“My agents are few, Holtmann, but they work well. You have disappeared. Where? The police will never know.
“Let them investigate. The most that they can learn will be facts concerning your shady deals. They will gain that information if I consider it necessary. You will be branded as an ex-officio representative of the Moscow government. It will be believed that you betrayed those who offered you opportunity.”
The gleam in Froman’s eyes was unmistakably plain. Holtmann, staring with ghastly expression, saw doom reflected in those shining optics. He was too frightened to speak.
“So far as you are concerned,” resumed Froman, “I promise nothing. My purpose is to demand. You will have only one choice — to obey. You are stupid, Holtmann — so stupid that you do not yet realize why I have arranged your capture!
“Let me go back to when you were in Moscow. You became very friendly with a man who held important power. You and he agreed upon the terms under which you would work. You made one important proviso; namely, that you should receive prompt payment for services which you might render. That was promised.”
HOLTMANN’S shifting eyes were aghast. His captor was telling him facts which he thought were known only to himself and the man with whom he had negotiated in Moscow.
“You were playing a shrewd game,” continued Froman. “You had established yourself well. So you became wary. You wanted surety — proof that you would be able to collect whatever might be owed you. You expressed doubts concerning the financial security of the Moscow government.
“The man with whom you were dealing became confidential. He promised to give you all the proof you needed. You played the part of a skeptic. He was ready to convince you that whatever monetary claims you might have could be paid instantly — not in gold” — Froman’s voice became slow and emphatic — “not in gold, but in—”
Holtmann’s face was distorted with terror. Froman, leaning over the pitiful captive, was delivering his words in a tone that carried a grim threat. These revelations had brought astonishment; Holtmann’s expression showed that Froman was striking home.
“Your friend in Moscow was indiscreet,” declared Froman. “He told you too much. He even showed you the proof which you desired. Then he swore you to secrecy.