Viola did not hesitate a single moment: the manner in which the woman addressed her, and a profound sense of the certainty that no treachery was needed to draw her into any position worse than her present one, since she was so completely in the power of the terrible master of that establishment, induced her to yield instantaneous compliance with the directions of the Rattlesnake.
"Fear nothing, lady," observed the latter; "only be silent, and lose not a moment."
She then hastened from the cell followed by Viola, who did not even wait to put on her bonnet and shawl.
They ascended the steps leading to the back-room, both hearts palpitating violently.
The Rattlesnake did not stop to close the mouth of the subterranean vaults, but hastened to apply the skeleton key to the door leading into the alley.
Her hand trembled to such an extent that she could not turn the key.
"O heavens!" she exclaimed in a tone of despair, "if he should come!"
"Have you the right key?" demanded Viola in a hurried tone.
"The one that has opened it before," replied Margaret;—"but it appears that—it will not turn—and, ah! my God, I hear steps approaching!"
The affrighted woman fell upon her knees, as if already to supplicate for her life.