back contents forward {{frabfp140.png}} || eagles of the sky || CHAPTER XVI THE LOCKHEED-VEGA FLYING SHIP "Moon coming up, partner!" was all Perk said. "Then it's time we were moving," Jack told him as he started to stretch his cramped arms and yawn. "Feel a heap better now after that little nap and ready for what's coming." They did not have much to do, since everything was in perfect condition for hopping off--trust Jack for that, with his slogan of "be prepared." "All set, Perk?" asked the pilot, presently. "Shoot!" was the terse answer. The bright moon would have to take the place of the customary equipment of a landing field in the way of guidelights, markers, and search-lights, but there was no necessity for so much light with the channel before him along which he could taxi unerringly, until, arriving at the point where the great gulf stretched out toward the western horizon, the speed must be advanced for the takeoff. Now they were free from the mangroves and [[140]] back contents forward