Frank Reade Library (v.1) (1892 09 24)
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ES , i FN ‘dee »aine’s*? Latest and Best Stories are Published in his 14 va a ta a “Entered at the Post Office at New York, N. ¥Y., as Second Class Matter. Pee Ge + No.1.) {comprere}.' TRANS TOUSEY, Sinisaiten of & 8 Nowe Moony Seiewy New Some. (Rem) Shai "4 i wecording to the Act of ‘Congress, dn the year 1802, by J FRANK TO USEY, in the office PY; the Librarian of Congress, at Washingtow, De el AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN; ad toe | OR, THE J i i | i é i YOUNG INVENTOR’S TRIP TO THE FAR WEST, ase 9 =§ By “NONAME.” al ir SSSSSsss * 4 i/ DEY XY ih ie te Se
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* 6 H FRANK READE, JR. AND HIS NEW 2 ’ ‘STEAM MAN. +: z = oer eee ¥S bseription Price of the FRANK READE LIBRARY by the year is $2.50: $1. 25 per six months, post- eta, TOUSEY, PusiisuEr, 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. Box 2730, - CHAPTER 1. aX A GREAT WRONG. 3 1 igiote Reape was noted the world over as a wonderful and distin- ‘ guished inventor of marvelous machines in the line 6f steam and ; electricity. But he had grown old and unable to knock about the : world, as he had been wont once to do. K “So it happened that his son, Frank Reade, Jr., a handsome and . talented young man, succeeded his father as a great inventor, even excelling him in variety and complexity of ‘invention. The son speedily outstripped his sire. The great machine shops in Readestown were enlarged by young _ Frank, “and new flying machines, electric wonders, and & so forth, were - brought int bug. ~ Bat the elder Frank would maintain that, inasmuch as electricity at the time was an undeveloped factor, his invention of the Steam Man was really the most wonderful of all. “Tt cannot be improved upon,” he declared, positively. steam. is used as a motive power.” ~ Frank, Jr., laughed quietly, and patted his father on the back. -“ Dad,” he said, with an affectionate, though bantering ain, “‘ what would you hinkif I should protluce a most remarkable improvement pe aan our Fi an?? . ae et t do it!” declared the senior Reade. ete Frank, T., 8 ia more, but smiled in a signi ficant manner. P “day later, the do “sighik Jocked ant ; “For “Not if One rs of as secret draughting-room of design were j pie ee .when one evening Frank left his arduous duties a a7 spend a few hour spe his wife and little boy. But jus ag he was. assing out of the yard, a darky, short in stature ak of geni ia ea ures, rushed excitedly up. to him. AA oy in, Me arse BF a,” cried the nie servitor, ‘‘ Jes’ wait one mo- ; f D 2 wala Frank, pleasantly, “what can I do for you?” » The darky, Who was 2 faithful servant of the Reades, and had ac- compani ed | a their tours in foreign lands, ducked his head, with ar is yo’, Marse Frank, jes’'as quick as eber yo’ kin r,’ ’ exclaimed Frank, quickly. ‘ What is it?” J0W nuffin’ ’bout it tall; Marse Frank. He jes’ say fo’ me 7 nt fo? to see yo’.”” f ey The dark da eter saw that the doors to the secret < fib ked. This was a wise precaution for hosts of crauks ed inventors were always hovering about the place and M youl di ai ave stolen the designs if they could have got at them. later ‘Frank entered the library where his father § pacing up and down in great excitement. u have come at last!” he cried, «JT have much ice, father,” replied Frank. What is it?” ll me Bas En of a machine you have beer ‘get- ” said’ Frank Jr. w ar ees sii Fy real er Ren cs, THE YOUNG INVENTOR'S TAP TO THE FAR WEST, iy is dy By ‘“c NONAME, 29 Sand “4 } os of ‘* Frank Reade Jr.’s Electric Cyclone; or, Thrilling Adventures in No Man’s’ Land,” ete. important matter. on your ¢orner. I must see you, So be enemy in the world, so-he felt ss yafe in ment. the cafe when, somebody stepped out of "a date ball ‘a his arm. in the cafe.” hallway. Two men had hol ucross his face and over | over his clothes and somé Frank, Jr., was at a loss to exactly understand what his fa the driving at. However, he replied: & Well, I may safely say that it is, ce} will, ” replied the senior Reade, ‘‘I have a matter of portance to give you, Frank, my boy. If your invention is ag my steam man even, and does not improve upon it, if will yet the work which I want it to do.” A light broke across Frank, Jr.’s face, "ys “Ah?” he cried. I see what you are driving at. Sain undertaking for me and my new machine.” Frank, Sr., looked steadily at Frank, Jr., and replied: “© You have hit the nail upon the head, ¥ *¢ What is’ it?” “First, I must tell you a story. UA « Weil?” ‘*Tt would take me some time to go into the details, sol attempt to do that buf give you a simple statement of facts; the outline of the story.” ‘ ** Allright. Let us have it.” The senior Reade cleared his throat and continued: + ‘‘Many years ago when I was traveling in Australia-I was sto by bushmen and would have been killed but for the sudden’ : upon the szene of a countryman of mine, a man of about my and as plucky as a lion. ‘‘His name was Jim Travers, and Thad known him. in Ne as the son of a wealthy family. He was of a roving témperame ever, and this is what had brought him to Australia. “Well, Travers saved my life. He beat off my. assailants, ing my wounds brought me back to life. uy have felt ever since that I 6wed him a debt which cou fully repaid. At that time I could make no return for the sery “Jim and I drifted through the gold fields together. Then. ate of him, and until the other day ‘I have nov seen or hi him. “But I now find that itis in my power to give him : fact to partly pay the debt I owe him. This brings us to the in hand. oe ae Six months ago it seems that Jim who is now aman of eres still a bachelor and for a few years past living at a fashion 2 in New York went to his club. When he Behl We A the: found a note worded like this: Mr. Reade laid a note upon the table, Frank ead te “DEAR Travens:—I would like to gee you to-night 1 Will you meet. me in twenty minut sure and come. Now explain yourself. * “Of course Jim wondered at the note, but he He started for the cafe “The night was dark and misty, Jim iwalkon aUnte'ad ~ ««*Come in here,” a sharp voice said, we’ “«« Before Jim could make a winkling eyes, | him chine that can travel over i pare jie
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ae fe) <i a = 5 7 oor A ag Bae : Figur FRANK READE, JR., “Tn fact his hands and face and clothes were almost soaked in red bleod. For an instant he was horrified. AND HIS NEW. STEAM MAN. 38 noble object in view. That object should be to track drown the mur- - derers, and clear Jim Travers. It ‘may be that the nephew, Artemas ‘What mystery was this? But he quickly changed his opinion and | Cliff, is the really cuilty one, but in any case, I believe that it is in «ually laughed. “Te Occurred to him ag a practical joke upon the part of his club friends. Satisfied of this he resolved to get even with them. ‘« He trieé to open the door, through which he had been pulled. It was locked and would not yield. “Then he decided to go back to his room and wash off the blood. at he had not gone ten | steps before he was met in the glare of the lamiplight by. one of the club men, “*Thunder! What's the matter with you, Travers?’ asked his friend. .; *©* Oh, nothing, only @ little practical joke the boys have been play- ing on me,’ replied Jim with a grin. Two or three others come along sand Jim explains in like manner. Then he goes to his aparsments, ‘*When he arrives there’ he is amazed to tind the door open and a fearful scene within. The furniture, the light carpet and the walls in’ places are smeared with blood. Jim now got angry. «This is carrying a joke a little too far? he cried, testily. . ‘* This spoiling fine furniture is too much.’ “But he went to washing the blood from his hands. This was a hard job and took time, Suddenly half a dozen officers came into the room and seized him, '¢ What do you want? cried poor Jim in surprise. « We went yoa,’ they replied. ». ©* What for?’ «Por murder!’ Instead of being horrified, Jim was mad, madder than a March hare, ife just got up and swore at the officers. “J don’t like this sort of thing,” he declared, too far’ The officers only laughed and slipped manacles upon his wrists. .Then they led him away to prison. Not until Brought into court did poor Jim know that he had been made the victim of a hellish scheme. Murder had really been committed in that house into which he had been dragged, and where he was smeared with blood. A man un- known, was there found literally carved to pleces with a knife. Biood had been found upon Jim in his room. A trail led from the house to his room. A knife was found in his coat pocket. The evi-. dence was all egainst him and bis trial had just come off and he had just been sentenced to death by hanging with only three montis of grace, id "tank Reade, Jr., listened to this thriiling tale with deneations whi ch the pen canaot depict. It was so horrible, so strange,-so » phaetly that he could hardly believe it true. fe ~~" ile arose and walked once across the floor. CHAPTER Il. THE NEW STEAM MAN. Teen the young inventor paused before his oes and ina vies impressed manner said: ‘Zhen, an innocent mia stands convicted of ardent? ts vr \ T's carrying a joke “ snve the innocent.” 7b ie?! ‘ i “We must do it.” e “Lam glad to hear you say that.” 2 “But the question now arises ag to now we shall be able to do it. Is there no clew to the real assassins?” oa “No detinite clew.” f i Phat is very strange, Of course there must have been a motive, : Thee, motive would seem to be to get oe out of the way.” a a8, “ 4nd he has no enemies?” ‘Toone that he knew of;” A, bat what would any one gain by putting him- “out of the -ank Reade, Jr., paused, . He gazed steadily at his father... Much se.l between them in that glance. is fortune is @ large one,” put in the senior Reade, ‘the right inherit would furnish the best motive. - There is but one heir, and he isa nephew, Artemas Clift, who is a stockman, somewhere in the West. I; could not be him.” “Could not?” Frank Reade, Jr., sat down and dropped into a brown, study. ‘After a time he aroused. — “jam interested in this case,” he declared. ‘And my Steam Man ee of justice at. t any t time. But you spoke of the prairies. ote tne ouiy in the West?” i. 3 'y clew possible to obtain at present,” ee ” declared Mr. Reade, lost track of them. Everybody believes: that they were 8.7, logical explanation of this matter. yea tw two raftiane to do this awful deed for the sake of. ot dislay surprise at this statement of his ee “thing iva nutshell, my: boy,” he said. * ce rah a pees but. if you wish t eee eny | P saw ge ie is a chance, and “In oe ‘ease it is the duty of every philanthropic man to try and was fully nine feet. Valves. i see. detectives tracked two suspicious men to. Kansas, , [believe i it,” ” cried ‘Frank Reade, Jr, with i impulse. « Tcan | of valves. The tall hat worn by the man, ‘formed the suiake stack, =) Hither Artemas Clift | he cage is one ‘arprive a thie solve with | ease.” | Nas cel relate. the West you will find the solution of the mystery.” «That is my belief,” agreed Frank Reade, Jr., ‘“ but now that this matter is settled let me show you the plans of my steam man.” Frank Reade Jr., drew a roll of papers from his pocket and spread them upon the table. at Upon them were the blue print plans and drawings of the mechan- ism of the Steam Man. Frank Reade, Senior, examined them carefully and critically. From. one pees to another he went and after some time drew a-deep breath F saying oy Well, young blood is the best after all. 1 must say, Frank, that ye am beat. There is no doubt but that you have improved upon my Steam Man. [congratulate you.” « A Thank you,” said Frank Reade, Jr. with gratification. ‘** But | am anxious to see this marvel at work.” “You shall,” replied the young inventor. ‘* To-morrow the Steam Man will go out of the shop upon his trial trip.” : A few minutes later Frank Reade, Jr., was on the way to his own ouse, He was in a particularly happy frame of mind. He had achieved great results in his new invention, and here, as by design, was a chance afforded him to use the Steam Mah to a philanthropic and heroic purpose. sean idea of traveling through the wilds of the West was a thrilling "Ra could already picture the effect of the Steam Man upon the be pi of the plains and the outlaws of Western Kansas and olorado. Also the level floorslike prairie of that region would afford excellent traveling for the new invention. Frank. Reade, Jr., was a lover of adventure. It was an inborn love. The prospect before him fired his very soul. It was just what he desired. ‘That evening he unfolded all his plans to his wife, gost . Of course Mrs. Reade was averse to her husband undertaking such a dangerous trip, But after a time she overcame her pyrupien and re- | conciled herself ‘to it. The next morning at an early hour, Frank was at the engine house of the steel works. The wide doors were thrown open and a SRRCE ful sight revealed. . There stood the Steam Man. Frank Reade, Sr., and a great Saneet of friends were pradaniy Pomp, the negro, wav also there, as well as a queer-looking little Irish- — man with a genuine Hibernian mug and twinkling eyes, which bespoke . } a nature brimming over with fun, This was Barney O'Shea. == ~ Barney and Pomp had long been faithful servants of the Reades. Tn all of their travels with their inventions they had accompa Of these two characters we will say no more, but permit the reader to become acquainted with them in the course of the story. The senior Reade examined the mechanism of the new Steam Mav with deepest interest. ‘Upon my word, Frank,” he cried, “ you_have beaten me out and out. I can hardly believe my\eyes.” 2 Frank Reade, Jr., laughed good humoredly. Then he went about showing a party of friends we mechanisn of the new Steam Man. The man himself was a structure of iron Shy Joined in sections | with rivets, hinges or bars as the needs required. In aes and form the machine was a good imitation of a man done in stee In no wise éid he look ponderous or unwieldly, though his stature The man stood erect holding ‘the § shafts of a wagon at his hips. The wagon itself was light but roomy with four wheels and a top — covering, of fine steel net work. This Was Impervious to a bullet wile fe anyone ‘inside could see quite well all about them. ‘4 ‘There were loop-holes in this netting to put the rifle barrels through — in case of @ fight, * A part of the wagon was used as a coal bunker. Other small com partments held a limited amount of stores, ammunitions and weapons. Upon the fender in front was a brake to regulate. the wagon on a steep grade, and a slit in,the net work here allowed of the passage of) logit the reins, two long lines conne2 ting with the throttle and whistle A word as tothe mechanism of the man. . Here was really the fine work of the invention. | ah Steam was the motive power. =~ ena ae The hollow legs and arms of the man made the reservoir: or boilers, ; In the broad chest was the furnace. Fully two hundred pounds of coal could here be: placed, keeping up a fire sufficient tor ‘gererate — ‘steam for a long time, | é aime? The steam chest was upon the man’s back, and hier re a number ag The driving ‘rods, in sections, extended down the man’s legs, a ; could beset in motion so skillfully that a tremendous: ‘Stride was | | tained, and a speed far beyond belief. This was the new steam man. ~The improvements were any and manifest. “A All the mechanism was” howe ‘nicely ‘palanced, the parts ne strongly joineti, aes Ja a of finer quali “Greate speed ! ied them. ee ig A rs ~ oy ‘ om. scorers out =)
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FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW Si Fire was burning in the furnace, steam was hissing from the retort, and smoke was pouring from the funnel hat of the man. Frank Reade, Jr., suddenly sprung in the wagon. He closed the screen door behind him. Pomp was engaged in some work in the coal bunker. z Frank took up the reins and pulled them. _ and also the whistle valve. Three sharp shrieks the new Steam Man gave and then he was away - on the trial trip. Out of the yard he went and out upon the highway. Everybody rushed to the gates and a great cheer went up. Down the highway went the Steam Man at a terrific gate, His strides were long and powerful. So rapidly were they made ~ that a tremendous amount of surface was covered. It was a good smooth road. Just ahead was a man riding a horse. who was noted us a fast rider. - Both had heard that the Steam Man would make his trial run that morning. Bets had been made by both that they could beat the Man. Frank guessed the truth at once. ‘Ki dar, Marse Frank,” cried Pomp, with a chuckle and a shake of his woolly head. « Dem two chaps am got a pile ob gall. Jes’ yo’ show dem dat dey ain’t in it. Won't yo’?” Pomp had more than one reason for beating the horse and pisacls, He had made 5 small bet of his.own on the result. It was evident that the parties ahead were ready for the fun. oe Reade, Jr., smiled grimly, and opened the throttle a little wider. The next moment the Steam Man, the bicycle lider and the trotter were all flying neck and neck down the road. Heavens! what a race that was! Down the road they flew like a whirlwind, The dust flew up behind them in a cloud. But the Steam Man just trotted by his competitors with seemingly no exertion at all. Frank turned with a laugh to see how easily they were distanced, After a good trial, the new Steam Man returned to the foundry yard. As Frank stepped down out of the wagon, his father came up and grasped his hand in an ecstasy of delight. ‘Bravo, my son!” he cried. “You have eclipsed my invention. I wish you luck, and I know that you will succeed in clearing Jim .Tra- vers.’ ‘*T shall Gers only Barney and Pomp with me,” said Frank Reade, Jr. “*There will not de room in the wagon for more.” The throttle was opened Near him was a bicycler “‘ Well, they will be useful companions,” said the Senior Reade. _ ‘*My son; may God be with you in your enterprise.” Frank Reade, Jr., at once proceeded to make Preparations for his western trip. ; ‘He visited Travers in prison and talked with him. “To tell the truth, I am distrustful of my nephew, Artemas Cliff. He is an avaricious villain, and a number of times has tried to swindle _ me out of money. I know that he has led the life of an outlaw out there on the border.” ‘Bat if he aspired to gain your wealth,. why did he not attempt your life in some direct manner?” asked Frank. 