Like the other agents of The Shadow, he knew little of the mysterious man's ways. Yes, that was the best course: to hold out; then pretend to cry for mercy.
While Cliff Marsland was thus planning, Orlinov, too, was scheming. He was a master of the almost extinct art of torture. He intended to let Cliff Marsland suffer a while; then to ease him, that he might experience the temporary relief that would make the thought of further barbarity unendurable. It was a battle of wits, with Orlinov the master. The huge Russian had looked forward to this hour, ever since Cliff had been made a prisoner. At his urging, Tremont had given him free rein. Whether The Shadow was alive or dead, Ivan Orlinov would force statements from the lips of his helpless agent. Such work was a pleasure to the bearded fiend.
The Russian spoke in his native tongue, and Petri nodded understanding.
The grim game began again. The winches tautened the ropes. Cliff Marsland set his lips.
Ivan Orlinov grinned in anticipation. He saw success.
Tonight, he would learn the truth about The Shadow!
Chapter XIX — The Man From Outside
The light switched on in the living room of Orlinov's castle. Glade Tremont entered and sat down in a chair. He lighted a cigar and stared thoughtfully at the large box which stood beside the fireplace. The gray-haired lawyer had undergone a metamorphosis during the stay at Glendale. Association with Ivan Orlinov had caused a change. Here, away from his staid office in New York, the attorney had lost his mask of respectability. He looked the scoundrel that he was.
It appeared from Tremont's air that he was expecting the arrival of someone. He had left the door of the room open. His eyes were watching toward the hall. The lawyer glanced at his watch. He rose and began to pace the floor.
Footsteps sounded in the hall. Tremont waited. A figure appeared, and Tremont recognized Doctor Gerald Savette. He waved a welcome to his companion in crime. The rascally physician entered, and the two seated themselves.