‘Because these Nihilists’ agents will not betray their comrades.’
‘But he will be tortured into a confession.’
‘You may torture him, but he will not confess. The Nihilists are pitiless. A traitor to their cause not only destroys himself, but all those belonging to him, for the vengeance falls also on his family and connections, however innocent they may be. Vladimir knows that, and you may depend upon it that, punish him as you will, you will never wring from him a word of confession.’
‘What’s to be done, then?’ asked the Colonel, in distress.
‘Let the fellow go free. Reinstate him.’
The Colonel stared in blank amazement; then he broke into a mocking laugh, as he asked caustically:
‘Have you taken leave of your senses, Danevitch, or become a fool?’
‘Neither.’
‘Explain, then. What do you mean?’
‘A dead man cannot speak; a live one can. Put Vladimir back into his place again, and leave the rest to me. He is a key, as it were. With him you may open many doors. Kill him, and the doors will remain closed against you.’