And all were keyed to the top notch of energy, efficiency, eagerness.

The Great Adventure had begun.
In the stern of the swift, twenty-four cylinder launch--a racing model--sat Captain Alden and Rrisa.

The captain wore his aviator's helmet and his goggles, despite the warmth of the night.

To appear in only his celluloid mask, even at a time like this when darkness would have hidden him, seemed distasteful to the man.

He seemed to want to hide his misfortune as fully as possible; and, since this did no harm, the Master let him have his way.
The bow was occupied by the Master and by Major Bohannan, with the Master at the wheel.