4*T presume he may have feared detection,” replied Travers. ‘‘ If I - am hung for the murder of this unknown man, the mystery will be ' sealed forever. They real murderer will never be known.” “TJ believe you are right,” agreed Frank Reade, Jr. find this Artemas Cliff, ‘and do the best I can towards clearing up the mystery and setting you right.” “Thank you!” said Travers with emotion. succeed.” + i rb feel that you will tS a CHAPTER III. j ON THE’ PLAINS. Tae scene of our story now undergoes a oss change. ‘ ‘We will transfer the reader from Readestown to the plains of the West.. Fully five hundred miles from civilization, and right in the rt of the region of the hostile Sioux. q ti Reade, Jr., had transported the Steam Man as far as possible rail. | ; rom thence he had journeyed the rest of the ways overland. will hereafter. ‘agree, possible to be experienced by man. - gin June the Steam Man might have been seen making its way ae ata moderate gait. Frank Reade, Jr., with Barney and Pomp were -in the wagon. eins ‘and his keen gaze swept the prairie. uu every ch there Sei the same broad ex: eak the mono ; ken advantage Aen oe oll in their duties to ial game | of poker in the rear of the wagon. - oF © unique character: ithe ug! 88 alwi wo, '3 engaged _yez got thoxe four aces yez put down there?” ‘Well, I will - - Nothing of thrilling sort had as yet marked their journey. But they were upon the verge ‘of the most exciting adventures as the reader ‘ith the ‘broad expanse of rolling plain upon every hand, one morn- { bound. _.. | with their paren in their warmest of friends, were | ach 0 ounce or the perpetra- et ** Youse will jest find ¢ out dis nigger neber plays a blaft same," torted Pomp witha chuckle. ‘‘ Jest yo’ look out fo’ yo’sef, Pish.” °- « ‘* Begorra, I ain’t afraid av yez an’ I’ll go ye the tin,” cried Barney Be There was a broad grin upon Pomp’s face. He quietly picked up ten chipg and then put ia ten more. rs ‘** Hold on, Pish, I'll go youse ten better.” ** Call yez, be hivens!” cried Barney, chucking in ten more, Then he threw down his hand. ** Oan yez bate that?” he cried, triumphantly. naygur. Yez are no good.” But Pomp put one black paw over the pile of chips. ‘¢2Jes’ wait one minnit, Pish.” “ Whurrol Yez can’t bate it!” cried Barney, confidently. ' : He ha@ thrown a good hand containing four kings and two ace. | But Pomp guietly laid down four aces! The picture was one well worthy of an artist. For a moment the two card players gazed at the six aces in‘amazement. It was oae curious anomaly that there should be six aces in one pack of cards Then Barney sprang up furiously, ‘* Begorra, it’s a big cheat ye are!” he cried, angrily.‘ Whoev. saw the loikes av that? Be me sowl, the hull pile is mine!” ‘* Don’ yo’ pus yo’ hands on dem chips, ish!” cried Pomp, angrily. “ Praps yo’ kin tell me wharfore youse got. dem two aces, maybe youse can?’ ee ‘« Bejabers, they war inthe pack, but yez kin tell me perhaps whee “Give us the pot, ‘ “*T tell yo’, Vish, dey was in de pack.” ‘Be jabers it’s the fust pack av cards I ever saw with six it,” retorted Barney. ‘t Now don’ yo’ gib me any mo’ ob yo? sags, ish!” blustered “T’ll jes? make yo’ sorry if yo’ dogs.” ‘« Bejabers yez gin’t the size!” ‘¢ Look out fo’ yo'self, Dish!” ai ‘¢ Whurroo!” Over went the table leaf, down went the chips in the bottom 6 the wagon, and the two angry poker players closed in a lively wrest! For a moment Barney had the best of it, then Pomp ‘tripped h Celt up and both fell in a heap’ in the bottom of the wagon. z They chanced to fall against the wire gcreen door in the rear of he wagon. oy It was unlocked and gave way beneath the pressure, and tl practical jokers went through itand out upon the hard floor rarie. . They were rolled about in a cloud of dust, and had they not bi something more than ordinary composition they would have suf from broken bones. But as it was both picked themselves up unhurt. The Steam Man had gone on fully one hundred yards before Reade, Jr., perceived that his companions were missing, and at on closed the trottle and brought the Man to a halt. ‘«Serves the rascals right, ” muttered Frank, as he saw the themselves up from the dust. “They are always SIA a good comes of it,” Frank had stopped the Steam Man. ‘He waited for the two to pick themselves up and return to the wagon. ‘ But at that moment @ thrilling thing occurred. a) Barney and Pomp had fallen near a clamp of timber. | or ae From this with wild yells a band of mounted Sioux Indian ashed. They were a war party—painted and bedecked with feathers, the full paraphernalia of war. The peril which threatened the two jokers was one no spised. It was quite evident that the savages meant to cnt ‘off thei ing the Steam Man. In that case their fate. would be sealed. — But Barney was quick-witted, and saw the situation gla With a wild howl he broke into. a mad run for the Steam was & question of life or death and he ran as he had never rai Pomp was not so lucky. While Barney was: Cistancing, his put and actually succeeded in reaching ‘the: wagon, the darky su found himself cut off. - ‘Indian ponies were circling about bim, the red riders whoo yelling like veritable demons. The poor darky was beside himslf with terror and perp «Golly sakes alibe!” he yelled, with his Wool lit end. “ Whatebber am dis yer nigger gwine fo" to do? Ise a 8 fo’ suah.”, § It certainly looked that way. The savages circle ed nea dozen of them dismounted and rushed upon Por tre Now the darky was unarmed. He had not even a pistol or a knife. ot course In less time than it takes to tell it, the terrified darky, ane he was Than hé was laid across the back of a pon ; Then @ lariat was attached to vidst, dashe fea ian : e Barney had reached the | Frank Reade, Jr. too earcands
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‘ell of despair in bis yoice. poybanity. was not long 3 oad: et the cavalcade of savages dashed into the mouth of the FRANK READE, JR., rapidiy. But quick as it had been; the savages had yet succeeded in aking Pomp a prisoner and getting away with him. Re 2 jabers, they’ve got the naygur bound to a horse,” cried Barney, wildly) Wud’ yer luk at the loikes, Misther Frank. ‘We must catch he omadbouns and give them a lessin of the ri¢ht sort.” ““Y hope we muy,” replied Frank, with great anxiety, ‘‘ Dut i fear he red fiends will get to cover before we can overtake them.” ‘«Whurroo!} I's mesilf as will sphoil the loike av some ay thim, iy wied Barney, as he picked up his rifle. ee he gavages were racing like mad across the prairie, They had | caught sight of the Steam Man, which was to them some lend incarnate, some ‘evil spirit which would seek their certain de- itrnelion, Terror of the wildest sort made them whip their ponies to the ut- |' DOSE, It was a mad race, Bat the Steam Man was gaining. fle took tremendous strides, Frank pulled the whistle yalye, and ‘irieks sent up on the air were of a, terrifying kind. I ‘Savages had all gazed with wonder upon the white man *s iron Laat followed its eteel track acrose their prairies. sis latest appeara@fice, the Steam/Man,,was too much for their s, They could not bear it, and fled. : Steam Man would certainly have overtaken them. dee visible until one had turned the timber ling and made a prairie was a distant range of hills. fer rd this the savages were going. If they reached them, they ‘{ certainly succeed in eluding their pursuer. f ithe chances seemed gooii. : ink saw, with a peculiar chill, that they were Falke liable to , the point aimed at. iia sent the man on at full speed. arney placed. himself at a loophole, and commenced firing as rap- as he could at the fleeing foe, ‘be ‘result was that many of them fell, and the others redoubled vir exertions to make an escape. + On went the chase toward the distant range of hills. jearer and nearer drew the ponies to the ‘Objective point. With sinking heart Frank saw that the Indians were likely to reach em before the Steam Man could overtake them, ¢ i ¢ ourse this would mean safety for tha savages, for the Steam Man) 1 not hope, to follow the ponies over the rough ane there en- un ig ored. s ** Heavens, we are not going to save Pomp!” cried Went: with a ** What shall we do, Barney? Is it not fy a) Bar rney Was busily engaged in placing fresh cartridges in his Win- bur. “ Hegorr a the hig-hearted Celt. 0 the door and got picked up by the red min.” « ‘ak put.on ail the steam he dared, and the man took: tremendous 3 f rward. i , is save. the naygur I will if I sacrifice me own loife!” eH lN ill make 2 ae a eflort, * he eet as he piled on the (eam. Gajabers, here goes for wan ay the spalpeens!” cried Barney. “hen the Irishman’ '§ rifle cracked. { Hine of the savages tumbled from his pony’s back. ‘ar ney continued to load and fire as fast as he could. But the op- tanted him. ° peor fe het) if i.e were out of sight in a twinkling. ‘The Steam Man was obliged iy © ome'to a halt. ‘seve were huge bowlders and piles of stones to block the passage. y.and Frank Reade, Jr., exchanged glances of. despair. Mat is the end of Pomp,” declared the young inventor, with a . “Thave no doubt sak isa part of Black Buffaio’s band, and ‘heser See a ak ‘ : } 7” eee CHAPTER IV. Ee Yaa? ote COWBOYS. tank had. spoken truthfully, The band of savages was really a) of the tribe of which Black Buffalo was the chief. oughout all. the Kansas border ‘this blood thirsty fiend was , and feared. . + aad ravaged more wagon trains, burned more settlements, and sitted more massacres than, pony: other bs cama in the Far, fede att 4 many he was claimed to be a white. man ‘or re as vever this was, certainly no rio than. Black Buffalo.) fh 4 t was into his hands Bes be Rie naas ll wonder then that Frank ‘Reade, Jr., a iS hash alarmed, and | gre to | abi his faithful serio life lost. tt ‘merciless. Black Buflalo woul ‘The savages hac cantnred ae fi ‘tarkure b death. can 7) Mah ear as ¥ began to be oe its Spat AND HIS NEW STHAM MAN. ‘¢ Ts me own fault, for sure, that he iver } | aggerated bow and smile. Sa » &T do,” was the reply. - 1, F "3 name was a synonym ‘of, terror: among the eters feom Da- wot “to the boundary line of Texas. 7 as feu known ae | skillfatly ab =e 3 tbe likely to spare ‘Pomp’s # peor to Org, hint into the | ig he had a white heart jist that eame. Be jabers av’ we cud only get near enough to the red omadhouns I’d loike to shoot ivery mother’s son ay thim.” ‘Well, I-don’t see why the red fiends haven’t the. best of us,” de- | clared Frank. ‘It luks that same, Misther Frank,” wailed Barney. ‘*T don’t see how we can ever get throngh that pass, Man might go there, but the wagon won't.” This was true enough. The Steam Man on the level prairie was invincible, but on Pousie ground like this wholly useless. acne and Barney were beside themselves with solicitude and per- plexity. < Frank even thought of going forth on foot to try and overtake the | redskins. _ But of course the a of such a course was quickly ap- parent to him. Barney even attempted to carry out literally this plan. He went so far as to open the noes in the wire screen and leap- down to the ground. But Frank cried sternly: ‘« Barney, come back at once. course.” me Shure, Mr. Frank, ” eried the Irishman, ‘‘if yez will only let me yee “Come back,” was Frank’s terse command, which was reluctantly. obeyed by the Celt. Frank took a carefal look at the hills. He chanced to see a smooth pathway up the height, and which seemed to follow the course of the canyon or pass. Up this the Steam Man cautiously advanced. As they continued to ascend higher a good broad view of the prairie was obtained. And suddenly reaching an elevation from which a southward view could be obtained, Frank gave a sharp ery, and taking a glass from a lotker, sprang to a loop-hole in the netting. He'scanned a number of o ee upon the aoe pe beyond. #i that distance they looked like a herd of bi ut with the glass Frank saw that they wi igen men and white men at that. They Jooked like a roving band of cowboys. Invany event they were whites men.and it was quite “ap gi ahh for the young inventor to know this. “We can depend upon them to help rescue Pomp!” eriea Branko exuberantly. “TLuek ig yet with us, Barney. '“ Be jabers I hope so,” cried the excited ‘Gelt. a they be white, men and have a heart. they'll | shurely do it.” Frank instantly turned the wagon about and sent the Steam Man. rapidly down to the prairie, ty He blew shrill blasis upon the whistle to attract the ‘aicailon of the aad white men. 4 : ‘ Te In this he was successful. Beer .As the Steam Man reached the prairie floor, the davalosile of cow : boys came dashing up. They did not seem surprised at sight of the Steam Man somewhat — singularly and crew up fifty yards distant while one of their number rode forward. . . sd i He was evidently the le er, aud was a ‘tall, dark evil-looking fel.” low. Frank Reade, Jr. was not favorably impressed ‘with his appear- 2 ance. As the young’ inventor noted that the whole gang had a forbidding appearance and with a chill Frank realized that he could hardly @X- : pect any assistance from such a cut-throat looking band. — - The tall, dark leader doffed his sombrero as. he Tode forward and - made a low bow. = * Buenos Senors!” he said with a Spa lish ‘accent, aig! wish: you a £ fair day. D6 you travel far with your Iron Man?” ‘ : ‘‘T am glad to meet you,” replied Frank, Sacoah ce att We come se from the Hast and we are here upon an important mission.” The stranger smiled and bowed ven with a das tg pce! ot” ik politeness. Gye aI am pleased ‘6 hear it, Frank Reade, Fr.?” tibese el ses gave a start of ‘surprige, pete bat am,” he replied, quickly, ‘then you have eal of me.” ; “T have, Senor Reade,” replied the cowboy chief, with another e: ate a A The Steam- | — / You can gain nothing by such a ‘Perhaps you know of my mission. heret? Frank was more amazed than words ean express. W ut was this? ~ - How had this fellow, who bore the atamp of a Spaniard, | his mission to the Far West? ‘The Sotth inventor sta Your mission here; pee | down two men who you believe ar ] isted upon a certain an 1 are Ti ees Frank.
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AND HIS NEW egwe FRANK READE, JR., Oo Sia art Bie, Nai STEAM Yes, ” ** Pardon, senor, but I cannot see in what manner I ean serve you.” * You must assist me. One of my men—a colored man—has fallen into the hands of the Indians. They have made him prisoner and have just escaped with him into these hills. I ask your assistance in effecting his rescue.” A peculiar smile played about the cowboy’s lips. “Ts he not the one you call Pomp?” he asked. ee Yes.” ‘« And that man with you in your cage there is called Barney?” “cc Yes.” ‘* Ah, I see—Barney and Pomp. Well, Senor Reade, pray accept my compliments and the wish that you may see civilzation again alive, _ which I do not belive will be the case. Ha—ha—ha! You have blun- dered into a death-trap!” _ Something like a correct comprehension of affairs now began to dawn upon Frank. “‘ What do you mean?” he gasped in surprise. ‘Who are you?” ‘« Well, since you ask me I will tell you,” replied the cowboy chief with a laugh. ‘TI amano Spaniard, as you might have thought. I am as good an American as you, and you will have good cause tore . member my name in the near fature, provided you escape from this srap 7 Tam the man you are 80 eagerly looking for—I am Artemas Cliff.” ~ : ‘« Heavens!” pasped Frank Reade, Jr., ‘‘ the man I am looking ’ for!” ' “The same,” replied Cliff, mockingly. ‘‘ You have undertaken quite a daring deed, my fine inventor, but you will find that you have bitten off a very much larger slice than you can masticate.” “« We will see,” began Frank. “ You see these men?” continued Cliff. « They are my followers, tried and true. What is it to you whether my uncle, Jim Travis, should hang for murder? You can never prove him innocent—at least, never will, for you will never go from here alive.” we Scoundrel!” cried Frank. ‘' You are the real murderer!” “ ffa, ha, ha! Prove it if you can!” laughed the cowboy chief, de- risively. «J will prove it, if I have to drag the confession from your dina)’ cried Frank, resolutely. . ‘Pshaw! Talk is cheap. Attention, men! Grab the throttle rein of the Steam Man and you can destroy him! Forward! Charge!” Frank Reade, Jr., heard the command and knew well. the danger. He was at a loss to acconnt for Clifi’s knowledge of him and his i inven- tions - The young inventor was not aware ofthe fact that for weeks pre- vious to the starting forth of the Steam Man spies had been busy in _ Readestown. _ Bat such was the truth. y Artemas Cliff had covered his tracks well. He knew that Frank ‘Reade, the young inventor's father, was a friend of Travers and would “see him through, if possible. Therefore he had provided well for giving Frank Reade, Jr., and the new Steam Man a hot reception on the plains. With hoarse criey\the cowboys descended upon the Steam Man, ‘They urged their horses forward at a full gallop. Frank Reade, Jr., knew well that it was possible for them to greatly. injure his invention, so he made quick action to defeat their plans. He shouted te Barney: ‘*Give it to them, Barney. Shoot every man you can.” ‘Then Frank opened the throttle,-and let the Steam Man out for all he was worth. It was an easy matter to outstrip the horses, and the Steam Man kept ahead, while the cowboys came thundering on in the rear. Then Frank slackened speed so as to keep. up a SONS distance between the Man and the horses. While Barney povred in shot after shot into the tie of the gang . of pursuers. The cowboys began to drop from their saddles | ‘one by one. It was » a destructive and telling fire. { And they strained every nerve in vain in an effort to reach t Steam Man. Frank kept the Man just far enough ahead to ensure paatoty and enable Barney to pick off the cowboys ‘with ease. . io ak Cliff some time to tumble to this little game, _ When he did, and realized that he was simply decimating numbers without gaining ground, he called a halt, The cowboys were now near the banks of a wide river which was ,. really the Platte, Frank Reade, Jr. saw his advantage and brought ~ the Steam Man to a One Then he seized a rifle and Joined Mia ‘- % a CHAPTER x, j : POMP’S RESCUE, i or it was hardly likely that the cowboys would stand their ground One. under such a fire, As fast as they could Frank and Barney worked the repeaters. 2: ae was that eae a number of the foe lay dead upon the 4 prairie. But Artemas Olit knew the. fatality of remaining there. Being un- le to cateh the: Paras he knew | that their hp ae now was in re- reat. erally the latter came off victorious. ‘watched the scene a moment until suddenly a enere ery burst | Barney. wildly. saw a thrilling act. - fang, Oe the rest and dash out upon the prairie, tied behind him. their front claimed their attention. ney. strides the machine began to gain upon the mustang. he could easily have stopped the horse. — base of the hills. sorely tempted to fire at the runaway. = Steam Man for the floor. ever the ‘pursuers upon all other sides. © | several miles. - The pursuers were now the pursued. =. ~ So it continued until suddenly, by the orders ‘of Cliff, the cowho ‘turned their horses into the river and forded it. Once on the other side they were soon beyond the reach of tie i balls. The Steam Man of course could not follow. U The encounter with the cowboys was at an end. { They did not return to the attack, somewhat singularly, but ke on until the rolling plains hid them from view. Cliff's direful threat against the Steam Man and its iene not been carried out. But Frank did not, by any means, delude ‘self with the belief that the villain would relinquish the attemp easily. ‘¢ Well, Barney,” he cried, cheerily, when satisfied that the s mage was over, —‘* We came out of that scrape a little the best of It has all turned out as expected. That Cliff is the real murderet “ Begorra, it luks that way, Misther Frank,” agreed Barney. **So it does. We must plan to captare the villain, and wri confession from him,” : “Be jabers that’s thrue. If I ‘only had an opportunity I’d p é quick wring his loon neck for him.” **But that does not settle the question ¢! Pomp’s fate,” deel Frank. ‘‘ He must be saved.” “Shure, Misther Frank.” ‘*But how can we do it?” This was yet a conundrum. F Frank and the faithful Irishman stood looking at each gther. was a long time before either spoke. Finally Frank said: “ There’s only one way, Barney.” ** An’ phwat’s that?” “We've got to get into those hills in some way. leave the Steam Man, but to save Pomp I’d——” The young inventor ceased speaking. A strange medley of so came from the direction of the pass. There were wild yells and piel shots, and then, out upon th rie, the two astonished travelers saw a motley crew of horses a ages emerge. “The savages were fighting furiously. Frank knew enough Indians of that region to know what it all meant, : A band of Sioux and a band of Pawnees, the deadliest of ene) ie ; were engaged in a terrific battle. — . Frank. took in the scene at a glance, He at oncé understood all. The band which bad captured Pomp was undoubtedly the one gaged in this conflict. They had very likely met the Pawnees ix upper part of the pass. When the Pawnees and Sioux met a fight always followed. ¥ I don't ji As it seemed now, however, the Pawnees had the best of it, They were worsting the Sioux in good fashion. Frank and “ Begorra, Misther Frank, if there ain’t ihe naygur,” he Barney was reli, Frank glanced in the direction indicat In the midst of the Siovx was Pomp bound to the back of “ Suddenly i in the midst of the melee the horse was seen to bolt from. Of course, Pomp had no cortrol over ‘the beast, baying: = took his own course and ran like the wind. did not dare to any of them attempt pureuit. The mustan The Sioux d us ‘* Bejabers, the horse is runnin’ away wid the ‘naygar,” 6 Pa ‘« Phwat will we do, Misther Frank?” “Catch him if we can,” cried Frank, seizing the throttle: br He opened the throttle and let the Steam Man go ahead; with Pomp was vainly endeavoring to frea his hands. 4 : -If he could have done so, aay could have got hold of the reins But this he was unable to do. > As a result, the animal carried him along ity, and ala Suddenly the mustang swerved and darted into a harrow p Barney, at the loop-holes of the wagon with rifle: in hand, hi _ But the fear of hitting Pomip had restrained him. Now, however, the horse was out of range. But oe rank ebi pass. ; it was unobstructed by bowlders, and had a 006 eam Man was enabled to Aree. along with safety. had el) from sight. iB one The But the mustang and his black tider epton, + Suddenly they came out upon This extent . great cry of
