"Sure," Hanlon was already throwing off the covers, and getting up. "The fellow, whoever he is, although I would imagine it might be Irad, is having trouble with the key, but he'll probably make it sooner or later."
"D'you suppose we can get out there in time?" Hooper asked.
"We'll certainly try," the admiral grunted, leaning down to fasten his shoes.
"Can you wake the Ruler?" he asked anxiously, a few moments later. "He might have a better chance, if awake."
"Sure," Hanlon said, and a moment later, "the bird flew down and brushed its wingtips across his face. He's awake now ... he's sitting up ... lighting the lamp ... I sent the bird close to him then over to the door ... he's watching it ... now he sees the key turning ... he's jumped out of bed ... running to another door leading out of the room."
The three finished dressing, and now ran from the room and down the stairs. Outside the admiral commanded "Follow me," and ran toward the back of the house. They saw the dim outlines of a shed, and a high-powered, family-sized touring tricycle. They piled into the seats even as the admiral was getting it started.
Swiftly he backed the car out and into the street, and then took off with a full-throated roar from the powerful, souped-up engine.
"Special job the Corps' experts fixed up for me," he explained as the others gasped at the unexpected speed.
Hanlon, through the bird's eyes, was still watching that distant effort to unlock the door, and relaying to the others from time to time what he was seeing.
"Ah, it's unlocked ... it's opening ... but the Ruler is in the other room and has locked that door."