But now Cardona had inside knowledge of one of gangland's burial grounds, where bodies of murdered gunmen were lost forever.
The thought chilled him; for he realized that with the knowledge he now possessed, he was doomed to die.
Hence, Cardona shut his lips grimly when Snooks Milligan began a new questioning. The detective's only course was to let the mobsmen believe that he actually knew something that he would not tell. Something the mobsters wanted to know. That would at least give time to live — even though existence would be strained by torture.
Seeing that Cardona would not talk, the gang leader signaled one of his underlings to turn the winch. The man obeyed.
Cardona felt a terrific strain upon his shoulders. He resisted the tightened pressure. Another turn, and it seemed as though his shoulders would be wrenched from their sockets. Still, Cardona was obdurate. Minutes of agony went by, while Snooks Milligan glowered in amazement. This iron detective was resisting as Milligan had never seen a man resist before!
At last, the strain became too great. Cardona yielded — but not by word of mouth. He gasped, and his head slumped forward. He had lost consciousness under the terrific strain. An oath came from Snooks Milligan. This was something that he had not anticipated. He ordered the man to release the winch. Cardona's form slumped loosely forward. It was a long while before he revived.
Determined to make his captive speak, Snooks Milligan ordered a new, slow torture. Cardona took it smiling. He showed a physical endurance that seemed impossible.
At last, the result was the same. Once more the detective lapsed into a state of senselessness. The winch was again released.
A full hour passed before the captive had revived sufficiently to suit Snooks Milligan's purpose. The gang leader glanced at his watch. It was well past midnight. Milligan made a gesture of impatience.
"We can't be here all night," he growled slowly, making sure that Cardona understood his words. "But we'll try once again. Wait about fifteen minutes; then take it slow.