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7 fhe should go te the bottomof that gorge it would be the end’ of Poutp asd the niustang. 2 This was seen at a glance and with the most intense of horror Bar- ney cried: : ‘Shall I fire, Misther Frank? It’s the only thing as will save the naygur.” You will have to do that,” replied Frank, sharply. for vour aim, Barney. ‘God help Pomp!” iavuey pulled the trigger. Crack! ; The pallet sped true to its mark. It struck the mustang in the “Look out ‘The owinal faltered, threw up its head, stumbled, and then pitched rward in a heap. Pomp jay beneath the horse. It did not require but a few moments the Steam Man to reach him, however, fo 4 twinkling Barney sprang out of the wagon and cut Pomp’s ‘be Garky was not in the least injured. He lay with one leg under 6 Dinetang, but was easily extricated. > joy of the darky at his rescue cannot be expressed in words, ‘» yabraced Barney effusively. ' Socre Ltbought yez kilt intoirely, naygur,” cried the big-hearted ) yehnten. ‘It's moighty glad I am to see yez aloive.” Pa ~ 1.) kin jest bet dis chile am glad fo’ to get out ob dem red debbils’ hands,” cried Pomp, exuberantly. And then he dashed aboard the Steam Man and grasped -Frank’s band. “Oh, Marse Frank, I’se dretful glad to see yo’!” cried Pomp, ex- ~¢itedly. : ty *‘J am glad to have you back, Pomp,” cried Frank. that you sre unharmed in any way. But it was a close shave for you,” ‘Deed it was dat, Marse Frank. But dis nigger am powerful hard for to kill, an’ specs dat’s why Llib. But I’se got lots to tell you, Marse Frank.” 5 © You have?” exclaimed Frank. f _ "Deed Thas. -P’raps yo’ kin find it valuable fo’ yo’. I'll jes’ tell yo’ dat when we went up troo dat pass we jes’ cum out pretty quick ina valley. Dat ar’ valley was a scrumptious one, an’ dar was a trail leadin'’ down inter if, But afore the Injuns could ride down inter it she enim six white men on hossback an’ a right pert young Jady on dy @& Hoss, too, , i |. “*Sakes alibe I nebber seen so pretty a gal in all mah life. Well, » dese yer men, dey seemed like dey was ’quainted wid der Injuns. Dey -_ jes'-talked as free like wid old Black Buffalo, an’ I jes’ opened my ears an! listened. ; ~ ‘Hey said dat de gal was a prisoner an’ dey was takin’ her from a * \ cave in Ge hills to Ranch VY. Dey mentioned detname ob Artemas Clif, Den dey rode on, sah, an’ mah sakes, jus’ den up from the val- _ ley dere eume a hull gang ob Ingines and pitetied into us. Ob cose ‘¥yo° know all de res’.” f : _ Frank Reade, Jr., listened with the deepest amazement to this ex- diting story. ¢ ; _ ’* A young girl!” he gasped. ‘Of course those men were Clifi’s, Witt where on earth were they going?”/ ~~ * Dey done said it was to Ranch V. sab.” 3 ‘ Ranch V!" repeated Frank. ‘That is not very definite. But it _ ‘Must be the headquarters of Cliff and his gang. You didn’t bear them 7 ? sey just wlhiere that ranch was located, Pomp?” \ ~ No sai, but I jes’ took note ob de direckshun'dey was goin’’an’ it »* was to de couf-west.” font en _* Weil,” said the young inventor as he turned the Steam Man » about, “1 cannot imagine who the young girl is or how she fell into the hands of Cliffs gang. Butt is certain that she is in their power and we must save her.” ' “$e jabers that’s roight, Misther Frank,” cried Barney, gallantly, ‘the O'Sheas from Brian, Boru down war always known as men ay honor an’ Cefenders av female virtue,” _ The Steam Man started on the return across the plateau. ~ tt was Irank Reade, Jr.’s, intention to reach the prairie once more and strike cut to the southwest, in the hopes of locating the Ranch VY. ‘fhe Stesin Man ran swiftly to the mouth of the pass which led down ~ to the prairie. sie b : Barney bad filled the furnace with fresh coal, and the indicator showed that there was plenty of water in the boiler. — i _ Frank was about to enter the pass when suddenly Pomp sprang up "y With a wild cry. j ; ; ek i he darky sprang to Frank’s side and tried to grab the throttle‘rein. frank waa astounded. ee ge ‘ou there, Pomp. What are you trying to do?” he cried. i dar, Marse Frank. Stop de Man, or fo’ de Lawd we am all fo’ suah as preachin’!” ‘ ; ‘ei Bh ead hat!” gasped Frank. és pie. \ Tf yo" don’t believe it,,jes look up yonder?” . a) Ba emitted one finger upward to the canyon wall above the pass. The sight which rewarded the startled gaze of the young inventor ; exused him “0 reverse the throttle and bring the Steam Man to a halt. ‘Two cowboys were crouching behind an enormous bowlder which ney > icy aa alended to roll down upon the Steam Man, 7 CHAPTER VI. — : THE FIGHT IN THE PASS, pe could hardly be imagined. = s A “ay ** And to kaow FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STSAM MAN. Hat 7 The precipitation of the huge bowlder upon the Steam Man would have destroyed the invention and the lives of those on board. Just in time Pomp had seen the danger. Another moment and it would have been too late.” ‘« Ki yi, don’ yo’ see now, Marse Frank?” cried’ Pomp, wildly. **T see,” replied Frank, in thrilled tones. ‘‘ My God! that is a nar- ae ae We would have been crushed to atoms in another moment as I live.” “Whurroof Give the spalpeens a good bit ay cold lead!” shouted Barney, rushing to one of the loopholes with his rifle. «That's right!” cried Frank, doing the same. . **Golly, yo’ kin bet we will do dat!” chimed in Pomp. The two cowboys, seeing that their game was exposed, sprang up with wild shouts of dismay. . As they did so they were exposed to shots from below. The three rifles spoke sharply in chorus. The two would-be destroyers tumbled in a heap. Their fall was fol- ayes by a wild chorus of yells from the thickets and bowlder piles above. A volley of bullets came from there and rattled harmlessly against the steel netting, showing that the cowboys were there located in great force. How they had chanced to be there at, that critical moment our ad- venturers could only guess. * But Frank mentally concluded that at best they were but a division of Clifl’s gang, and they had happened upor the spot by chance, Seeing the Steam Man they had seized what seemed to them a fine opportunity to destroy it. i : How far short they came of it we have already seen. ae nan contest now began between the cowboys and those in the steel wagon. > Of course our three friends had a vast advantage inasmuch as they were protected from the shots of their foes, i Of course the outlaws far outnumbered them, but it was vot at all a difficult matter to pick them off occasionally with a rifle bullet. . Volley after volley the cowboys fired at tbe Steam Man; When at length it became patent to them that their shots were fu- tile, they made the air ring with yells of baffled rage. Then they ceased firing and silence ensued. Every cowboy had disappeared seemingly from the canyon wall. But this dia not deceive Frank Reade, Jr. : He knew that this was only a game of the foe and that it would yet be unsafe to try the pass. : ‘* Bejabers, ain’t there some other way av gettin’ out av this place?” cried Barney, giving the plateau a sweeping glance, But the chain of hills surrounding it did not lend color to such a possibility. ; f i ; “Tt don’t look like it,” said Frank, dubiously. ite ‘« | jes’ fink dat am de only way out ob dis place,” said Pomp. » ‘“We are in a kind of trap,” declared Frank Reade, Jr. ‘ We were not sharp or we would have avoided this scrape.” As it was, however, the best they could do was to watch for an op- portunity to run the gauntlet through the Pass. — But they had not long to wait for new and thrilling developments. Suddenly Pomp gave a startlod cry. — : ‘Wor massy sukes, Marse Frank, jes’ yo’ look out yonder. What- ebber am dey up to now?’ : ; Over the edge of the plateau there was visible a line of men advanc- lng rapidly toward the Steam Man. They were deploying right and left as iftosurroundhim. This was certainly their purpose. : ; ‘“«They’re thryin’ to surround us!” cried Barney. Frank watched the maneuver with deep intrrest. He’ smiled grimly. This was certainly the purpose of the foe. But the young inyenter saw in the move a betterment of his own chances. j “They will not gain what they hope to,” he said, resolutely. Then he saw that a line of armed men had deployed across the mouth of the Pass to prevent the Steam Man from escaping in that direction, ‘ Wakes y In Frank’s judgment there were fully two hundred cowboys in the party. This was tremendous odds, but the young fear the results. ray ; With a wild cheer the cowboys began to close their line in about the Steam Man. s Frank Reade, Jr., opened the whistle valve and let out several de- ‘fiant shrieks. j Then he started the Steam Man in a straight line for the pass. Pomp and Barney with their repeaters began to fire upon the line of men there, , : . The repeaters did deadly work. ' - ; It was a constant fusillade, and the cowboys dropped like sheep. The error of their plan could now be seen, ' , In dividing their forces to make the surrounding line, they had weakened themselves, Frank had seen this. re Lele If they had been merely content with holdimg the pass, it would have been extremely doubtful if the Steam Man could so easily have- vescaped. Just as fast as they could work the sixteen-shot Winchesters, Bar ney and Pomp mowed down the opposing line of cowboys. ve ath sa inventor did not The line was thin, and it would have required a very solid corps to _ have withstood that scathing fire. Barge eae ta ayn Down went the Steam Man toward the Pass with fearfulspeed. ~ Heaps of the dead and wounded cowboys lay upon the ground. As Ons
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FRANK READE, JR.. ~ AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. the Steam: Man reached the Pass, a number of the cowboys tried to grasp the throttle reins and stop the machine. But the ponderous body of the Man knocked them aside like flies and the wheels of the heavy wagon crushed them into death or insen- sibility. The Steam Man literally forged his way through the Pass like a rocket. Barney and Pomp cheered wildly and fired parting shots at the dis- comfited foe. In a few moments the Steam Man ran out upon the?prairie. Frank did not waste time but set his course at once to the South- west. He was anxious to locate Ranch V. This he believed was his first aid most important duty. He was satisfied that nothing was to be gained by remaining in the hills. He was ‘confident that Cliff had gone to the Ranch V wherever it was. More than all else, he was ‘powerfully interested in the mys- terious young lady as described by Pomp. He was determined to know who,she was, and what Cliff held her in captivity for. The day was rapidly drawing to a close. After a short while the hills faded out of sight, Bind the rolling prairie was visible upon every hand. ‘ Then, as the Steam Man took his long strides across the even plain, Frank suddenly caught sight of a beaten path or trail. It was plainly a trail much used and bore a trifle east of south. Frank brought the Man to a stop, - “{ would like to know where that trail goes to?” he declared. ‘‘I am not sure’but it is the route to Ranch V.” “Golly, Marse Frank!” cried Pomp, craning his neck and looking to the yoathwerd a little ways. ‘*What am dat jus’ ober dat roll in de perairy? Am not dat some berry sumspicious objec’?” Frank gazed in the direction indicated and saw « tall, black-looking timber seeming to rise out-of the roll in the prairie. But he knew that it was beyond, Frank let the Steam Man go along for a quarter of a mile, and top- pin the rise a startling sight was revealed. ‘There, scattered over several acres of land were the blackened ruins and charred timbers of some buildings. ; It was easy to see what these buildings had constituted. A large ranch with stockade, extensive cattle pens and yards, had once stood upon this spot. Frank allowed the Steam-Man to pass ‘through the ruins. Thrilling sights were accorded our adventurers. ‘There were heaps of ashes, the bones of animals, and several charred skeletons of human beings. There was every evidence that a fight had occurred at the place, and that the ranch had been burned by either Indians or rival cowboys. ‘As:chance had it the sign which, painted in broad letters, had once hung over the yard gate, had not been peneravet, and lay upon the ground near. _ Our explorers were enabled to read it plainly.” “Rodman Rauch.” Barney and Pomp descended peta from the wagon, and spent some ‘time in exploring the ruins. ‘T jes’ fink de Ingines burned ap dis yer place,” averted Pomp. “ Bevorra, it’s the divil’ 3 own job they med av it,” declared mene ‘But Frank said, with conviction: “4Just as likely it was the work of Cliff and his gang, They are on laws at best, and if Rodman Ranch was a respectable place, they “would be sure to wis! it destroyed.” Barney and Pomp re-entered the wagon now, and once more the guest for Ranch V was begun. + | But night came on, and they had obtained no clew. A good place was found to camp, and it was decided to wait unvil morning before pursuing the journey further. ent pa was made co pda ong with this Sod in view. © othe team ae was thus cared for, stl banked, ae everything “mae shipshape when, after. Barney had been on wateh not more than two tds the first of a series of thrilling incidents occurred, » _ The ni ight was ag dark as Wrebus, nob a star twinkled in the ether, | aie heavy black clouds overhung all. ; - Suddenly Barney saw a light glimmering far ‘out on the prairie. i Tt ae to quite: # respectable size and con ones to blaze: for. a e@ S Galt weatehied it: for a long: mil. Then. his curiosity got the deer of him, ~whar oe « Bejabers, ‘thats are,” he muttered. “vil make ‘sttre: there's something wrong ‘about that now.” _ Barney, | cting upon impulse, oulder. The young Map’ awoke: witha start. tively that they were such, a Gleinbers of the Artemas leaned over and grasped Bean's j CHAPTER VII. THE VIGILANTS.* “ W-wiar’s the matter?” gasped Frank, sleepily arousing hizaself. : “Whist now, Misther Frank! There's a quare loight out b yonder tt) the ,perairy, an’ I thought I'd jist call yure attintion to the Sa 8 lee ‘* A light?’ muttered Frank, now fully awake. joe got upon his feet, and rubbing his eyes, stared at the b 9 » * That is odd,” he muttered.. ‘‘ It will do to investigate th “* Sure, it may be a camp fire,” ventured Barney. et é ‘Tf so, then we must find ont who the campers are,” deel rank, It was bat an instant’s work to arouse Pomp. Then the flres in the furnace were started, a line of hose was a creek near, and the boiler was filled. In an ineredible short space of time steam was got up, and, Steam Man moved ahead, Frank held the throttle reins and directed the Steam Man's toward the distant{camp-tire. ; ; For such. it was, as became éyident as they drew near. At first no movement was made by the camping party, a fancied that they had nobody on guard. But as the Steam Man with clanking tread came within one! yards of the camp, a wild shout went up and & gun was Aiseh the Steam Man. ue ; Frank was now able to see the circle of the camp as foveata firelight. . oh Men had been rolled in blankets upon the ground to the n a score, “But. these were now upon their feet. that mustangs were corralled. Frank Reade, Jr., had no way of knowing whether the eam: friends or foes. He had fancied them a part of Chif’s ‘cowboys. stin possibility they were not. ,At any rate he could not treat them ag foes until, he learn al beyond it coul d So he brought the Steam Man to a stop just fifty yards 1 camp. 7 The scene in the camp now was a Indicrous one: J The men were filled with mingled fear, amazement and stu at the sight of the Steam Man. The fiery eyes and nostrils and mammoth proportions of; ti e the darkness made him look like a monster from the infer The startied cries of thecampers came to the gmused those in the wagon. “Great Jericho! What d’yer call ny aie ‘It's the devil hisself!” i “He's arter ug!” “That last drink at ther cross trails was too much f We've got ’em bad.” “I reckon we'd better fix up a prayer. Ther old goitleman to sit us.” 4 Barney and Pomp exploded with laughter. It was ver: But as soon as the pandemonium had for . mmm syb Reade, Jr. hastened to; shout: ee We're human beiigs the same as _ you. Hinvé no are you?” The words had an astounding effect upon the. _eampers r moment of stupefied silence the answer came back. _ ‘* Who the dickens. are you?” F ‘ “Tam Frank Reade, Jr., and this is my new invention, Man,” replied Frank. “‘* You have nothing to fear.” fa) The campers now saw the three men in the wagon ae - ed on the light of the caleium and illuminated | icinity. © At once their fear fled and a comprehension “A steam Man, by thunder, and ree all « Wall, that beats ell!” Py What'll come next?” * “That beats the iron hoss all holler?” " iS "Wall, cap’en, W we're ve ‘tes rabet you an’ yer tea name is Sim Harmon, an’ I’m captain of this band, who a lants from Poker Guleh. We're out on the trail of a gang. . Vigilants!” cried | Be Ret J ith joy. “ he ifl gang?” “ Artemas Cliff!” cried Harm: can lay hands on hi ‘we kin find him?”
