"One mistake is too many for a man to make," observed Cliff, as he extracted a fresh cigarette from a pack.
"I am glad you tink like that," declared Orlinov. "That iss because you haff come from the right man. I do not like mistakes. They bring trouble — and that trouble comes to those who haff made the mistakes. You understandt?"
"Exactly," said Cliff, with emphasis.
Ivan Orlinov laughed gruffly. He seemed pleased with Cliff's statement. He arose and gave parting instructions.
"This man will come here for dinner," he explained. "He iss Mr. Tremont, my lawyer from New York. You shall meet him, Marslandt. But when I wish to speak to him in private, you shall go. You understandt?"
"Certainly," responded Cliff.
"There iss much for me that you can do," added Orlinov. "But it iss wise that you should be here a long time first. I haff been very careful in the past. When one man tries to know those things which he should not know, it iss bad. That wass why the one before you hass gone away. You understandt?" Cliff nodded shortly and watched while Orlinov walked back toward the door of the big house. The intended visit of Glade Tremont interested him deeply. Orlinov had received a letter from the lawyer that morning. Evidently it had announced his contemplated trip.
Afternoon was waning. A car swung around the corner of the house and ran along the narrow roadway toward the clump of trees. It was bound for the station, in all probability, to meet Glade Tremont when he arrived.
Whatever the lawyer's business might be with Orlinov, Cliff Marsland was determined to learn it tonight. Something important must be in the air; otherwise Tremont would not find it necessary to come up from New York.
Perhaps the lawyer represented the Russian in legitimate enterprises. Nevertheless, anything that might be discussed would at least give a clew to what was happening in this castle-like mansion. Cliff Marsland arose from his reclining chair. He had nothing to do until the evening. So far as Orlinov was concerned, his work was ended for the day — unless there might be some details to prepare for Glade Tremont. But tonight loomed very important in Cliff Marsland's mind. He sensed that this would be his first opportunity to gain results for The Shadow.