one minute to four
Inga , Dirk knew , already was inside and safe . He stood aside while Steinholt and Lazarre leaped in . During the momentary wait he caught a glimpse of the great clock . It was one minute to four . Dirk jumping into the plane and switched on the helicopter without even waiting to close the cabin door . * * * * * The ship shot skyward like a rocket . When it reached an altitude of thirty-five hundred feet , he turned it north and raced at top speed in that direction .