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FRANK READE, JR., ers lind been adjadged guilty, but which it was believed was the work of Git, Harmon listened with interest. ” ‘So that’s another game of ther cuss!” he cried, ‘* Wall, that’s a bad one, but 1 reckon’ we've a wuss count agin him, stranger.” ‘* Indeed!” exclaimed Frank. ‘ Did ye cum across ther ruins of a ranch out hyar on ther perairy, some miles?” aT aiaeY : “Wall, that, was onct Rodman, Ranch, an’ Ralph Rodman was one of the best men in this part of ther West But that ornery cuss Cliff fell in love with pretty Bessie Rodman, his darter, an’? when Raiph denied him the right to come a-courtin’ her, ther scoundrel jest brought down a gang of hoodiums am’ burned down the ranch, toted oll ther gal, an’ killed all ther rest about ther place.” **Horrinle!” exclaimed Frank. ** But,you have not told me of Rod- man. What became of him?” ‘Wall, that illustrates ther villainy of ther cuss. Just previous to barnin’ ther ranch, two men, Sid \ Bowen an’ Jem Ducey, hired by Oli, enticed Ralph to New York by bringin’ him a bogus message from a brother, who was represented as bein’ in great distress, Thats the Jast seen of Rodman, What they did with him we don’t know. But ve heard that Bowen an’ Ducey have returned, an’ Rodman didn’t cam with’em. It’s my belief he’s been done away with, an’ iv’s all a game of Cliff's to get the gal Bessie into his possession.” A great ery broke from the lips ‘of Frank Reade, Jr. Th 8 story of Harmon’s le had listened to eagerly, and, as it was unfolded, bit by bit, a clear, concise comprehension of all now came to him. fie saw the hideous details, the cold, scheming ‘construction of a deep and awful plot, involving murder und abduction and terrible on z. “(Creat heavens!” he gasped, wiping cold perspiration fram his brow. ‘*Your story throws a great hght upon the matter which I have in hand, Mr. Harmon.” “The deuce you say!” gasped the captain of the Vigilantes. “{s is the truth,” cried Frank. ‘LI think I can tell you the true fate of Ralph Rodman, and you will agree that Cliff is the projector of oie of the most awful double plots of crime that" human being could be capable of. The Vigilantes all gathered around the young inventor, agog with interest, “Ye don’t mean it?’ gasped Harmon, with amazement. ‘‘ Ye're huntin’ Clift then ther same as we are?” el Yes.” * What fer?” fae! § " "To force a confession or explanation from him of a mysterious murier of which his own uncle, James Travers, of New York, has bean adjuged guilty and who is now in prison awaiting his sentence of henging about a year from now, - Oh, this villain isa deep one. But I have told you of that mys- terious murder and, as Heaven is my ‘judge, I believe the victim of that murder which was purposely thrown upon Travers was Rodman. Yon see Cliti’s object in throwing the murder upon Travers was ‘to see him hang and thus inherit his vast wealth,” : Vor a moment after this statement silence reigned. Appalled with the magnitude of the villain’s “plot all remained si- lent. But the mystery was cleared up at last. Alf understood now exactly the deep game of Artemas Cliff: Bus one sentiment reigned supreme in ‘the breasts of all. Artemas Ctl should be brought to justice. Ik was easy enough to see how the wretch in planning to win Bessie Rodman had enticed Rodman to the Hast and there murdered him. Then to kill two birds with one stone he had. caused the awfal crime by clever circumstantial evidence to be thrown upon his wealthy uncle, James Travers, Of course, with: Travers’ death, he would inherit the ese ale left by him. ftaph Rodman was dead. The ranch was a heap of ashes. Wor these crimes Artemas Cliff was responsible. But Bessie Rod- man wes yet in bis power. Travers was near the gallows. hese two people must be saved. Frank Reade, Jr., saw the. ‘mission, as did Harmon. Tnstinctively they clasped hands, } ©) reckon we both know what todo,” declared the Vigilant captain tersely, “‘* P’r’aps we kin work together. [ll help you all I kin.” “ And I will help you,” replied Frank.“ We will bring Gliff to 9 jte ties if the Steam Man can help us ‘to do it.” “ fle will hang if I kin get my hands. onto him.” “3ut we must make no mistake, He is strongly backed up. You have only twenty-five men with | you.” © But they air all. men,” ” replied Harmon, -pluckily. md - { will not) question that,” replied Frank, “but the weight of num- pes Piva defeat you. lift has, several” honitead men in his com: han “ We're | go easy.) _ © it is well to be careful, ” said Frank. es think ‘shat you had bet ter is ceep along w with us for a time.” Mera te ity All right” : 1 [think there ig no doubt but that, the young, ain tom Pomp saw in the hills was Bessie Rodman.” a “In egurse it washer.” eae Aig d were gio her to Ranch v7 Do you ‘know, where it ist? ut AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. ¢ t afraid of sar Yet ye’re “ enuff, “tes well fer us to” j No more favorable time for an attack could haye been chosen. — " ‘There were but few of the cowboys. in the ranch, ‘and these were i. picked ‘off by the fire ets ‘the Higher: n as gig sehr: oD jethe sae ihe i ee * Yas,” replied Harmon, quickly, “that’s on a 2 River, an’ it’s w pesky big place too... Thar's a big stockade around io an’ armed men are allus a-watchin’ for fear an “outsider wili git in. So that’s ther place, eh? Wall, it will be hard to git Bessie out. of Ranch V.” ~* ‘* She shall be ‘got out or I will give my life in the attempt!” cried a tall, handsome young plainsman with flashing eyes. He looked much in earnest, Frank gazed at him critically. A little later he was introduced to him as Walter Barrows, a rising young stockman, and the lover of pretty Bessie Rodman, : CHAPTER VIII. ON TO RANCH V. PLANS were guickly made. It was decided to work upon strategical grounds, as their foree was so much. lighter than Clifi’s, “You see, if we can strike Ranch V. at a time when Cliff and the majority of his men are in the hills we can capture the place,” declared Frank, shrewdly. “That's bizness,” agreed Harmon, ‘but ye’re the boss. that ye've got a better head piece nor I have, Mister Reade.” «We will not admit that,” said Frank, modestly, ‘‘but rather let us work together, Mr. Harmon.” ‘All right, cap’en. I’m with ye.” Futher plans were elaborated, then as only. a few hours yet inter- vened until dawn, it was decided to snatch a few brief hours of sleep, With the early dawn all were astir. The Vigilants saddled their mustangs end ull was soon ready for the start. : ~The Steam Man was an object of great wonder to the plainsmen. ‘By Jinks!” exclaimed one of them, ‘the sight of that queer- lookin’ critter oughter seare the life out of any number of Injuns,” ‘*T think the Steam Man will aid us much in accomplishing our ends,” said frank, modestly. * ‘The start was made just after daybreak. The Vigilants rode along- + side the Steam Man on their mustangs. Of course Frank was compelled to go more Shani on this account. But the Vigilantes knew the way to Ranch a? and this was, after all, the most important thing: of all. Frank considered it a great piece of luck ia having fallen in with the Vigilantes. He now understood exactly how matters stood all around. It was near noon when a halt was called in 4 small basin near a lake of water, Here camp was briefly made, and also at the same time an impor- ‘ tant discovery came to hand. A broad trail made by a cavalcade of men: and horses was dis- covered. ; It pointed to the north. Se Sagtoeg ‘it carefully and finally, eri Sits, good tack: friends. That thar trail I believe was made by ther cowboys : an’ it leads to ther hills, Iv’s over three days old, an’ they haven’t come back this way. I should think that the most of their men must be up there, in which case Ranch V. will be Sunoss deserted. Cum on, boys, let’s capture ther hul place.” ; With a cheer the Vigilants sprang to saddle. Soon they were orce more galloping over the prairie, y Not two hours Jater,or in the middle of the afternoon, Harmon drew — his horse alongside the Steam Man and pointing to the south cried: “ Look yonder, Mr. Reade. Do ye see them Aldea of high ground? ! Wall, jest this side ar ther Ranch V.” BE A cheer.swent up from all.” 5 Ny Begorra, iv’s Raneh Ours. it'll be if iver we. ‘get there,” deatdewa arney. = “ Golly, won't dis be a big ’ sprise Barty fo’ dat vilyun Cliff, ” eried p Pomp. ¥ Frank Reade, Jr., held the Steam Man au a steady: sta, and vety goon the raneb came in sight. It was truly 'a most extensive establishment, : The stockade and buildings covered acres of ground, A great herd : of cattle were feeding on the open. plains. : The main ranch itself was surrounded by a high stockade, which would resist most.any ordinary attack with emall arms. As the Vigilants and the Steam Man came tai cults down, a npon the place, & great commotion was seen to take place ei Men rushed out into the yards, horsemen went scurrying, stant S and down came the stockade gate. - Ap But Harmon and his men rode boldly down to the gate, and cs oe a to assail if with axes. oe While Frank Reade, Jr., kept the Stea: Man on an «devanohsy fear, si from which he with Barney and Pomp, covered the work of invasi by @ hot fire with their Winchesters, — 4 The cowboys could not get.apon! the stockade to fire. at the ass ants. for thisreason. |. “ -Harmon’s men therefore worked with perfect ithimainity.: Ms I kin see with great exuberance, 4 1 gate. : ei Ina remarkably briet ‘thon zi 0 ae at Taised. 3 ie
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lo FRANK READE, JR., AND eis NEW S!rHAM MAN. utes every cowboy in the place was a prisoner, and Ranch V. was capt- ured. Walter Barrows, the brave young stockman, was the first to enter the main ranch. The instinct of a lover took him to the chamber in which: Beasie Rodman was kept a prisoner. He burst in the door and clasped the young girl in his arms, That was a joyous meeting. When they ‘appeared in the yard the vigilants cheered wildly. It was a brilliant victory. Ranch V. was captured. The stronghold of the outlaw Cliff, the den of villainy and vice, was captured. It did not require much time for them to reach a de- cision as to what to do. “Byvery building must be laid low!” cried Harmon. to every accursed timber. The ery was taken up and spread from lip to lip. In haste torches were procured. ‘Harmon himself lit the first; and Was about to apply it to a building. But he did not do so. ‘ A thrilling incident stopped him. . A loud cry went np. “The cowboys! they are coming! To .arms everybody! comes Cliff at their heag!” Every éye was turned to the plain beyond the stockade. There was n0 disputing the truth. Cliff and his gang returning from the bills had come just in time. ; It would be folly now to burn the ranch. ° Harmon seeing the desperate exigency dropped the torch, and cried: To the stockade! It's for life or death, boys. Fight to the last!” Bat the command was not necessary. Alread y the | brave Vigilants were at their posis. Cliff with his small army of followers came On at a swinging gallop. He could see that the ranch was in the possession of a foe. » This inflamed his wrath, and, with loud curseg and -yells, he rode down in the van of his fullowers, Frank Reade, Jr., had taken iv the situation at a glance. “Put the torch There He knew that it would be flatly impossible for the score, of vigilants to hold those three hundred desperadoes long at bay. It would mear the eventual massacre of every vigilant. This Frank wished to avoid. The young inventor had ‘induced Bessie Rodman to seek refuge in the wagon. foe again. Frank started the Steam Man ahead, and went down to the stock- ade. He made the vigilantes a hasty address, » “‘ Nothing will be gained by holding this place,” he declared, with force. ‘ You cannot do it. The odds are too great.” “But we cannot surrender,” cried Harmon, | Hs — how can we retreat?” “ Basily enough,” replied Frank, “thereis a rear gate. and cut out upon the prairie.” “But they may overtake us?” : “Tt is your only hope. You'll have to work lively, for they are try- ing to surround the stockade. Tl Gover your retreat easy enough.” Harmon saw that Frank was right. He did not pause to argue the point further. mands he caused his men to fall back. __ The stockade gate in the rear was opened just in time, and the vigi- lants rushed out t upon the prairie. ' ‘They set out at a mad gallop for the distant hills. The cowboys with mad cries followed. But they met with quite a serious obstacle in their pursuit, ; ae Steam Man kept exasperatingly between them and the vigi- ants _ From the rear loopholes of the wagon Barney and Pomp képt. ap a steady fire with the Winchesters, Nearly pide Bs emptied ‘a saddle, and despite their superior num- bers, the cowboys soon found it better and safer to keep well out of range. ‘The pursuit lasted for ten miles. Open it With quick com- Then the horses of both parties ey Pcestns fagged and they were compelled to halt. But Harmon's men, by dint of careful work, got their horses into fo the fastnesses of the hills. Here they felt more secure. ~The Steam Man had well covered the retreat of the vigilants. But _ darkness was now coming on and a serious question presented itself to Frank Reade, Jr. Toremain where they were for the night would be to ineur the risk of a midnight attack from th cowboys. 5 This might result seriously. At least Frank was disposed to evade it. He consulted with Harmon, and the result was an ‘arrangement Which it was believed ‘would be better for all. ‘Iu the fastnesses of the bills Harmon felt sanguine of holdiug his own against the cowboys. . ‘Therefore it was decided that the Steam Man should leave the ha! = cinity and go far enough away over the prairie to make sure of safety ~ for the night. “Accordingly Frank left the vicinlty and sent the Man striding over / the. plain in the dusk of evening. ; ‘There was. no visible indication that the cowboys intended to pur- “gue, They had apparently gone into camp not five miles distant. over ee : i Otherwise, she would certainly fall into the hands of the - and the next moment, with a powerful swing, Frank kept on with the Steam Man until twenty miles had beat We Then ies came to a halt. ats It seemed as if they must feel safe here. ependlnnlys, rangement ; were made for passing the night. ‘3 A comfortable seat was arranged for Bessie Rodman : and, much exe hausted by the fatigne of her experiences, she quickly fell asleep. But tears had wet her cheeks and trembled on s piabsiis cabas Beanie i had told her of her father’s death, : “Oh, I fear it is more than I can “bear,” she declared, in agony “6 spirit. ‘My dear, dear father. Oh, if I were a man), how I wou avenge him!” “There are plenty to do that,” replied Frank, cheeringly, * The vik lain shall surely pay for his evil deeds.” , “I hope it may come to pass,” she said, sincerely. Then she dropped off to sleep. But even as she slept, deadly pe hung over her young and beautiful head. CHAPTER IX. POMP’S MISTAKE. PRANK READE, Jr., felt comparatively safe as he rolled himsel in a blanket and went to sleep. He did not believe that the vi Cliff, would be able to molest them that night. It’ was Barney’s first watch. The Hibernian, until midnight, kept a good lookout in the ca ‘Then he callea Pomp to succeed him. The darky kept a good lookout until the early morning hours. The darkness was ‘most intense. At about this time Pomp experienced a deadiy faintness at thi of the stomach and a great longing for water. His thirst became most consuming, and it seemed as if he mu any eost, gratify it. Bat he found, upon looking in the tank, that it was empty. There was not a gill of cold’ water in the wagon. Pomp grew s with this dampening reflection. “‘T jes’ fink if I had a,bit of watah I would be a’ right,” he mu ed; ‘* but how ebber am dis niggah gwine fo’ to get ‘it, dat’s what ] like to know.” Pomp went to the steel screen and tried to penetrate the ea creek. He could hear them rippling now. It was directly at variance with his orders to open the cage do Yet it seemed to Pomp as if he must do go. The risk did not seem great, : There seemed little likelihood of the proximity of a foe. Pomp felt certain that he could reach the creek, get his drink, get back safely to the wagon. ‘ He was sorely tempted. The desire was most powerful. “Golly!” he muttered, with a wry face. ‘* What.am I gwine fo’ do? E don’ beliebe dar’s any danger ob going out dar, but if Ma Frank knew it he’d fix me putty quick. Sakes alibe! but what chile gwine fo’ to do? Iam mos’ dyin’ fo’ a drink ob watah,’” Pomp thought of awakening Barney and enlisting his aid. But he reflected that the Celt would be certain to disagree “el scheme, P There was no other way but to assume the responsibility hi Pomp drew a deep breath. Then he fell to listening. All was silent as the grave. Sho!” he muttered. ‘“ Dar ain’t 10 danger at all. dat watah as suah as (’'m born.” He quickly slid back the bolt in the door and opened it, Then. he stepped out of the wagon. In another moment he down to the water’s edge. i ' Pomp flung hitnself flat and began to drink of the creek wate But he had not taken. one drink when he became aware of an ing sensation. He turned his head and glanced. back ab the Man, The lantern hanging in the cage showed the Speit door and al plain as day. But, great heavens! What did he see? Dark forms were swarming about the machine. — One wag alread the}wagon. : Pomp saw this much, and then his attention was: claimed by anothe matter. He suddenly felt a heavy body descend - sige him and | fingers clutched his throat. In that flash of time Pomp had turned partly. over. : ‘He was just in time to see the flash of a knife blade. He convulsive upward plow, and grasped the wrist of his unknow Da sailant, ' By the merest chance the death blow had been averted. But it was a close call. t Then with a herculean effort Pomp rolled over the edge of the b he had self and assailent into the water of the creek. The sudden bath caused Pomp’s: adversary to relax his grip. The darky had no further motive for ; ont inuing | ‘the str 1 and striking out swam for the opposite ’ban an Hé clambered out of the wate , and crawled into a. thicket, There he lay st hivering, aud witnessed a ‘Ubrilling- acene ‘ other bank of the creek. ; The occupants of the wagon hi all been aroused, ‘and wer one prisoners, in the power of Cli iff and his cowboys. ; _ The outlaw had managed to cover 1 the. ees miles, ski all ing the trail by means of a dark lantern, ~ 3 ‘He had been: hovering: witl his: ‘minions about the Ste: as Pomp commisted the D nae of leaving i doo
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_ fire-arms far up in the hills. - good drubbing. FRANK READE, JR... AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. O! course it was an easy matter for the cowboys to’board the wagon {| and make prisoners of all.on board. The glee of Cliff was beyond expression. ® He danced and clapped his hands with fiendish joy. He pinched Bessie’s arms until she screamed with agony, and with brutal laughter roar ed: ‘Oh, Til make ye all dance. Ye thought ye’d git away from me, did ye, ‘gal? V'll show ye that ye can’t get. away from Artemas Oliff. Ha, ha, ha! What a good joke.” He laughed uproariously. 4 ‘All mine,” he continued. ‘‘And this Steam Man, this wonderful invention, is just what I want. I can travel around in great style. Obi, Mr. Frank Reade, Jr., Pll dance on your grave yet.” “Monster!” cried Frank, writhing in Ins bonds. ‘* You'll never sueceed. A righteous God will never permit it.” The villain gave his men carte blanclie to make camp and indulge in = cardusal. They did so until daybreak, and then Cliff stated that it was his purpose to go back to Raneh Y. It did not take him long to understand the mechanism of the Steam Man. He quickly found out how to use the throttle reins. He was aided by the fact that he had once been a locomotive engineer. With the early morning light the start for Ranch V. was made. And Pomp, wet and shivering and horrified, crouched in the thicket upoa the bank of the creek, saw the Steam Man and his irtpads, all in the power of the foe, take departzre. When they had gone Pomp came out of his hiding-place. “ Golly!” he muttered, with distended eyeballs, “y jes’ fink dis nig- ger nab done de berry awfulest fing | eber known. Dar am only one way fo’ Pomp to sabe his honor, an cat am to fix some way to rescue Marse Frank an’ all ob de odders, an’ I'll do it if T can.” Pomp was very much in earnest. He was a brave and generous fellow, and willing atany time to sac- rifice his life for his master, In some manner he must certainly vindicate himself. He crossed the creek again and stood upon the spot where the Steam Man had heen. Of course the machine was out of sight by this time, but neverthe- less, Pomp took the trail and proceeded to follow it. Por some hours he trudged on over: the prairie. darky was revolving in his mind some plan for the relief of his friends. He was bound to admit that it was a puzzle. Yet he did not lose hope. Tue hills were every moment peters plainer. aoe ree tive of the twenty miles. Tue darky was a good walker, and no distance was too great for his trained muscles. Toe sun was beginning to run high in the heavens, and a brisk breeze blew across “the prairie. Pomp kept on steadily. The trail kept on toward the hills, and the sagacious darky reflected that. Clif was likely going to join the main body of his men. “J jes’ fink I can see what dat rascal am up to,” muttered Pomp. ‘‘ ie am jus’ too sharp to let de game slip him once he gits his clutches onto it. He am jus’ goin’ fo’ to ‘take de Steam Man to his Ranek V., and dar’s whar dis darky must go an’ try fo’ to work some leetle plan fo’ to rescue Frank Reade, Jr., an? de odders. Dat am a fac’.” With this logicai conclusion Pomp trudged on. He was now on the last five miles of hisjourney to the hills. The ‘gun was long past the noon hour when Pomp, by dint of rapid walk- ing, had made the hills, There was no sign visible of the Steam Man or of the comboys. Bat Pomp saw that the trail continued around the base of the hills. his pnzzled the darkey a moment. He paused and scratched his head in deep thought. “Dat am a drefful queer thing,” he muttered. ‘Dat ain’t de way Already Pomp had to go to Ranch V, if Tse right in mah conjeckshun,” Then he paused, and a light of comprehension broke across his face. A distant pia. had come to his hearing. vy was the faint rattle of « Golly!” he ejaculated, “TI see de trick bb dat berry sharp fox, Arfemus Clif. He am gwine fo’ to gib de Vigilants a good lickin’ _afore-he goes to Ranch Vv. Dat am jus? my bes” way for to jine Marse Har: non ‘an’ his nen, an’ help.dem rant the cowboys.” Pomp’s mind was made up. He would join the vigilants and do his best. to give the Behl) a He at once struck into the hills. c But alas for Pomp! ; * Luck seemed against the darky fer the time being. He had not more than fairly entered a narrow pass when an appalling incident oeetizred. ‘fhe air was suddenly broken by wild yells, and in an instant he was "surrounded by halfa hundred painted savages, who burst from niches: and crevices in the rocks about. They: pounced upon him, and before Pomp had even’ time to think of resistance he was a prisoner. The savages swarmed about him like bees. Words cannot express Pomp’s dismay at this turn. This eyes bulged, and bis knees ahiaok as with the ague, Ste fo’ de good Lor’ dis am dretful!” he groaned. a Tse done fo’ dis time, a an’ dar am Aowedy 1 Tescue Marse bi hes ; Ne { All the while the. iY Ge It was truly a:dubious outlook. The Savages wer of Black Buffalo’s gang of Sioux, and they seemed much elated at getting the prisoner once more into their clutches. They chaitered and gesticulated like a flock of magpies, and some ‘of them approached Pomp with their tomahawks as though they would fain make an end of him then and there. But the others held them back and an excited wrangle fcllowed, All this while Pomp was writhing in bis bonds. In vain he tried to break them. For some while the savages wrangled. Then a compromise was made and Pomp was picked u up bodily, and carried through the pass and into a small glade among some trees. get he was tied to a tree and a great heap of fagots were piled at is feet. With a chill of horror, the darky saw that the savages meant to take his life in a horrible manner. He was to suffer death in. the flames. Pomp felt sick and faint. But ever in that moment he thought not of himself, brave tellow, but of Frank Reade, Jr., and the others. “Golly sakes, whoebber am gwine fo’ to sabe Marse Frank, now?” ° he groaned. CHAPTER X. IN THE ENEMY’S POWER, ArTEemus CuirF shouted in evil glee and triumph as he manipulated the Steam Man and let him out for a swift ran across the prairie. ; He amused himself by racing with his followers who were on horge- ack. “ By jingo!” he roared, ‘this is more fun than I ever had before. Why this beats the steam-cars all to smash, And it’s all mine. Why ace travel like a prince now. Ha-ha-hal I’m the luckiest man on earth.” He turned ard fixed a glowering gaze upon Bessie Rodman. “And ye’re mine too,” he cried, ‘ the lily of the prairie. The happy ife companion of Artemus Cliff. When I get my hands onto Uncles ‘Jim Travers’ millions, we'll travel the world ver, my daisy.” Bessie did not appear to beed his words, fiongt her face increased a trifle in its pallor, “Monster!” cried Frank Reade, Jr., ‘with ‘Gntensity. “You will never succeec. Heaven will not permit it.” ‘¢ Heaven don’t have much to do with me,” cried the villain, — with a lurid ooth. ‘ The devil has been a good friend of mine, and [ ain’t afraid of his place either.” “ Begorra, they wudn’t have ye eyen there,” cried Barney. are too wicked for avin that place:”) : “Oh, bo, Irish, you've got your tongue, eh?” cried Clif, with a vicious laugh. ‘* So ye think I’m too bad, eh?” '** Be me sow], thar cudn’t be a place too bad for yez!” “Pil have a nice little hades fixed fer yer right on this earth an’ a give ye a fair taste of itin advance, too,” said the villain, Nevige- fully. ** Arrah, yez can’t scare me at all, at all,” he retorted. ‘Yer threats are jist the same as a puppy dog’s bark.” Se You'll find that I’m the kind of a “dog that bites,” averred — the villain. “Tt’s not me that cares fer yer bites.” ‘ We'll see about that. Don’t blow your horn too soon.” “ Begorra, that’s good advice fer yersilf, ye blatherskite? Av I _ on'y had me two hands to use now I’d baste the ‘rascality out ay yeu or (’d make a good job fer ther undhertaker.” Talk is cheap,” sneered the villain. ‘‘Ye’d better save yer © wind.’ “I's yersilf as nades itmost,” said Barney, bests to have the last “Yeu word 5 Cif evidently found Barney’s tongue equal to his own, for he aban- fotos the conversation in a sullen fashion, Bessie Rodman made no attempt at speech. - She sat silently in one corner of the wagon, = Frank Reade, Jr., also remained silent. : The twenty miles were quickly covered by the Steam Man. Tt was yet far from the noon hour when they arrived at the camp of the pre« “ey vious night. . The cowbows in full force were there, and as Cliff appeared with the « ae Man, they made the ‘welkin ae with yells of delight and satis- s ‘action. All crowded around to examine the steam wonder and inspect its r mechanism, The prisoners looked out upon a sea of faces. They were not kindly regarded by the cowboys. , “Take ’em out and shoot ’em, Cliff!” cried a voice in the crowd, “Give ‘em twenty’ paces anda graye seven feet deep.” - But Cliff refused to do this. = ; “Leave it to me!” he cried. “I’ve got a better : plan.” peek ‘“ What is it?” was the cry. af ‘*T want ye all to be nat in balf an hour to go. ‘into ‘the hills an’ corner Harmon an’ his gang. There Must not one Ph: the Helene go out ofhere alive.” satrap “Hurrah!” yelled the cowboys. “We can give them the worst thrashin’ they ever had. Ls ‘In course we can.” “Tn regard to these prisoners, the gal is going to be my wife. Tho others [’m going to have some fun with down to the ee wee have a rabbit chase with tei or Something ‘of the kind.” E \
