CHAPTER IX.
EASTWARD HO! Not all the stern discipline that had been enforced by the Master--discipline already like a second nature to this band of adventurous men--could quite prevent a little confusion on board the Eagle of the Sky.
As the huge machine crashed, plunged, staggered, then righted herself and soared aloft, shouts echoed down the corridors, shots crackled from the lower gallery and from a few open ports.
At sound of them, and of faint, far cries from the Palisades, with a futile spatter of pistol-and rifle-fire, the Master frowned.

This intrusion of disorder lay quite outside his plans.

He had hoped for a swift and quiet getaway.

Complications had been introduced.

Under his breath he muttered something as he manipulated the controls.
The major, laughing a bit wildly, leaned from the shattered window and let drive a few last pot-shots into the dark, at the faint flicker of lights along the crest of the black cliff.