimala. "You will soon reap the consequence of this foul deed!"