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12 FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STHAM MAN. “Good!” yelled the mob, carried away with the plan. Thus the fate of the prisoners was decided by their captors, But the question of attack upon the vigilants was now the one in order. ‘Preparations were at once made for cornering Harmon and his he- roic little band. y, Several parties of cowboys were dispatched to head off any possible attempt at escape from the hills. ' Harmon’s men were certainly hemmed in on all sides, and it was a most dubious outlook for them. ’ The exultation of the cowboys was beyond expression. «‘ We've got em dead sure!” cried Cliff, triumphantly. ' @h’em can possibly escape.” - The cowboys now began to close the line in about their prey. A pass was found through which the Steam Man was taken, and to @ point within easy range of the position held by the Vigilants. Harmon had chosen an elevated position on a kind of small table- Jand or plateau. : Here behind bowlders he had concentrated his forces. The position was not a bad one to defend. *To charge upon it the cowboys would have to ascend a height of fifty feet or more ir the face of a strong fire. But this sacrifice of men Cliff did not intend to make, at least not at once. _ There were other points of vantage about, which the cowboys quickly took possession of. ‘ From these a desultory fire was kept up with the Vigilants with some loss upon both sides, a But Harmon’s men could ‘not very well withstand any loss what- ever. ‘'Lhis the cowboys \cculd stand better. © The Steam Man, however, could advance to very close proximity _ with the Vigilants, and those on board were safe from any shots of retaliation. | is / This made it bad for Harmon for he had no way of checking this most destructive fire. It was a most galling thing for Frank Reade, Jr., to remain idle and see his invention used in such a manner. He groaned alond with horror and dismay. Barney did the same. *4sOn, if I could only freesmyself,” declared the young inventor. ‘‘ Begorra, I wish I cud do that same,” muttered Barney. ‘‘Not a one Cliff and the three cowboys with him in the cage were doing their® best to shoot every Vigilant who exposed himself. They were thus so deeply engrossed that they paid no specia! heed to the prisoners for the time. 3 ' Barney, quick-witted Irishman, noted this fact. At a favorable moment he leaned over and. whispered to Frank: * Bejabers, Misther Frank, I think I know av a way.to turn the - tables on them blasted omadhouns.” “The deuce!” gasped Frank. ‘ What is it, Barney?” “Whisht now an’ work quiet, me gossoon!” whispered Barney. _ “Vii lay down ferninst the side here an’ yez kin turn yer wrists to- ward me mouth an’ me teeth are no good ay I don’t cut them in two before so very ong.” 4% ‘ Frank experienced a thrill. \ “Gan you do it, Barney?” ~ * Ay course I kin.” j f “But if they see us——” i - Phey’ll niver do tnat. Be aisy now, me gossoon, an’ roight on the shelf there there’s a knoife an’ yez kin cut my bonds at the same , pie Thin we kin take care av ther four avihim, I'll take two mesilf.” a y . And Pm good for tle other two or I'll die!” muttered Frank. ** All rigbt, Barney, do your best.” “Twill that.” %, But at this moment. Bessie Rodman leaned forward, and ina soft _ whisper said; a i *« Wait! There is a soft way.” Frank and Barney were hstonished. i Loe pe know that we are in a tight box?” | might be able to elude them with the Steam Man, but [’ | We're only rough men, ‘Frank picked up a club, and Barney an iron bar. Nobody can | whip ther skunks a good whack at WLONiVONs So soap _! But now the order Barney and Frank Reade, Jr.. were nowmasters of the Steam Man once more. The irrepressible Irishman pulled the whistle valve and sent up a shriek of defiance and triumph. : ‘ Then Frank Reade, Jr., swung open the wagon door, } rf “Throw them out!” he cried; ‘‘all but Clif.” “hor Barney obeyed the command. The three cowboys were quickly: dumped out upon the ground. eee But Cliff was allowed to remain. bottom of the wagon, ae be Frank was about to bind him, when an imminent peril claiming his immediate attention prevented him. ie Nias The cowboys were aware of the turning of the tables in the rt 3) the i, The villain lay insensible in With mad yells they were rushing forward in a body to surre the sabe Man. Unless immediate action was made they would ceed, ‘ ; sate Frank knew well the danger of this move. 2 eM It would be an easy matter for the cowbeys to ruin the invontion by. asingle blow. There was but one way, and that was to beat.a 1 . treat. is Barney seized his repeater and began firing into the crowd of cow- boys. Frank opened the throttle and sent the Steam Man up the In- ‘i cline toward the stronghold of the vigilauts, a7 a Of course the latter had seen and understood all. m4 They embraced the opportunity to pour a flank fire into the ranks of | the cowboys. It was a moment of thrilling sort, but the Stea seemed to have the best of it when a thrilling incident happene CHAPTER XI. WITH THE VIGILANTS. In-another moment the Steam Man would have been in the ran of the vigilants. Dips Tt would have been a great poiat scored, for Cliff would then prisoner and the way to save Jim Travers from the gallows would have been paved, ; ie j But it was not to be. , ‘ wrrig The villain had come to in the meanwhile, but cunning rascal th he was, had laid inanimate in the bottom of the wagon. hg? He had seen all that was going on, and when he saw that the Stea , Man was certain to escape he knew that only desperate action upo ‘his part would save him now. ; oF Accordingly while Frank and Barney were occupied at their pos 5 he made a sudden lightning leap for the door ih the cage. > Unfortunately Barney had not fastened it. rh lee : A little scream of warning came from Beesie, but it The villain flung open the door and sprung out. He tumbled heels over head down the decline. f This was partly done on purpose'to avoid any bullets sent after: Be none struck him, and he was the next moment in the ra 1i8 mens a Say von Frank turned just in time to see the daring escape. Fish The young inventor’s disappointment was so great that he cam near leaving the wagon to pursue the villain. emacs ream ‘‘Begorra, av ther divil,ain’t got clane away entoirely!” cried Barne in dismay. ; “Tm sorry,” returned Frank. Barney, to bolt that door.” . Barney complied with alacrity. “f * Then he was obliged to return to his post, for the enemy wer in the rear. \ its But the next moment tie Steam Man topped the rise. A volley from the Vigilants drove the cowboys back for the tim Then Frank Reade, Jr., brought the machiue to a halt upon plateau. Mages ey Pct : : it - The Vigilants were wild with delight, and crowded about the Man. Frank Reade, Jr., opened the door and descended among the} In an instant Harmon was by his side and had gripped his hand. “God bless ye, Mr. Reade!” cried the whole-souled plain man. “Tyg like takin’ the paw of one brought back from the dead. Do dast it, but J’d given ye up entirely when I see that your Stean was in the hands of that- coyote. It's all like a kind of miracl “T think we may congratulate ourselves,” said Frank, ‘* bu was too late, “But take the precaution no “‘ Nobody knows it better,” declared Harmon. “JT doubt if we pull out of it.” A ; “What kin we do?” Bhs Te racee ‘1g there no avenue open-for retreat?” asked Frank. - . “Not a one.” Nea Se MANS SIE hie Aiea, At a eal “Then we can only stay heré and fight to the last. O that while any of your band are‘left.” : ‘Paps it would be ther best way,” said, Harmon “ At least you could save the gal. It don’t maiter so. , and not a one of us afeared to die. «You are heroes!” cried Frank, with fervor, sert you, I would forswear my honor as a1 will stay here and fight for you until th “Tn course we need your he “eo We'llury ttt -“ Begorra, that wi t bas Walter Barrows and ake is
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‘FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. 13 The enemy are coming. z ‘‘ fvery man to his post. Not one in that heroi¢ little Land bung ©-were'no delinquents. « irue that the foe were coming again to the attack. Of Jeading them they were charging furiously up the hill. « Vigilants stood firm and gave them a raking volley. r 4 moment they wavered. Then once more they came on. voice could be heard as he rallied them, je ye, go on up thar and kill the hull crew of ’em!” he ‘ Don’t let one of them escape alive! Kill ’em, every one, - ', give any quarter!” {see about that,” muttered Frank Reade, Jr. be so easy to do all that, Mr. Cliff.” and Barney, from their position aboard the Steam Man, or a terrible fire into the ranks of the foe. ; i, wow a terrible battle! {ie cowboys were mowed down like grain before the sickle; yet joy Cid not waver, but came on faster. noment they drew nearer the top of the rise. it the sequel would be brief. cowering mascleg would quickly tell the story, and the little ' vigilants would be wiped out of existence, i. wes, without doubt, Cliffs, purpose to give no quarter. A whole- rssacre would be the result. Pio ) igilants were now fighting for their-lives. As well die facing {4 ae with back turned. Every man was resolute in this, , : / yo tremendous body of men swept over the rise and gained the tiem. (na twinkling the Vigilants were surronoded, and it seemed 43 iy oe power would intervene to save them from sure and total ex- “It may If they sur- gu Reade, Jr., took in the situation at a glance, and cried de- f cs we are lost! Our end has come, and we are as good as already!” dean wir = Pomp saw no way out of the awful situation in which he was ‘a its most awful form was upon him. « © «ese fate could not be imagined, © savages piled the brushwood about him, and danced with Seae yells about the pile. ‘omy a have turned pale, he would have been whiter than i tyat moment. Bator alle i, the datky! s fears were even now more for hfs friends for bims' “trolly Massy! he chattered, shivering like one with the aguz. a Dope will be de end ob all dis. Yere Ise gwine fo’ to be be) to death, and Marse Frank in de clutches ob dat rascal Cliff, y to rescue him. .Oh, good Lor’ it am drefful.” : indeed a dreadful thing. i Pomp. was certainly powerless. Higher ‘the brushwood was se, Qe, aad then one of the savages advanced with a torch. iy * moment he had applied it to the pile. fie dry wood burned like tinder. In an instant great flames sprang m vie hey were at the edge of the pile. However, Pomp felt Wels ad Shey would soon each him. | © soor darky was pearly insane With a frenzy of desperation. * savages now began a fiendish dance about the pile. They }». und ran, and swung their tomahawks and inade hideous faces \etim., ie had not ordained that this was to be Pomp's end, while death seemed certain, rescue was close at hand. euly there smote upon the air the ring of horses’ hoofs, and a rp order, followed by the crash of carbines. fell in heaps before that volley. | A panic resulted and the Aent through the smoke Pomp saw the gleam of uniforms, Pi 7 that a body of United States cavalry had happened upon > > just in the nick of time. )>) \ovky was beside himself wlth the realization. -.. ped to break his bonds, and.cried: me, sogers—sabe Pay He am gwine fo’ suah to burn to vo? dion’ sabe him!” , ‘call was not necessar h the smoke sprang ‘two dismounted soldiers: In a twink- »> vurning brush was kicked aside, and Pomp’s bonds. were cut. he darky was face to face with a tall, handsome young 3 tate had been dispersed and the fight was over. » Col, Clark, of, the United States Seventh Cavalry,” sea fe - officer. ‘Who are FOUTS Ty m Pomp!” was the darky’s prompt reply. oy ; ‘icer smiled. at "il, who do you belong to?” : ' yelongs to Marse Frank, Reade, Jr.,” replied Pomp, with. em- Wiese’ “Yee free nigger, but I goes wherebber Marse Brank goes Poe las 2) me.” . Tape visee,” replied the oificer ; ‘well, where j ig your taaster just | ~ ete \ : ally, for : goodness!” eried Pomp, excitedly. tradble, an’ yo”. kin help him out of it.” § this Pomp told Clark all about the eg Man and. their mis- | » the West. : 5) eee nit “He am in a heap : Bb t here they: ‘made a stand and resisted stubbornly. quickly mounted, The young colonel listened with deep interest, and then when ap- prised of the fact that the Steam Man and its passenges. were in the hands of Cliff, he cried, excitealy: ‘By Jupiter! that man Clifl 24 just the chap I am after. Word was brought to the fort some time ago of a den of thieves up here with a rendezvous called Ranch V. Do you know of it?” “ Golly sakes, Marse colnel,” cried Pomp, excitedly, ‘* yo’ kin jest bet I does! Jes’ yo’ find de cowboys and rescue Marse Frank Se he done show yo’ where de Ranch V. are.” ‘+I shall be done if we are able,” said Colonel Clark, He turned to his men who were scattered about the vicinity, haying been engaged in driving the savages out of the valley, But the bugle quickly. recalled them. A spare horse was brought forward for Pomp and then the cavalry- men in solid body rode out of the valley. As they struck the prairie below, the distant sounds of firing came to their ears. It was the din of the conflict between the Vigilants and the cow- boys. Aided by the sounds Colonel Clark was able to gallop straight to the svene, Througli a pass in the hills they reached the plateau. They burst upon the cowboys in the rear just at the critical moment when it seemed as if Htarmoa’s heroic little band was doomed. , It required but a glance for Clark to take in the situation. Whirling his sabre aloft he spurred his horse forward with the thrill- ing command: Xe Forward! Charge!” CHAPTER XII. THE FORTUNES OF WAR. Just at that momhent when utter destruction threatened the brave little band of vigilants the U. S. soldiers came upon the scene, Nothing could “have been more opportime. . , It was the saving of the day., The emotions of all at sight of the gl wees, uniforms may be imagined. i great shout of triumph went up. A yell of dismay came from the cowboys. Then followed the rattling of steel and the flash of sabre blades. Before that charge what force could stand? — ‘Backward the followers of Artemus Clitf were forced. In vain the villain tried to rally them. They would not respond. The odds were too great and they broke and fled in wild con- | fusion. The next moment Pomp dashed up the incline and dropped, from his horse almost at Frank Reade, Jr’s, feet. . “ Bress de Lor’, Marse Frank,” he cried ecstatically. ‘Yo’ am alive an’ well, an’ dis nigger hab bronght, yo’ a rescue aftah all. P’raps yo’ forgib me fo’ leabin’ de Steam Man when I hadn’t ought?” “You are ‘forgiven, Pomp!” cried Frank, lightly. | “I might have - done the same thing myself. I am glad no harm came to you. Thad given you up.” , “«’Deed no, Marse Frank!” eried the delighted darky. | «ey is too bad fo’ to die. Hi dar, lish, I is glad to see > you!” ‘Well, if it ain’t the naygur!” cried Barney, with a wild rush at Pomp. “ Whurroo, its glad | Iam to see yez onct more alive an’ well! Bejabers that’s so!” The two friends embraced warmly. Then Colonel Clark rode up and saluted all. “Tt seems that you’ve been having a bit. of a sqnall here,’ he de- clared, ‘* but at any rate you’ve: vanquished the enemy.” “ With your timely assistance,” replied Frank, ‘But I believa we. are not strangers, colonel.” “Frank Reade, Jr., the inventor!” cried Clark, springing from the saddle and seizing Frank’s hand. ‘* Well, now, I'm glad to gee you. But come to think of it, your colored man mentioned the name of Frank Reade, but I never dreamed that it was you.” “Tt is nobody else,” replied Frank with a laugh. ‘And IT well re- member you.” «© And I do you,” replied Clark, ‘I was. once one of an army com- mission to Visit you and make you an veer ‘for one of your. Inventions’ on a gun.” “ You are right.” bs Big coos 7 “You would not sell it.” , = « No,” replied Frank. “TI do not care to sell any of my inventions, are They are for my own‘use. I will always, however, put them at the disposal of the weak and oppressed.” vite “Truly a noble sentiment,” agreed the colonel, “but IT ‘am anxions to capture this man Ciiff, ‘Bello! what have you there? ‘A ciant in’ jron? One of your new inventions is it? Well, that beats all.” di With this Clark proceeded to make an inspection. of the Steam Man. ap) A great crowd of the newcomers were doing the same. * i Tt was an object of great. wonderment. Frank showed its ea to the entertainment of ail, } But Clif’s men, had not been sa- -easily beaten as the savages, — They had dispersed into the passes and were: ‘somewhat s cal t was necessary to dislodge them as quickly as possible. — ‘Ab any moment they might avail themselvas of the, 5 Woes of war “and turn vietory into defeat. ; 2% So Clark quickly called his men together, | Only a brief rest was all that he would accor. rd the “The bugle sounded ‘boots and saddles,” and ie A plan was quickly outlined between Frank eae, ated and Clark. e } iahesia
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14 ‘FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW This was that the cavalry should pursue aud thorodghly rout the cowboys, even going down to Ranch V to efiect its deatruction. The vigilants were to return home, and the cavalry would see to the punishment of Artemas Cliff. Bunt the Steam Man was to remain at a point below until the return of the cavalry. Tf possible Cliff was to be captured alive and a confession wrung from his lips. This plan had been agreed upon. The vigilants were not wholly satisfied, yet did not demur. Clark and his command dashed away into the hills. The vigilants and the Steam Man started for the open prairie, This division of forces very soon proved to be an unwise and un- fortunate thing. The fortunes of war are proverbial for changes. Strongly intrenched in the hills, Cliff's gang gave the soldiers a disastrous battle. Tn vain the plucky young colonel tried to dislodge them. They fought like tigers, and having the advantage of location, ac- tually decimated the cavalry one half in number. Until nightfall, Col. Clark kept persistently waging the battle. Then he began to think of retreat. But, to his Horror, le found that this was by no means as easy a matter as he had fancied. . The foe had actually clused in upon him, and nearly every avenue of retreat was closed. He was literally surrounded by the foe. My soul!” he muttered, in deep surprise; ‘‘ this is not very good generalship on my part,” What was to be done?” It was plainly impossible to dislodge the foe.» - The little band of cavalrymen were now hardly adequate to cope with the foe in their front. It really seemed sas if Cliff had received reinforcements. The number of his band had in some mysterious manner been increased. Darkness was coming on rapidly. ; Something must be done, and at once. Col. Clark racked his brain for an expediert, Certainly they must extricate themselves from this position, and without delay. were falling every moment about them, and the enemy's line, like a cordon of “death, was every moment drawing tighter about them. | Cold sweat broke out ‘upon the intrepid colonel’s brow. ‘*My God!” he muttered. ‘ What is to be done?” | It was a terrible question. They were literally in a trap of death. Cliff was aware of this, and his men made the air hideous with their yells. Closer they crowded the line. In this extremity Clark regretted having separated himself from the Vigilants and the Steam Man. , ut this error had been made, and it was too late to correct it. But the brave colonel was not long without an expedient. He called out one of his pluckiest ] privates, and said: _ Jason, do you want to undertake a ticklish job?” “Pm ready, sir,” replied the private, with a salute. “You kuow we are in a tight box?” Mee ves Sir” “ We must have reinforcements or the enemy will surely get ie best of us.” «Tt looks that way, sir.” ** Now, I want you to try to get through the enemy’s line. Look fer the Vigilants jand the Sieam Man and tell them to come to our aid. Then ride to the fort as fast as you-can for a fresh squad. Tell the officer in charge to send two hundred mounted men.” “* Very well, sir. ? i “Do you think you can do this?” “TJ will do it or I will not come. back.” Clark knew that Jason meant just what he said. A few moments later the courier for relief slipped carefully into the shadows and was gone. A prayer trembled on Clark’s lips. «1 don’t care tor myself,” he muttered, “but I cannot bear to see my brave boys slaughtered like sheep.” Darkness now thiekly settled down. _ done until the break of day. But the cavalrymen were not in a position to guarantee them much ‘Test, . Few of them dared to sleep, and then it was upon their arms. As the night hours dragged by, Clark paced the ground upon the outskirts of the camp and istened for some sign of the return of Jason. . He knew that it was not possible for the fajthfal courier to return from the fort under two days. But if the cavalry division was reinforced by the Vigilants and the Steam Man they might be able to keep the foe at bay “until the fresh squad should arrive. — Thus the plucky young colonel clung to. hope: ; _._ Time passed. It seemed an age to Clark before a silent shadowy ' form slipped out of the gloom and into the camp. st enh ipciarpt i As it drew nearer he recognized the courier Jason. t >» “Well, my man!” he said, sharply. ‘You are back.” Jasor saluted ‘quickly. _ Where are the reinforcements?” : *T did not tind them. e : ipeye’ “But —did 1 not tell aoe fo find u em?” began the colonel, angrily you it was a premature thing for that colonel to do, ‘to set us aa 80 Of course no fighting could be | Bessie Rodman, had waited upon STEAM MAN, ‘Easy, colonel,” said Jason, respectfully. ‘I think I have doue a _ better thing, sir.” ‘“What do you mean?” - **Jt’s a good ways to the fort. You might be eut to pieces before f could return. Ihave found an avenue by which I think we can es- cape, Clark’s manner changed instantly. “« You don’t mean it?” he exclaimed, excitedly. “What is ii?” Jason drew nearer and lowered his voice in a mysterious manner. ** Just over that pile of bowlders,” he whispered, ‘* J found a nar- row passage through the mountain side. It is almost a cayern, for the top is so closely overhung with bushes. It’s a close squeez9 for the horses, but I think we can ail get through and ont upon Aue prairie before daybreak, 2 Col. Clark was intensely excited. “Good for you, Jason!” he cried, in a joyful manner. ‘+ Arouse- the camp, but do it quietly. Put every man in his saddle within ten minutes. You have solved our salvation, and you shall be pro- moted.” Jason hurried away to dy the bidding of the colonel. In a brief space of time the camp was aroused, | The weary soldiers, worn out with fighting, were only too glad to learn of the possibility of an escape. At once preparations were made to steal a march upon the enemy. The passage described by Jason was found. It was necessary to first pry aside a huge bowlder before passage could be made. Into the passage’ the little band went, and one by one filed out into the valley beyond. So. skillfuliy was the move executed that the foe never dreamed of it. Daybreak came, aud Cliff was furious to find that his intended victims had given him the slip during the night. The cavalrymen had reached the prairie in safety, and galloped away from tiie bills.’ Clark Knew that his only arfd best move now was to return to the fort for reinforcements. He could not hope to do anything with the foe with such a mere handful of men. Accordingly, just as the sun appeared above the horizon, vie little cavalcade, with its shattered ranks, galloped away across the plait. No effort was made to search for the Vigilants. Clark knew that even with their aid it would not be feasible to give battle to the cowboys. Clearly it was necessary to have two hundred more men. The colonel set his lips vengefully. . ; “J will teach that desperado a lesson,” he muttered. ‘He shal! be swept out of existence together with his rascally crew, and before an- other week.” ; On over the prairie they galloped toward the fort. And as they rode, thrilling adventures were the lot of Frank Reade, Jr., and his friends on board the Steam Man. ‘ Let us, therefore, for a time, deviate here and follow their fortunes, ae XU. : THE ABDUCTION. i Cuter Harmon of the Vigilants was not wholly content to. apaeene ig the trail of the cowboys, just here. a He indulged in quite an argument with Frank Reade, Jr. / His remarks were not without logic. ve , ‘* Why, only look at the sense of ‘the thing,” he declared. “ele is by no means possible that the soldiers are going tq have an easy time with Cliff and his men. They may turn the tables on them yet. f teli 4 n quickly.” “Yet he ought to know his own strength,” said Frank, «I Gon’t believe he does.” a “T cannot but feel that she is doing the right thing,” Festal I don’t feel that way.” PS 5 teat ‘* Well, in case of defeat the stigma will not fall upon you.” a ‘C Ah, but that is not the idea We must not let Cliff defeat, ‘them. ; If He does, he will defeat us.” i Fe ** What do you propose?” Bi “T am not going back home yet. We will isitea a. camp down here | on Willow Creek., ° When we learn fora fact that Cliff has been done up, then we will gohome, Until then we are on duty.” : Frank saw that Harmon was right. He extended his hand in said: $ ~**T agree with you.” 3 “T knew ye would,” replied the Vigilant leader. We can do upon our own responsibility. You are to wait for ‘Clark, at a ‘poln below here, I believe?” » a “ Very good. That point ison Willow Creek. iene will | scoonpany 4. you there.” © It was nightfall baoke Willow Creek was feoohee, % The a ae beeai = si ‘ In a convenient spot camp was made, intense in the vicinity. Camp-fires ree made and guards posted. The fires in the furnace of the Steam Man wore ikea} and counants descended and mixed with the Vigilants. { 2 j a men gathered around the. girs and told ‘stories and er jokes, Walter Barrows, the young Vistiant who was so deepl rat the wagon ste they took a lover-like walk down he oe of the cree
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FRANK READE, JR., ‘Noboay saw them go, and it is doubtful if any one would have Bat they were committing unwittingly an act of great risk and folly. * For: unknown to any ip the camp a coterie of dusky savages lurked ‘in the tall prairie grays about. » Barney and Pomp were entertaining the camp with some of their 4 Ge caer stories. _ ‘The plainsmen roared with laugbter until their sides ached. th were comical mokes and were continually playing roots upon ad each olher. Barney had just worked a gag upon Pomp when sud: i Ss the distant crack of a’ pistol was heard. ~ ‘Instantly every man in the camp was upon his feet. - The most intense of excitement reigned, All was confusion. ‘Then one of the guards came rushing in. «There’s a hull jot of Apaches down. yonder,” hecried, ‘ ther grass - is full of ’em and I reckon they’ve surrounded the camp. 3 ‘Steady all!” thundered Harmon, the Vigilant leader. ‘* Who fired that: pistol shot?” J doa’t know,” replied the guard, 47g anybody outside the line?” TR Yes. ” bey Wor” Me Me, _‘* Walter Barrows and the young lady passed me not an hour ago. ; went on down the creek.” “My soul!” gasped Harmon, with white face, ‘‘that was Barrows vistol without doubt, He an’ the gal have certainly fallen into the of ther Injuns. We must make lively work to save ’em.” — . Mey and Pomp had at once desisted in their fun-making, and y proceedad to open the Steam Man’s furnace, f _ The, ‘crack of rifles now sounded all dround the camp. , @ savages, withoul doubt, were drawing their line. closer, and 1; eant if possible to exterminate the little band of Vigilants. a “But i line of defense was then thrown out, and the skulking savages e held at bay. ta desuitory and very unsatisfactory species of warfare waa kept )the darkness, was impossible to tell how to move or where. ‘he eneiny fired from all directions and practically at random. ° of the Vigilants were wounded, and Captain Harmon was . 2 Barn ney had quccoadéd | in naa” up steam once more in the Steam an, and now Fraok Reade, Jr., ‘approached Harmon. e me five men,” he declared, ‘“‘and I will whip the foe for =)" ea ive men!” gasped Harmon. there.” I don’t care if they are.” . A eut———" ‘Will you give me the men?” . Oh, yes, but ——” There’s no time for questions, Captain Harmon. ‘¢ Why, they’re ten to one out Leave it all to All right; Mr. Reade.” By : Harn mon’s orders five of the Vigilants joined Frank Reade. - 6 led them aboard the steam wagon. Then he closed the door _ and | seized the reins which connected with the throttle, ‘te Steam Man gave a shriek loud enough to perforate the ear ; 3 ims of any ohe in the vicinity. Then it dashed out upon the prairie. i effect may be imagined. r jets monster with fiery eyes and all lame and smoke, with clanking thu merous tread § DUNES: into the midst of the foe, was an appari- n caine adequately describe the situation, ra moment the Apaches held their ground. Then, with wild, d yells they fled before the conqueror. n Jess than twenty minutes the vicinity had been practically cleared ’ ag ey retreated toa point below where. their ponies were corralled. j M ounting, they Gashed away to the westward. The ie Man pursned until finding a creek, they escaped for good. . ‘hen the Steam Man returned to camp. Bh jt although the foe had been repulsed; matters were ui bad et ‘h. Valter Barrows and Bessie Rodman were missing. ‘hat they were captives was a forlorn hope. ered was a dreadful fear. Delay was almost fatal in this case. ‘Without loss ‘of time a good teat 1 was put upon the trail of the lovers. — Daylight — breaking in the east, and this enabled him 5 easily - folloe ‘the trai : ai Along the banks of the creek it ran for Henri a fifth of a mile. he t va Mier trailer paused, AND HIS RRO SIE BET SIS SETTING VE LY ETT DT IN TR SFT RR MO PT ORT oF RT Ee A ee ce ‘ nk Reade, Jr., had listened to this report with a sensation of hor- }. de hills afo’ de Steam Man, sah.” That they had been | MEW STEAM MAN. poe 15 Here without doubt was the spot where Barrows had been altacked by the Apaches. There were footprints and marks of a struggle. A rifle g-vilh broken stock, was picked up. ; Tt ig Barrows’ gun,” said one of the. Vigilants. Blood was found upon the ground, but no trace of the bodies. “They have been taken away as captives,” declared Harmon, posi+ tively. ‘There is no doubt of that.” ‘©Or thrown into the creek,” suggested one of the Ak Sr Investigation for a mement gaye the pursuers a thrill of horror, There were footprints down to the water’s edge, and the marks of some heavy body dragged thither. Jn the shallow water, protected by reeds, was a body. For 4 moment all expected to meeopalee Barrows. But all drew a breath of relief. . i It was not him. The body was that of one of the Apaches. Doubtless it was one shot by Barrows, and his body had been thrown into this place to es- cape the notice of the white pursuers, “Thats an Injun trick,” declared Harmon, positively. ‘I’m mighty well satisfied that the captives are alive.” “J hope you are right,” said one man. ««Dittor” said another. “ Then let us take the trail,” eried Frank Reade, Jr. “If possible, we must rescue them.” The question was settled at once, All sprung to sadale, and the rail, which was quite plain, was followed. Across the prairies went theSteam Man, with the Vigilants behind. Of course their horses could not compete with the Man’ on a level stretch, but Frank did not try to run away from them. The indians bore away to a southwesterly course, and soon a Age of hills became visible above the horizon. Harmon made them out as the Black Bear range. “Tf they get into those hills with the captives,” he declared, “ we'll have mighty hard work diggin’ ’em out.” ‘* Why?” asked one of bis men. «‘Bekase, there’s more holes and out of the way dens there than you could shake a stick at,” Barney and Pomp crouched down in the wagon, ‘and kept their rifles in readiness for business, Frank: Reade, Jr., watched the plain abead with eager eye, .but eee the trail was plain there was yet no signs of overtaking the red foe, As they drew nearer the hills it became almost a certainty that the savages had sought refuge there. A long stretch of plain intervened to the hills. This was easily to be inspected with a glass, and Frank did 80. There was no sign whatever of the Indians. All hope was tbus given up of overtaking the redskins before reach- ing the hills. Tt seemed a certainty that they had reached their cayes,‘and the only alternative left was to scour them thoroughly. But when quite near an entrance between high wills, suddenly the pursuers topped a rise in the prairie and were rewarded with a start- ling sight. Just. below, in a depression, was the band of savages, seemingly en- gaged in making camp A small creek ran chide ‘this depression. As is well known, Indians always encamp upon the banks ofa stream. Yet it was a surprise to the pursuers that, they should yen- ture to camp in this open spot. nae sight of their foes’ the astonished redskins were thrown into a tumult. Instantly a mad retreat was begun for the mountains. A wild cheer pealed from the lips of the vigilants. rer Harman settled himself in his saddle and shouted: “Forward, all! Charge!” With a yell the Vigilants put spurs to their horses and made for the Indian encampment. Frank Reade, Jr., started ‘the Steam Man ona cireuit to head off thie savages. } Fi But as he did so Pomp clutehed his arm. : : sane “Hi dar, Marse Frank!” cried the darky. ‘*Does yo’ see dat little — 3 party ober dar making fo’ de hills?” Frank did see them “Yes,” he replied. : oe Well, dat am Missy ‘Bessie an’ her lover jes’ as suah as yo’ inns } bo’n, Marse Frank, an’ dar am half a dozen Injuns Jes’ holding orto de bridles ob der hoases. I makes it out, sah, dat dey fink dey kin so ss $ “By Jupiter, you're. right, Pomp!” cried Frank, wii bh inspiration. — ‘But we'll try and spoil that little game.’ “ Dat’s right, Marse Frank!” cried the darkey. “I jes’. fink de Man kin. obertake dem hosses suah enuff.” Frank seized the reins and pulled oper the throttle. — As the Steam Man went forward with his tactty: stiiae Reale’ opened the whistle valve and let out a mighty sbriek of such loudness ae that the echoes were ea a hundred fold in the recesses of Mle Fits hills. i ext : a ei wa se. BN F x. E 4 = CHAPTER XIV. . IN HOT poRsuIT. oly Ls, Tue parity of savages ait the gwo captives in their midst, ovis :
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) Orack! , tackle,’ We shoulder. , ro It’s only two to wan, Misther Frank.” - “You're right, Barney!” cried Frank, with enthusiasm, ‘ but the ! 24 i ‘Barney, peering around the edge of the cliff wall. “ay them there'll be a job for the coroner, bad cess to thim.” Temained strictly under cover. : i Le FRANK READE, JR., AND. HIS NEW STEAM MAN, dently intended to reach the hills, if possible, before being overtaken by the Steam Man. At first Frank had fancied it easy to cut them off. But there were several depressions in the prairie which the Man had to circuit, and the distance was greater than Frank had really dreamed of. Like a runaway locomotive the Steam Man raced over the plain. The vigilants were having a running fight with the savages, But Frank Reade, Jr., was doomed to disappointment. He failed to cut off the band of abductors, and they vanished from sight in a deep pass. ‘Tt was too rocky a trail for the Steam Man to follow. Villains had the best of it. ‘Golly sakes, Marse Frank!” cried Pomp, ‘‘dey done git away wif dem prisoners fo’ suah.” “Jt looks like it,” agreed Frank, in a baffled tone, ‘* but there ought to be some way to cut them off.” “« Begorra, there’s only won way,” declarec Barney. “What is that?” «Let the naygur sthay with ‘the man, an’ you an’ I will go afther the divils a-foot,” said the Celt. ee a moment Frank entertained no hopes of the success of such a plan. Then he glanced back to the prairie where the vigilants and the Indians were having their battle. It was nip and tuck between them, but Frank saw that the vigilants were fast getting the best of it. Not more than half a dozen of the’savages had the captives in charge. To be sure, the odds were three to one, yet Frank believed that with the plucky Barney’s help, they could defeat them’ To think with Wrank Reade, Jr., was to act. ‘ He did not waste time, but seizing a rifle, cried: Thus far the ‘Your idea is a good one, Barney. We will act upon it. Pomp, keep |. ‘a sharp eye out for ¢ danger untill we return.” : Aright Murse Frank, ” replied the faithful darky. Barney, delighted that Frauk had seen fit to adopt his plan, Was quickly ready and they left the wagon, The Indians, to be sure, had the start of them, but the pass was rocky and it was hardly ee that they would succeed in getting a great lead, ! Swiftly the two rescuers pressed forward. They climbed over piles of bowlders, crept through narrow defiles, and climbed high steeps. It seemed that progress must be slow;for the ponies of the Indlans, and they should be overtaken before long. Suddenly Barney paused with a sharp ¢ ery. He seized Frank by the arm and pulled him back into the cover of an angle in the monntain wall. He was nove too soon. The crack of rifles smote upon the air and the shower of bullets came down into the pass. nah Bejabbers, I saw the spalpeens just in the nick av time!” declared : i “Av Thadn’t we'd have been dead gossoons as sure as me name is Barney.” ** You're right there!” cried Frank, slipping extra cartridges into his rifle; ‘* that was’a close call.” sf Indade it was.” “7 had ho idea we were so near the rascals.” “« Bejabers, 1 didn’t mesilf till I see the top-knot, avy wan of thim over that ridge y ae tn R22 ‘““They are ready for us, then.” “ Bejabers, and we're ready too. If liver get a bead on any wan “Where are they? I can’t see their position very well.” ‘ Aisy, Misther Frank,” said Barney, ‘‘ they’re hiding up yonder fist terete that big serub av an oak on the edge of the cliff.” Frank looked in that direction. Suddenly Barney gave a sharp cry. ‘* Whurro!” he yelled, Quick as a flash his rifle want to his shoulder. A yell of agony rang through the gorge. Then down over the cliff tumbled an Indian almost at the Celt's feat. - The bullet had pierced his skull and his final account was settled, - **Good shot, Barney!” cried Frank, ‘* that only leaves five for us to Then quick asa flash the young inventor threw his rifle to his Crack! Another yell, a death ‘ery went up on the ie of the defile. “ Bejabers, that’s only four av the divils left,” chuckled Barney. odds are yet too great,” ‘The: outlook now was ‘certainly encouraging for the rescue of the prisoners. ; But the two rescuers knew better than to essay an open attack. ‘The Indian method of warfare was in this case far the best. They. All was quiet on the bluff above. ; “But {t was not by any means likely that the foe were inactive, The great danger now was that they would continue to slip igre { leeper into the hills and reach some inaccessible hiding place. _ Our pagcuers waited ag long as Pa consistent with safety. ‘| any where. around. Then Frank said: : ‘I think we'd better make a break, Barney.” All roight, sorr,” replied the Celt. ‘* Do yez think it safe?” “We must use caution. It may be possible that they are trying fo draw us from our hiding place.” ** So I thought, sorr.” “* Again, they may be far into the hills by this time, We will gain nothing by staying here.” “All roight, sorr.” Barney began to sean the side of the cliff. A path was not visible Yet the Celt did not believe it impossible to climb to the top. Tt this paula be done they might then succeed in getting upon level ground with the foe and escape the risk of their bullets. Krank devined Barney’s purpose and said: “JT think we can climb it, Barney.” Bejabers we'll thry.” Barney had just got his hands and feet into niches in the cif when a starlling sound came up the pass, = = : ‘% Hark?” ‘¢ What is it?” The tramp of ponies’ feet could be heard and the distant bafiled yells of savages were walled up on the breeze. “The Indians are coming up the pass,” cried Frank, with dismay. ** Barney, there’a not an instant to lose.” * Begorra, yea are roight,” cried the Celt, beginning to make his way up-the. cliff. ’ It was a smart climb up the steep wall, but it was safely mado at ength. They were now on level ground with the four captors. But a care- ful reconnoitering of the vicinity showed that they had left. > In the lujl in the conflict they had slipped away into the hillp. But Barney took the trail and they went forward again in parsuit, The sounds of the the foe coming up the pags in their rear, however, every moment bevame plainer. But fortunately, just at a point where the trail diverged deoudt inte. the hills, the foe must bave turned in another direction for very 300n the sounds died out. ‘‘We have nothing to fear from them,” cried Frank, with a breath of relief, ‘*They have gone in another “direction.” Very soon the hills began to merge into a deep valley. this there ran a swift stream. - As Frank and Barney entered the valley. Barney shouted; ‘ Be me sowl, there be the spalpeens now.” ‘* Where?” asked: Frank. , Jist down there ferninst that grove of trees, Misther Frank.” 4 Sure enough.” } “**The four savages and their ceptors were plainly seen on the banks of the creek. They were just in the act of embarking ina ‘canoe. Frank saw that he must act quick if he would prevent this. So he said, sharply: Through “Go to the right, Barney, I will go to the left, and we must head them off,” s+ All right, sore. iy Away went Barney on the mad run. the canoe into she water, They saw him coming and a yell was the signal. The Maclin were hustled into the light craft and it was pushed ‘out from the shore. Down into the current it went, There was no time to lose. The savages had ee Say got . Frank Reade, Jr., came to a stop and raised his rifle. Tt was a dag me ‘perate chance but he took it. A quick aim, a bead skillfally drawn on one of- the paddlers. and——” Crack! A wild Indian yell went up and the prow of hs canoe awang iB The shot had been a Over into the water went the doomed savage, good one. But the canoe was at the moment at the head of some swift rapida, The next moment it was racing down them, and RaEing a bend it» the stream vanished from view. Frank had not time to draw another bead before it was out of sight, and when it reached the lower level and came into view ae it was out of range. Barney came along now and shouted: ‘* Be jabers, yea did well, Misther Frank. That was a beautiful shot, There’s only three av ther red divils left.” This was true, but the three.savages seemed likely to elud their pursuers after all, The canoe was mayne down the stream, and fast nearing, a doiile in the hills. If it should enter this, there was little doubt but that the fugitives: 7 would make their escape. - i¥ ae Frank and Barney saw this in the same moment. “‘Begorra, Misther Frank, we must cut the divils: off ” erled the Celt. y “Forward, then!” eried rank, ~‘Is there not a short cat?” - Both looked for this, In the same instant they espied foley The creek took a long turu, and by cutting directly across aamead- ow the two | pursuers saw that the; fi mer Accordingly they. started forward on the run, a 4 fro binge “y ald dee to out off the Lani ndian captors saw ete move ai ouce, and an ser 8 Pia } &
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FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. 2” vt . Ne “One of them rose in the canoe and took quick aim and fired. “Listen!” : His acute ear had caught the sound of horses’ hoofs coming up the defile in their rear. “By thunder!” ejaculated Harmon, with sudden terrible compre- hension, ‘‘ we are trapped!” The men gazed blankly at each other. Nothing was more apparent. The Apaches under the shrewd Red Bear had “certainly very cleverly outgeneraled them. Led into the defile by one division of the Apaches, the other had proceeded. to block up the cise and thal literally the he eg were in a trap. There was not the advantage in Haig afoe in this manner that’ ; there was in having him wholly i in the front. To be attacked both front und rear would demoralize ‘even the largest and bravest of armies. Harmon was completely taken aback. “ Wall, Lswan!” he exclaimed, with earnestness, ‘ [never believed an Injun could beat me in any such. way as that. But we are in for it, boys, an@ no mistake. We've got to fight hard.” The savages in front were keeping up a raking fire, : Those in the rear had now drawn near enough to also open* fire. The fun had begun, But tlie brave band of white men had no thought of fear or of re- treat. They.at once, by Harmon’s direction, sought safe places of cover and proceeded to return the fire. Every time an Indian’s top-knot showed above the fringe of rocks, it was made a target of. ’ Thus, thé battle was kept up for over an hour. *y Then an idea occurred to,the inventive mind of Frank Reade, Jr. / He had carefully examined the face of the pass. . In doing se ks had discovered what looked like a feasible foot path over the cliff. At once he called Harmon aside and explained a plan to him, 7) “T think we can defeat the sal is easily in this manner,” ‘ia de-— clared. ‘*Give me five men and I will guarantee a surprise for them.” “Mr. Reade, take what force tte need,” declared the vigilant. leader. ‘‘T have full confidence in your ability to do as you say. May you succeed.” Frank at once selected five men from from the troop. = Then with Barney he led the way cautiously up the path, : Fortunately, it was overhung with foliage to a large extent, so that they were hidden from the view of those in their rear. In a few moments a position’ near the brow of the clif had been. reached. Then Frank’s surmise was verified. The little party could look down upon the heads of the savages,’ Its was an easy matter to pour a volley amongst them with most gemora- : lizing: effect. . Frank sent one of the men back down the cliff, to give ‘Hermon the cue when to make a charge. ‘Then ata favorable moment Frank gave the order to fire, ; se ‘Six repeating rifles’ were turned upon the savages, and as fast ag ag they could be worked, they were engaged in ai, a bead down upon the heads of the éxposed savages. % ; The effect was startling. | oe ets The savage is never the one to stand i in open eld wie Bsht. Atonee | a panic seized them. ‘ ay cee the moment for = change, and ‘Barmon’s men. rased ward. + ; Up over the rocks hey went. In << iia he savages : bl a their entrenchments and ‘utterly routed, and comple ispersed, Frank Reade, Jr., and ‘Barney saw their epportaniy, and ru in chat 1. eet - In a moment the “girl captive w vas free once more and amo friends. The two _ fled Jor: ‘heim ia eRe WB ‘.
