[CHAPTER X.]
WILLOUGHBY'S SWAMP.
Pete kept his weapon prominently displayed, and through the gloom Matt could see the ruffian's arm partly lifted as though ready on the instant to bring the firearm into use. This alert attitude on Pete's part, however, was more for show than for anything else—at least, Matt so regarded it. Brady was not anxious to go to desperate extremes with Matt, especially since he wanted him as driver for the air-ship.
Brady, taking up a position where he could peer ahead, was scanning the dim landscape sharply.
"Swing her to the left!" he called.
Matt instantly applied the steering lever. Instead of swinging to the left, however, the Hawk made a half-turn to the right.
Up came the revolver. With a sharp cry, the girl reached up and caught Pete's arm.
"To the left, I said!" roared Brady.
"You'll have to give me the chance to learn the machine," answered Matt, coolly, as he continued working the lever and brought the Hawk around to the proper course. "These levers are new to me. When we steer an auto we do it with a wheel."
"I thought ye knowed all about motors," jeered Pete.