Cliff Marsland, weakened, unconscious, and weaponless, could make no trouble here.
Orlinov signaled to Petri and the gangster. The men approached while the big Russian undid the fetters that held Marsland's arms and legs.
The underlings raised Cliff Marsland, and carried his helpless body to a couch in an obscure corner of the room. They placed him so his head was propped up on a pillow. His arms and legs were sprawled. Cliff's eyes were closed; but when he opened them, he would see the room before him. He would view the pulleyed ropes that had caused his former torture. He would observe the other implements of brutality which boded other agonies.
It would not be a pleasant thought — the possibility of running the gamut of Ivan Orlinov's grim devices. The bed of spikes, the iron coffin, the blackened pit — all were formidable. Several minutes went by. Orlinov was waiting. He did not care to summon Tremont and Savette until this man would be ready to speak. Orlinov intended to put on an exhibition of his skill, the methods that he had learned so well in the days of czarist Russia
Cliff Marsland stirred, but his eyes did not open. His head rolled to one side. He seemed to sense the agony that he had suffered. He raised his arms and pressed them against his body.
He turned on his right side, his arm beneath him. His head slumped, and he remained inert.
A clever ruse! One that was natural enough to deceive Ivan Orlinov. It placed Cliff's right hand out of view, close to his hip pocket. At that instant he could have yanked out his gun and started a battle for safety. Both Petri and the gangster had revolvers; but neither was in readiness.
There were two reasons why Cliff desisted. One was because he had suffered greatly and was weak. Each minute, he knew, would help him to recuperate. The second was because time was moving. Any minute, now, might bring the shots that would be The Shadow's signal!
Orlinov studied Cliff closely. It appeared as though the victim had again lapsed into unconsciousness. Nevertheless, he could easily be revived, since he had shown momentary signs of life. Orlinov spoke to Petri; then repeated to the gangster, in English:
"Wait here. Wait until I return. If he hass begun to awake, watch him close. Haff your revolfer ready."