"Vat, Hanse, heh?" asked one of the men of his comrade, whose arm he had grasped; "sall ve lets her go?"
"It vill pe pest to hav her on te outside, comrate."
"So it vill pe, Hanse. Ve had petter let her out. I vill see if she knows te voord. Vitch vomans, vat ish te password, heh?"
"I give neither password nor countersign. I go and come as I list, and no man can hinder me. Stand aside."
As she spoke she placed her hands on the heavy bar, lifted it from its bed, and threw it at their feet. Then, turning the massive key that remained in the lock, the wide leaves flew open.
"Ve must not let it pe, Hanse, mitout te voord."
"Nor mitout leave, neider, comrate," cried one after the other, both being inspired with sudden energy.
"Ve shall pe shot."
"Ant hung too."
With one impulse they rushed forward to secure the gate, when she closed it fast in their faces, and they heard the key turn in the lock on the outside with a scornful laugh.