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P18 FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. ’ All this had happened in a twinkling of an eye, comparatively speaking. But the fight was not over. The force in the rear were coming to the attack. But Harmon’s men were now in a position to command the defile. A quick, sharp conflict ensued, and the Apaches were driven back with great slaughter. The vigllants had thus far the best of it. The enemy had been routed, and Bessie Rodman rescued. Only one other thing now remained to be accomplished, and this was the rescue of Walter Barrows. But even as the question was being discussed a loud cry arose, and the next moment a batless, blood-stained young man came dash- ing down over the cliff and fell aie pt ae in the midst of the vigi- _ lants. It was Barrows. In the midst of the fight the plucky young plainsman had succeed- ed in breaking his bonds, and after a desperate fight with two of his captor, had made his escape. Everybody extenaed congratulations to the young couple, and then plans for the future were discussed. It was not certain that the savages would not retnrn to the attack. But’a report was brought in by. a number of scouts sent out that the Apaches had withdrawn from the field entirely. It was therefore decided to go back to Willow Creek. It was not known whether Col. Clark had been victorious with the cowboys or nor. ca Until this question was settled Harmon had no idea of returning me. “Until Cliff and his gang have been wiped out of existence,” he declared, ‘* shall not give up ther chase.” Frank and Barney were anxious to return at once to the Steam Man and Pomp. _ They were,-by no means, assured that the darky was safe or that he might not have got into trouble. Accordingly the start was at once made for the prairie. Down one of the defiles the vigilants rode. Coming out into the little valley they crossed this and entered the pass. . But they had not proceeded.a hundred yards into the pass when one of the advance scouts came rushing back and gave a thrilling report. “Ther cowboys are coming up ther pass!” he cried. ‘ Thar’s a host of em, and Art Cliff is at the head of ’em.” “The cowboys!” gasped Harmon. The greatest excitement ensued. “My soul!” exclaimed Frank Reade, Jr., in dismay. been defeated!” ‘* Bad luck to the omadhouns!” “But what of Pomp?” exclaimed Frank with alarm. ought at once to ascertain where he is.” “To be shure, Misther Frank,” agreed the Celt, ‘‘but how in the name ay all the saints are yez oie to do it? Be jabers, ae cows boys have got us cornered.” In a very few moments a large sized battle was in progress in the pass. “Clark has’ ‘' Barney, we rs | CHAPTER XVL POMP MAKES ACTION, Now let us return to Pomp and the Steam Man, whom in the detail of the thrilling adventures just chronicled we have neglected. The darkey entertained ROR like fear at being left alone on _ board the Steam Man. _ Indeed, be rather Fayed the responsibility thus put npon him. He could occasionally hear rifle shots from the hills, which assured him that Frank and Barney were making it hot for the savages. Golly!’ he muttered. ‘I jes’ reckon dem Injines givde worstest ob dat fight. Ki dar, if dey amn’t comin’ dis yer way. I spee’sI bet- r move.” ‘This was true. The Indians had heen driven before the vigilants, and ene for ; the hills were coming straight toward the Steam Man. It was evident that, they meant to enter the hills at this point. ~ Pomp knew that it would be folly to remain where he was with the | steam Man. The savages miglit ruin the machine as he could not hope alone to id theph at bay. a he opened the throttle and started away with the Man. He kept on until satisfied that he had reached a safe point. eanwhile the Indians reached the pass and entered it. \ _ The vigilants, however, did not seem in a hurry to pursue. They remained on the battle ground for some while looking after their dead | pand wounded. When they did start for the pass Pomp had returned.and was there | stationed. ee eer came up the darky put his head out of the screen door and oute: ; od fo’ yo’, Marse Harmon, Jes yo’ gib dem Injuns a good lek 1 luck. reckon yo’ kin do it.” 3 a adds 4 reckon we can, Pomp,” replied Harmon. Tt Boas woh Marse Frank, jes tole him fo’ me, dat his carriage am aitin’ fo’ him. Will yo’?” _ Harmon replied that he would and rode away laughing immoderately. The vigilants all vanished up the pass. It seemed ages after they gone, when Pomp received another great surprise. ‘At least we'll try Suddenly, hearing the clatter of hoofs he turned his head, anv Seri: ; tinized the prairie. A thrilling sight met his gaze. There, coming over a aweil in the plain was a body of horsemen, It required but a glance for the darky to recognize ghem. They were the cowboys with Artemus Cliff at their head. were riding directly down upon the Steam Man. " ' They ™ They were just coming from the scene of their victory over Clark. - Pomp’s eyes stuck out like agates and he sprung to his feet. “Glory fo’ goodness!” he gasped. ‘Dat am Cliff and his de bone, I jes’ reckon I get out dere way.” In an instant he opened the throttle and let the Steam Man race out upon the prairie. a + The cowboys gave a wild yell, and attempted pursuit. | But they vould not keep anywhere near the Man, and finally aban~ doned it. With baffled yells they returned and disappeared in the pass. ‘Golly, dat am a berry bad fing for Marse Frank af’ de cders,”* muttered Pomp. Dey will neber be anticipating de comin’ ob dem rapscailions, an’ dat will make tings berry bad, indeed.” The darky at once began to wax ‘anxious as to the fate of his friends. He began to feel as if it was very much his duty to enter the hills and render what assistance he could. j But what was to be done with the Steam Man? Pomp reflected that he might take it with him if he could only find some way of doing so. és To attempt to traverse the rocky Pass wus out of the question x The darky was in a quandary. Soon he heard the sounds of firing. great distance, either. Pomp could hardly contain himself. the cage like a prisoner in his cell. **Ob co’se, I-has Marse Frank’s ordahs to stay yere,” he muttered, | | **but it am evident dat Marse Frank needs all What ebber I kin do, I jes’ don’ know what.” The darky sat down and began sober reflection. The battle was on, and at no He walked up and down in — He was a shrewd fellow, and as a result he was not long in‘formulat- _ Ming @ plan. ‘he sprang up: finally. ** By golly, I'll jes’ do dat fing!” he cried, finally. fing I kin do.” He opened the throttle and started the Steam Man along the base “‘Tt'am de bes’ of the hills. With keen eye he studied the possibility of entering * them. By the pass it was impossible. be difficult to find another means. Nor was he disappointed. At a certain point the hillside was shorn of trees and bowlders. It made a smooth surface even over the brow of the height. As the Steam Man was provided with power to climb any height of te this sort, Pomp at once set his course up the height. Up went the Steam Man with prodigious strides. Nearer the top he drew. Pomp had no means of knowing ‘Wheiier’ it would be possible to go futher or not. But his best hopes were realized upon reaching the summit. Down a gentle incline the Steam Man went, and through a scattered grove of trees, and came out into a valley deep in the hills. The sound of firing was now quite plain, Indeed, as Pomp guided the Man ‘aan into the valley, he saw the poses smoke of the conflict in the pass, just a short way up the val- ey “By golly!” muttered the darky, joyfully, ‘I reckon dat I get dar jes’ in de bes’ time. Won’t Marse Frank be glad fo’ to see me!” But at that moment a startling thing occurred. The Man was traveling slowly, when just as the bottom of the in- cline was reached, two powerful Savages sprung out of the grass and seized the throttle rein. Pomp was so taken by surprise that for 2 moment he could not act. ; The pulling of the rein closed the throttle, and the Man came to a alt. Pomp could not use the rein to open it again, and bad there been more of the red foe, the Steam Man would have been at their merey. But there were only two of tnem, and while one held the rein the other easayed to hack his way into the wagon with his tomahawk. Pomp acted with the rapidity of thought. . G’way from dar yo’ red imp!” he yelled, picking up a aesie “Tf you don’t I'll jes’ bore a hole in yo’. But the red man did not desist, and Pomp, springing to a loop- nce fired at him. 5 The bullet went true to its aim, aad the Indian fell dead. The other savage seeing the fate of his companion let out a balled | yell, and relaxing his grip on the valve rein fled precipitately. Pomp did not take the pains to fire at him, but coolly picked up the valve rein, opened the throttle and the Steam Man went on, -) Straight for the scene of the conflict at the mouth of the Pass Pomp went. When he came-upon the scene he found a thrilling, and sanguine conflict in progress. atin At sight of the Steam Man a cheer went up from the Vigilants. In a moment Frank and Barney were aboard and shaking Vie with Pomp. f ; The situation was quickly explained. eer , I thought mos’ likely yo’ would want de Steam Man, ‘Marse Frank, ” an ‘ b said the faithful darky. ‘So I jes’ fetched him ober to yo’.”. “You have done well, Homby: said Frank, joyfully. ** Of Of course, g a j Net e help dat he ¢an get. But he imagined that it would not
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FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. 19 ures our safety. With the Steam Man we would easily es- cowboys. But it will never do to leave these brave Vigil- their mercy.” 2 co’se not, Marse Frank,” cried Pomp, seizing his rifle. “‘ Jes’ ll show dem dat to “Ob , et dis chile draw a bead on dem rapscallions. p kin use a rifle.” he Steam Man was placed in the van of the line of battle. ‘otected as they were by the impervious sereen, those on board uld fire with advantage at the cowboys. _ The battle was a hot one, but every moment the cowboys slowly zined ground, sh Vhat was worse, the ammunition of the Vigilants seemed to be i out. ith plenty of ammunition, it was possible that the Vigilants ld have held them at bay for a long while. sit, of course, when the ammunition should give out, the battle ld be ended. } : i ee ced, but determined, the brave plainsmen stood their und. fot a man of them thought of retreat. All were prepared to give eir lives like heroes. : ; ‘There sesmed no way of getting out of their present desperate ituation. f Wats To retreat was about equa] to an Se Some eoyeupon the open plain where they would be for it would be shot down like situation was an awful one. it, I don't keer for myself,” said bluff Harmon the vigilant but some of the boys have families dependent on’em. Ah, of a Cliff has sins to answer fer.” are right,” agreed Frank Reade, Jr. Le getting out of this scrape.” ‘*But there must be ertainly.” “The fort is too far off. Ah!” “The cavalry.” ut they may have been all wiped out.” Very true. Well, we must die then like men. But, Mr. Reade, eis no reason why you should not take the girl in your Steam d make your escape.” Ix placed a hand upon the ae captain's shoulder, s!” he said, briefly. ‘‘I could do that.” en doit. We will hold the foe at bay until—” There is just one forlorn. hope.” ae mon looked his surprise. udo not know me,” said Frank Reade, Jr., determinedly, you think I would desert you in this hour of need ?” 3 at" ever! If you diesodowe. Until the last the Steam Man will ‘stand his ground.” hae _ With tears of emotion in his eyes Harmon gripped Frank’s. hand. *\ od bless you!” was all He could say. h Agonis moment one of the vigilants came up excitedly. has come at last.” “Weare just firing the last cartridges,” he declared. me dn one and all. The crisis has come. Now let us show them back. ithe rear and a mighty ery went up from the throats of the e ‘CHAHTER XVI ~ inforcements. “What wedo? Isit a retreat, Harmon?” Retreat!” cried the vigilant leader, clubbing his rifle, “ Never! how brave men candie.” : Z % ’ ae cowboys with their wild cheers were forcing the crippled vig- tj even in the moment of their victory a strange'sound came ants. irrah! We are saved! Rescue 4 ONCE MORE IN THE ENEMY’s PowmR. Tr had been Col. Clark’s firm intention to return to the fort for re- was a long ways, but he did not reckon this. He thought only Fsecuring a sufficient body of men to cope successfully with the s. tin," ise they rode the little remnant of the squad for the far distant bs 4 y But after a night had been spent in camp, just as the bugle called yoots and saddles.” one of the guard sighted a body of horsemen coming over a swell in the prairie. ah e alarm was given and Clark rode out to investigate. ie glance was enough and a cry of joy escaped his lips. rrah !” he cried.“ Wearein luck. It is Romaine’s company one hundred men. Forward all!” s th cheers the little band rode out to meet the reinforcements, e command had been sent out under Captain Romaine to search Clark and his men. pte : : “The two ofticers shook hands and explanations were made. “You have come just in the nick of time, Romaine,” declared . ‘We can now return and whip the cowboys.”3 : you, colonel!” declared the captain with a salute. Ve are with ing for some hot work.” boys are ite = The ‘steed ; eel. I will promise it to them,” laughed Clark, as he took com- mand a At once the cavalry set out at full gallop for the hills. eémed like a strange fate that guided them almost to the very ene of the conflict, — e firing was heard lo ed his men forward. at once threw them into ng before the pass was reached, and Clark the pass in the rear of Cliff's gang. - ae { vce! ee r . : It was an opportune moment, too. : Just as the last cartridge of the vigilants was useg the cavalry struck the rear of the cowboy gang. e Instantly a panic seized Clifi’s men. They made a brief’ stand, and then were driven up a side defile into the hills. Here they made a stubborn stand. The cavalry literally cleared the pass, and riding through came -into the midst of the vigilants. The,scene which followed baffles description. In amoment Clark and big Harmon were shaking hands with the deepest emotion, ““ Ye came jest in the nick of time, Clark,” declared the vigilant chief. ‘In ten minutes more we might have all been. dead men.” “Then we are in luck,” cried the colonel, ‘for which I am very glad. Ah, Mr. Reade, Iam glad to see you.” “The same,” replied Frank, as he felpped hands with the colonel. Then Clark rode away up the defile to see what was going on there. He found the fiercest kind of a battle in ik ee. themselves once more an stand. The cavalry outnumbered them, but they were in a very advan- tageous position. The best efforts of Clark’s men would not suffice to dislodge them. For a long while the sanguine battle went on. * In vain Clark tried to eject them from their position. est efforts met with failure, Thee The intrepid colonel knew that if he could get the foe into the open he could hope to whip them. But_as it was it looked certainly as if his plucky little band would be badly decimated in the accomplishment of the desired end. _In this quandary Frank Reade, Jr., appeared upon the spot. The young inventor had borrowed a horse of one of the vigilants and _rode up to see how the fight was goingon. Mir cre colonel,” he said, greeting Clark, ‘how are you making ou ; ‘Not as well asI could desire,” replied the colonel in a manner,’ ‘What is the matter?” “Why, I can’t drive the rascals.” ° “Why not? . aa The cowbo; were making a bold His bravy- “They have a position up there in the hills which is unassail- able.” “J disagree with you,” said Frank, quietly. ‘‘ Iam nota military. ut Tam aland surveyor and I tell you their position on ~ engineer, that hill is not of the best.” Clark was staggered, . - Why, it is the best position about here,” he declared. “No,” said Frank, gravely. ‘* Yonder is a much better position.” He pointed to a hill to the right, and which the one upon which the cowboys were seemed to overlook. ‘ ; “ What—try to command the foe from that hill?’ cried Clark dejected — scornfully. ‘' We would only ee ourselves, and they would © sweep us from it like chaff before wind.” ** No, they wouldn't.” * Now, hill upon which they are is higher than this one.” “It may be higher in the number of feet,” replied Frank, “ but not in advantage of position.” ; ““ How do you make that out?” ~ 2 yah Z af is easy enough to see. The top of this hill is smooth, is it not?” 2 “ ie ” “The top of theirs is craggy and they cannot climb up toit. Their, position is far from the top. A position on the top of yonder hill will easily look down into their ease j Clark was surprised, but he saw the logic of Frank’s remark, ee By Jove!” he cried. “* Perhaps you are right,” “JT think you will find that I am. “ But I would have taken tion around here.” : i ‘Well, that would seem to be really so, for the hill itself is higher. Yetitis but an optical delusion, ; * <a lark extended his hand to Frank. “Mr, Reade,” he cried warmly. ; : my mistake. Perhaps your opportune suggestion may enable us to whip the foe.” ¢ estly. : r ay feel that it is, and I shall at once proceed to take the hill. ~ Clark at once proceeded to do this, By his command his men moved up the back side of the hill. Aan : This protected them from the bullets of the cowboys, my oath that they had the highest posi- - r. Reade, what is the use for you to talk that way? The — “You are right. /l acknowledge ~ “Tf it is of any value, I am highly pleased!” said Frank, mod-_ Arrived at the top of the smooth hill, it was found that Frank — Reade, Jr., was right. They were enabled to position. y ae “ Hurrah!” cried Clark, jubilantly, “ that means victory.” st ac goles, was given the astonished cowboys. They returned ill effect. : ee The tables were exactly turned upon them, and they were not slow to see the point. Spi SE dont look right down upon the cowboysin their A red-hot fire was kept up for some little time, but the cowboys no longer held the advantage. i , Tadest it began to look muchly asif they were to be driven from their position. ; : isu" Suddenly all firing ceased. shot. once order a charge. © La Shee But finally he became convinced that the cowboys had evacuated their position and had made a retreat. _ cen See ote Flushed with victory Clark ordered his men to. charge. t ‘ ‘ The cowboy gang were not in sight, nor did they fire another | ¢ Clark feared a stratagem or some fatal decoy, and dared not ab Mi
