Cliff had a very definite hunch that there was more of interest in this house than a mere laboratory or workshop. When circumstances would permit it, he intended definitely to learn the secret which Ivan Orlinov had managed to preserve so well.
He recalled the Russian's face as he had seen it by the firelight two nights ago. The mere recollection made Cliff feel uneasy.
While Cliff was picturing Orlinov, the man himself stepped into the room. Cliff looked up inquiringly. The Russian smiled pleasantly. He sat down and stared mildly at his secretary.
Then he began to speak in a pleasant tone of voice.
"It iss quiet, here," he said. "Very quiet."
"I enjoy the quiet," responded Cliff.
"It iss different from New York, nein?"
"Plenty different."
"Plenty different." Orlinov repeated Cliff's expression with a laugh. "You haff been here one week, Marslandt. It iss time now that I told you many things, so that you can be of more help to me. Yess?" Cliff Marsland affected a disinterested attitude.
"There are places here that I would like for you to see," continued the Russian. "Come. I shall show you where you haff not been."