Hurrying up the steps he called Zenobia. She came to him obediently and instantly, calmness restored to her, and in her look a ready submission to all that he thought best.
"Will you trust yourself to me?" he asked very tenderly, taking her hand. "The boat is ready. I think you will be safe."
"I trust you in all things," she answered. "I am ready."
He led her down the steps into the garden and helped her to her seat on the stern-bench of the Albatross.
"You can steer?" he asked.
"Yes, if you direct me."
"All's ready, then. Keep her before the wind. Now, up and away!"
He himself stepped into the boat and immediately switched on the motive power, adjusting the gear to suit the plans he had already formed.
The Albatross rose steadily into the air, then, gathering speed in a few rapid circles, began like some huge bird to wing her flight from the dread scene of the catastrophe.
Behind them as they sped upon their way arose another violent detonation. Suddenly the clouded air was rent with vivid lightning, and this revealed the falling pinnacles of the Abbey Church. Then, as the thunder crashed above their heads, Linton beheld a vast and fiery chasm open in the labouring hill. Out of its lurid depths the waters of Sul leaped upwards in a mighty column, a fountain, as it were, of liquid fire.