He uttered loud words in his native tongue. It was a call to Petri. The second Russian appeared from the corridor. In his hand he held a revolver.
Again a command from Orlinov. Methodically, Petri approached and jabbed the muzzle of his gun into Cliff's back. Orlinov pointed toward the door. Petri nudged Cliff in that direction.
What did this mean?
Cliff realized that he was being forced into a predicament that might prove as dangerous as it was unexpected. His guard shoved him into the corridor; there a gangster waited, also armed. Along the corridor, past the rows of silent doors then down the stairs they went, to the ground floor. It was too late now to make a break for safety. There was nothing for Cliff to do but wait. At least his captors did not know that he was armed, and there would be no occasion to search him. Cliff's ears were keen, in case they might hear the report of a distant gun — the signal that would denote the arrival of The Shadow.
Orlinov passed the little group when they reached the first floor. He unlocked a panel in the wall. The barrier slid back to show a flight of stairs descending into the cellar. Cliff advanced when he heard the order. He entered the gloomy well and went down the steps, still feeling the threat of the revolver that pressed his back.
Petri was a vigilant captor. Not for one instant did Cliff have an opportunity to reach for his gun. He kept on his way until they reached a stone-walled room that had the mustiness of a dungeon. It was lighted by a single incandescent. Through a door they went, into another room, which also had a single large lamp.
Cliff's lips pressed firmly together. He realized the purpose of this journey. They had reached a veritable torture chamber, below the ground. At one side was a flat, spike-studded table. Across the room stood a coffin-like contrivance, upright, with a hinged door.
Here was a post, with manacles attached; there a yawning pit in the floor. Cliff's destination was a spot against the wall, where four metal loops dangled on the ends of ropes which passed through pulleys. In another moment, Cliff was backed against the side of the room, with Petri's revolver pressing the pit of his stomach.
Now the gangster member of the trio was covering Cliff. Orlinov stood by while Petri stooped to attach the lower bands to Cliff's ankles. Next came the wrists.
Petri walked to one side and turned a winch. It drew Cliff's body toward the right; as the rope went upward, his arm was raised above his head.