Just then a soft hand rested on his and he saw the girl's face pressed close.
"Don't do anything desperate!" she whispered, imploringly. "Do whatever dad says—it will be better for you. When we get to where we're going, I'll help you escape, and——"
"I think, Brady," called Pete, "that ye're still too fur to the north. Better shift a leetle more to the left. I won't be sartin, though, that I'm right."
"I ought to be there on the lookout," answered Brady. "Come here, King, and take the engine."
The girl's words had influenced Matt powerfully. On top of that was the alluring prospect of handling a new machine.
"I'll take the engine for a while, Brady," said he, getting up, "but you're to remember I'll not hire out to you."
"All I ask is for you to handle the motor," replied Brady. "You'll come to your oats quick enough, I'll gamble on that. You watch King, Pete," he added to the other man, "and make sure he sends the Hawk where I tell him to. If he tries to send her anywhere else, you know what to do."
"That's no josh," answered Pete.
Brady left the chair and went forward. Matt dropped into the vacant seat and began studying the various levers with his groping hands.