“Self-preservation is always justifiable,” remarked Arnaud, in a matter-of-fact tone. “I am opposed to the infliction of death and injury, when it is entirely unnecessary and it can be avoided. That is all.”
Motkin realized that this interview had turned from the purpose which he intended. Had his prisoner remained obdurate, Motkin would have found ways in which to have made him speak, yet there was no reticence on Arnaud’s part regarding conversation.
Motkin understood that Arnaud possessed an amazing faculty for turning all talk to his own advantage.
Threats would be useless, he knew. Even combined with torture, they would fail — for this prisoner, in his weakened condition, could not undergo an ordeal.
Motkin’s one recourse seemed to be that of offering inducements. If he could gain Arnaud’s confidence and friendship, he might learn information.
MOTKIN’S position was unusual; by coincidence of facts, he was the one man in Moscow who could well afford to be lenient with this person, who was connected with the raid upon the storage vault.
Motkin thought he was clever enough to play any game. His scowl faded as he tried new tactics.
“I have saved your life,” he declared. “You have been accorded excellent treatment here. I am in a position to help you; but I also have my own affairs to consider. What can you offer me, if I agree to give you your freedom?”
“Something has been stolen,” stated Arnaud quietly. “Its safe return is of vital interest to you. I, alone, am capable of regaining all that has been stolen, without further injury or death. If you grant me safe conduct immediately, I shall guarantee the return of everything that was in your keeping.”
A shrewd expression appeared on Motkin’s face. To him this proposal was ludicrous. He regarded it as a futile trick on Arnaud’s part to gain a freedom that could be of no value to Motkin.