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20 FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STHAM MAN. Up the slope they went with fixed bayonets. But when’they cleared the top of the intrenchments, hastily thrown up by the cow- boys, it was found that they had gone. - hey had departed quite uncéremoniously and completely. Not an article of any kind was left behind. Indeed it also became a mystery as to the course taken by them, Not a sign of a trail could be found. It bafiied the cavalrymen. “By Jupiter!” exclaimed Clark, in disgust, “how are you going to fight such a shadowy foe. If they would only come out lilke men. and fight it out it would be all right. But they don’t dare do it.” “You would whip them,” said Frank Reac de, Jr., with a laugh. “That is why they are playing. hide and seek.’ “J suppose so, but it makes it pretty hard ‘for me. I suppose the a course now "is to send out scouts and scour the hills.” s Ail eke. I will do it,” “J hope you will succeed.” “Thank you. I will do it or die.” ‘That is a good resolution.” “Well, I mean it, every word of it.” poWith this Clark ordered his men to horse, and the quest at once eae did not bélieve that he could be of further service just now, so he decided to return to the Steam Man. -Mounting: his horse he rode down through the defile. Ina few moments he reached the spot where the remnant of the brave Vigi- lant band were. There was the Steam Man intact, but Frank saw ata glance that something was wrong ahout the camp. Hyerybody appeared to be aa aN excited. Young Barrows was seen wringing his hands and rushing about madly. Frank sent his horse forward rapidly. Barney saw him. coming and ran ores to meet him. ““Och hone, Misther Frank!” he cried. Be exclaimed Frank, reining up his horse, + what is ‘the matter?” “Sure, somethin’ terrible has happened since ye went away.” “Well, what is it ?” Ke Shure, sor, the young lady, Bessie, has gone, sor, an’ divilfa wan ay us kin foind her any where.” ** Bessie Rodman gone ?” gasped Frank. ‘Can that be possible?” » ef ee sor, itis, an’ faix they all do believe that the divils av cowboys, be the orders av Artemus Cliff, have gob her agin.” ss Great heavens!” cried Frank, with horror, ‘ how on garth could they have done that? Is there not enough of you here to prevent?” Shure, sor, that is thrue enough,” cried Barney. ‘*Butit’s the girrul’s fault hersilf, as ivery wan believes.” “Her fault!” cried Frank, in surprise. ‘* How hea that be?” CHAPTER XVIII THE LOVERS, QUES _ Prax, telllye how it was, Mister Reade, ” oxiod bluff Harmon, the -yigilant, as he came up: “ Yesee the gal took big chances. Thar’s a spring in that bit av bushes there an she went over to gita drink of water. Rede has'seen her since.’ “Have you made a good. search?” asked Frank, sharply. + An all flred good one.” _**But how do you know that Clift’ $ gang have got her?” *« Because we know that it could not be Injuns, for the ground ‘was marked with arias of the cowboys’ shoes.” _ Frank received this information with sinking heart. He knew that it must be too true that Besse Rodman had again fallen into the hands of Cliff. , It was a dismaying reflection. To effect-her rescue would prove no easy taslkx. Just how to go to work to do it was a problem to Frank, But he was not Jong in deciding upon a plan of action. _ Meanwhile young Barrows, desperate over the thought that his, girl love was once more in Clifi’s power,#jhad made a daring move. ~ Alone he rode away into the hills. He was determined to rescue Bessie or sacrifice his life in the attempt. Barrows was a youth of rare pluck and great determination, Tn this quest he was aided by his blind love for Bessie Rodman, ' For her he would gladly give up his life. 4 Striking into the hills 1e sought to follow the trail of the ab- uetors, _ But it was soon lost in the flinty gvound; and his. best efforts’ to recover it wefe in vain. ~ However, he kept on with feverish resolution, It was now a blind quest, but this did not deter him in the least. ; Soon Barrows had penetrated deep into the hills. - He heard the distant sounds of firing, and knew that the soldiers and Cliff’ 's men were yet having it out. * "God give me strength to rescue Bessie Rodman!” he prayed, as. _ he rode on, It had oceurred to Barrows that the young girl might have been ae to Ranch V by her captors. ad half made up his mind to proceed thither when a thrilling thing oceurred. Suddenly the sharp ctack of a rifle smote upon the air _ Barrows reeled in the saddle and his horse gave a he A line of red blood trickled down over his ‘face. grazed his cheek bone. _It-was a narrow escape. - "The fraction of an inch in another pes ee the bullet might have penetrated his brain. Young Barrows had faced danger/and death times enough to know quite well what to do, He instantly dropped from his horse and apake’ a word of com: and to the animal. The faithful and well -tvained steed wheeled “and ce reeds away nto the cover of timber near, « he bullet ei | tered. COV Barrows himself sank down behind a pile of rocks, All this was done in the twinkling of an eye, The trained westerner whose life is in danger knows well the value of quick action. It was this which saved the life of Barrows, for half a dozen bel- lets came whistling down the mountain side the next moment. He had run unconsciously upon his foes, He experienced a thriil -as it occurred to him that this was most likely the party who had Bessie Rodman in their charge. fa f apts help me now!” he muttered, fervently. er or die!” From his position he could safély scrutinize the mountain side. as ne rei ae far up on its side there was a rude cabin made of ark and logs. From this the storm of bullets had eome. Nothing could be seen of those within the cabin, pees beige te believed that not only was the foe within, but also essie Rodman. He was somewhat ata loss now to know just what move to make, To advance openly to the attack would haye been an act of folly. He would certainly have met his death ina summary fashion, Pe bape pondering on the subject he continued to watch the cabin windows. He held his rifle in readiness for instant use. Suddenly a face as for an instant at one of the windows. It was at withdrawn, and Barrows had not time to fire. He recognized it, however, as the face of one of the outlaws. The young plainsman’s neryes were steel, and he watched his+s chance again with nervous anxiety. ; Suddenly the opportunity came. Once more the face appeared. As rapa raised his rifle quick as thought. ft rac A wild ery went up, the sound of a falling body was heard, and — then the tramping o feet and bitter curses. Barrows knew that his shot had taken effect. : Then he changed his position. But not asound or asign of life came from the mysterious cabin, : Saige “eg are in the cabin they are keeping mighty dark,” he mus- they surely must. be there, for I have not seen them come JT must save oa Iris out as yet.” A great length of time had elapsed. Certainly an hour and a half of waiting had passed, and Barrows felt that he must do something and at, once. “T shall die of worriment if I stay here,” pe muttered, * Per- ha; Merpet te paused. ' A thrilling thought had struck ee ; a) It-was more than likely that he’had been waiting all this while 2 for nothing. It would have been not by any means a difficult matter for the foe to ies slipped out by a rear exit, and by this time be oe from So a spo Pout how was he to determine this fact. Tt se only be done by approaching the hut boldly and search- ing i it ‘o do this was to incur the risk of a.bullet from the outlaws. This might be only a clever trick of theirs to draw him from his 1a viet 7 - ‘All ‘rina thoughts passed kaleidoscope like through’ Barrow’ 3 rain. He was satisfied that the foe could be but a half dozen in number, Tf he could have kept up.a desultory battle with them in his pres- 4 bi : ent position he believed t at he could have picked off a number of - them, and thus reducing their numbers eventually bring the fight to.a focus with a fair chance of winning. = - ha But the outlook now was by no means so prepossessi are It was more than likely that he would have great timeulty in cutting off the abductors before they should join the main body. of the cowboys. — _ In this case it would be more @ifficult to rescue Bessie Rodman, aa Barrows now realized his folly in jae out single handed to pursue the abductors. a Tf he had now several of his companions ‘with him the hut: could have been surrounded and there would have been little trouble in~ making the rescue, But time was speeding and something had got to be done at onee, Barrows proceeded to act, ait He began to cautiously climb up the mountain side keeping i in the, coyer of Frocks and trees. “He was very careful not to expose himself to a shot and in th way had soon reached a point from which he believed he could see the rear end of the cabin. ea 7 There it stood lonely and silent. Was it really deserted or were the foe yet within rie sails Ge To all appearances it was deserted. . Barrows hesitated a moment and then took the desperate ch: nee, He emerged boldly from the woods and a a the cabin, © On va age until within ten yards of the oor. Yet there was no sign of life : The next Pata! he reached the coe
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have become aware sooner of the change of base of the abductors. _ his was undoubtedly true, but on the other hand there had been the great risk of exposure to a bullet. On the whole the lover felt that he had reason to be grateful for ‘his success in so promptly striking the trail of the foe. He kept on up the mountain with increasing hopes. If he could once more overtake the abductors under more favor- able circumstances he believed that he could effect the rescue of | Bessie Rodman, He still kept on up the mountain. Then he suddenly halted at a point from which he had a good -yiew of the country about, He looked down upon a level plain below some distance which was fringed with trees, ; In the verge of this timber line Barrows saw a number of moving . figures. Te was satisfied that they were the party of abductors and he even fancied he could sez the form of Bessie Rodman, * With deadly resolution Barrows started in pursuit, I ah the mountain he went and soon reached the level of the plain. « The party was now out of sight but Barrows believed that he could overtake them, Y So he set out at a rapid pace aloug the verge ofthetimber. Excit- ing experiences were in store for him. CHAPTER XIX. : FRANK’S NARROW ESCAPE, Frank Reape, Jr., had decided to go at once in quest of the ab- ductors of Bessie Rodman. | _- He se Pomp and Barney aboard the Steam Man, and the start “was made. : _ Ofcourse they were not aware that Barrows had started out upon the same mission. : to proceedup the Death Gulch, for Frank fancied _ It was decided “that the abductors had likely struck out over the mountain range. ; ne Ich could be traversed by the Steam Man easily, and Frank iitec ed it safer to travel that way, ~ Up the gulch the Steam Man went. fe, Or: ae distance all went well, and no incident worthy of note ecurred, u “ : _ But finally a branch of the canyon was reached, and here a halt ‘was called. ’ This extended to the southward. e Frank knew that the outlaws could not have crossed this without _a wide detour, _ . The ground was high above the walls of the eanyon, and the ng inventor decided upon a different move. mae Steam Man proceeded up this canyon for some ways, Then Frank called a halt, ___“ We will stop here,’ he said. _ Shure, Misther Frank,” cried Spode “ phwat iver do yez want todo that fer? It’s a clear course ahead.” * “Tam well aware of that, Barney,” replied Frank, ‘but IT am nat _ sure that we are following the right course.” t ** Indade, sor.” ’ _. “Tmean to climb to the top of the canyon wall here and take a look off at the country,” _ “Shure enough, sor!” : aN eee Marse I'rrnk, amn’t youse gwine to let dis chile go wif a pi Begorra, _ wid the Stheam Man, naygur. 4 ** Yo’ g’long, I'ish! LI reckon Marse Frank take me dis time.” Frank smiled and said: 5 not a bit av it!” cried Barney, ‘* Shure, yez may stay ” ¥ haps felt that it was no more than fair that Pomp should chance, _ No time was lost. Armed with rifles and revolvers, the two explorers left the Steam Man. A tee path up the canyon wall was selected, and after an ardu- ae imb they finally reached the summit. Ns pV iwee ‘rom here a mighty view of the country about was obtained. far as the eye could reach to the eastward was the level expanse ' plain. tn the other direction mountain peaks rose above them to a great ry ‘a shind distant trees, and fancied that this might be from the guns ak he cowboys. “ i ' 5} FRANK READE, JR., AND: HIS NEW STEAM MAN. Ry Been T.- pai 4 ; If she could not be found in them then it would be time enough to think of paying Ranch V a visit. Pies An incident happened at the moment also that for atime prevent- ed.any move of the sort. Pomp had begun to scale a small ptak near. “P’ra’ps I kin get a bettah lookfrom up yere, Marse Frank!” cried the darky. ‘Jes’ de same, I tries it fo’ yo’.” : “ All right, Pomp,” replied Frank. ‘Tell me if you see anyfuing of importance and I will come up.” . ‘ A’right, sah.” Pomp went up the peak. ; He reached the top and began to look over the country, when . suddenly he beheld a thrilling scene below. Frank had gone to the eage of the canyon to.look over and see what the Steam Man was about. As he leaned over the edge of the deep gorge he did not see a giant form suddenly glide from a crevice in the cliff behind him. It was, in reality, an enormous black bear, : The brute had caught sight of Frank, and being in an ugly mood, started. for him. The bear advanced so quickly and noiselessly that Frank was all unaware of his presence until the brute was upon him. : Then a terrific blow from the bear's paw sent him reeling over the edge of the cliff, Over the edge went the young inventor, and a yell of horror and ~ pain went up from Pomp’s cle ¥ “Golly sakes, Marse Frank, hab yo’ fallen down to yo’ death?” cried td affrighted darky, as he came tumbling down the peak like @ maaman, * Frank had certainly gone over the edge. ‘The bear stood upon the verge of the precipice growling savagely. Pomp was ina zy of fear and horror. He could not see what was to prevent his beloved master from going down to his death. He would have rushed to the spot where Frank had stood but the bear was there. ; } At this moment the stillness of the gorge was broken by the shrill whistle of the Steam Man. zy - ; This was enough for Pomp, : In a moment he raised his rifle and fired at the bear. Ordinarily, he would‘have been compelled to fire many times, but. as chance had it, this single shot proved fatal. If struck the bear full in the eye and went crashing through his rain. e The big brute went over the edge of the precipice and crashing down into the gorge. ‘ Pomp heard plainly the crash of the bear’s body as it struck the bottom of the pass. ye Then he rushed to the edge and looked over. 7 _ He saw the bottom of the gorge plainly enough. There lay the inanimate form of the bear. . The Steam Man stood not twenty yards distant from this spot, and Pomp saw Barney far below, yelling and waving his hands. : The darky answered, and then caught sight of something which thrilled him. ; : Clinging to a jutting bit of rock in the canyon wall he saw Frank Reade, Jr., hanging between heaven and earth, ; i ; The astonished darky fell upon his stomach and leaned far over the edge of the gorge. : * Golly, Marse Frank?” he cried, excitedly, “I done fought yo’ was a-goner fo’ suah, Hab yo’ got a strong hold dar?” 4 “Pomp!” cried Frank, in sharp tones, “I am nearly exhausted. I fear I shall lose my hoid here soon,” ‘ i ‘Fo’ Hebben’s sake,” cried the affrighted darky, ‘don’ yo’ say dat, Marse Frank. If yo’ fell down to de cornah ob dat gorge yo would be killed fo’ suah. Yo’ jes’ wait an’ dis chile will help yo’.” — “You'll have to hurry, Pomp!” cried Frank, in an exhausted man- er, “ Yo’ kin jest bet I will.”. : : ““Whurroo, there naygur!” cried Barney from below. “Wud yez be afther letting down a rope to Misther Frank. Quick, now, or yez won't have the toime.” : Pomp acted quickiy. ; The darky carried constantly a lariat at his waste. ; : This he lowered over the edge and down to the point where Frank was hanging. suspended between earth and sky. A it ah ani ea Pomp had acted with great dispatch, but even asthe rope went over the edge, a warning ery went up from Barney below. ETSY “My God! Iam falling!” cried Frank, with horror. aa His hands were slipping oyer the edge of the jutting bit of rock to which he clung. ae) ee oe oe next moment they released their grip entirelyand down he went, rs ERE Ee RRS A AE Gir _ But, as good fortune had it, just below him was a stump grow- ing out of the cliff. . wee gait : ainst this he fell anfl his clothing pape gee ona jagged root. Tt held him firmi;, and. there he hung safe and secure. fo a Acry of joy went up frdim Pomp and Barney. . Mgr ei ens “ Jes’ yo’ hang right on, Marse Frank!” cried the darky, earnest-— ly. ee yo’ gib way at all, an’ dis ehile: he done pail you up aright.” Fs : ana *“All right, Pomp,” cried Frank, regaining his coolness. so habit: ual to him. ‘ I think I am safe here. : i, hee a ee ae lated darky, ‘Jes’ hol’ right pet '“ Praise de Lor’ fo’ dat?” cried the e on ” x . Then the darky oo to draw ii ut at this moment a loud shout came up from the gorge beloy It was Barney's voice raised ina note ofalarm. = == Bree My soul!” cried Frank, excitedly. ‘‘ What can have happened?” Both rushed to the edge of the canyon and looked over, o 4
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22 CHAPTER XX. FE FLOOD—CORNERING THE FOE. bs y aie which ee their gare. bi oe bai ey saw Barney leaping up and down and gesticulating wildly. ‘* What is the matter?” hl Frank. ’ Pleat before the words had fairly left his lips he saw what was the ouble. Along the bottom of the gorge a thin stream of water was flow- TH Ir was a thrilling ing. Bax moment it was increasing. : “ Bejabers, Misther Frank, is there much more wather comin’?” cried Barney. ‘Shure if so, ’'m thinkin’ we'd better be after get- ting out of here,” ; “Right?” cried the young inventor, excitedly, “‘but where can it come from?” S He ran to an eminence near and from which a good view of the mpper canyon could be had. ; d there Frank beheld a thrilling sight. At the upper end of the canyon was a large lake made by an ac- cumulation of logs and debris across the source of the canyon. Here half a score of men with axes and iron bars were engaged in breaking the dam so as to let the whole lake down into the orge. ? Te would mean a flood of awful sort if they succeeded. It would surely sweep the canyon clear, and the position of Bar- F ney was a most perilous one. rank saw this with horror. ~ He knew at once that the workmen were of the cowboy gang. Already the dam could be seen to be giving way. 1 In a very few moments the flood must come. No time must be lost. Fe : wiInto the canyon the water wouldjplunge and engulf everything in their path. ; { Frank waited no longer. He sprung to the edge of the canyon and shouted to Barney : “Go, for your life, Barney. .Run for the plain. We will take care of ourselves,” “ All right, sar!” f Barney sprung into the cage and away went the Steam Man with E s' a shriek down the canyon. ‘The next momenta terrible roar came from the headwaters of the gorge, and then Frank and Pomp saw the mighty flood coming. Like a race horse it surged down through the canyon. It was now a mad race between the Steam Man and the flood. It was a long ways to the plain below, and Frank roaned with horror as he realized the uncertainty of the Steam Man’s reaching it. | would mean overtaking by the flood. But Barney, with his shrewd Irish wit, had realized this. ._ He knew that it would be impossible for him to reach the plain -. before the flood. So be decided upon a wise move. He reached the junction of this canyon with the other. There was not a moment to spare. 1 Looking back, he could see the water coming in mountainous bil- ows. i The Steam Man had to be checked the other canyon. But Barney made the turn all safely, and the Steam Man shot up the canyon far enough to avoid the back current of the flood. ere were places where the Steam Man must go slowly, and this a trifle in order to turn into ed *« Bejabers, I’m in luck this toime!” cried the Celt, jubilantly, as he opened the whistle valve. The note of safety was heard by Frank and Pomp with a sensa- tion of great relief and joy. They understood at once the move made by Barney. That was a capital thought of Barney’s,” cried Frank. J Papa that he did not keep on the plains. en.” r **T jes’ reckon dat am afac’!” cried Pomp. ‘‘ Well, I fink we'd bet- tah get back to de Steam Man as quick as eber we can.” **Our position here will “Tt is e would have been over- “You are right; Pomp,” declared Frank. be hardly a safe one now.” ““Youse right sah.” ; \ The flood in he canyon was how ees subsiding. The great lake had quickly emptied itself into the canyon. In a short while the bed of the canyon was once more dry. Barney then ran the Steam Man back into the main canyon, and Frank and Pomp hailed him. ; ~ **¥ou did well, Barney!” cried the young inventor, joyfully. You made the best possible move.” _ “ Begorra, I knew well enough that I had to git out of the way of _ the wathers, sor,” replied Barney. down soon?” * i Weare comin’ right down,” replied Frank. ~ . Down the eanyon wall they scrambled and safely reached the ‘gorge. ; ; a _ Then they greeted Barney with joy and clambered aboard: ; “Shure, phwativer will yez do now, Misther Frank?” cried Bar- ney, eagerly. » ~~ : ; “T shall ollow the ednyon up and try to dislodge the outlaws,” te replied Frank. r ; d Pais very good, sir?” cried Barney, with readiness. ‘ We'll go ahead “But shure, are yez comin’ 2 ese. Ge.” A __ Barney took the reins and the Steam Man went on up the gorge. In ashort while they had reached is sh dam which had held back e. FE _ Here acourse was found directly out upon a vast plain. ; * Frank was about to direct the man’s course thither when an inci- ae occurred to for a moment delay them. _A loud and harsh voice came from the cliff above, sees own there!” — the lak es “4 The: eaker could not be seen. The Steam Man came to a halt. y We. > 3 ?” cried Frank, i Aus 4 K j FRANK READE, JR., AND HIS NEW STEAM MAN. Um ‘oe ~ *“Ye’re Frank Reade, Jr., eh?” “That is my name.” * Wall, 'm Artemas Ye're in a death trap.” ae you for informing us,” retorted Frank, “but I don't be- lieve I'll surrender yet.” i ” “Ye won’t then?” se No.” y “Then take the consequences.” z “T can do that.” zm ae A savage curse come down upon theair. Then the crack of rifles was heard and bullets pattered against the steel netting. BT Of course no harm was done, and Frank only smiled crimly. eee He sent the Steam Man up the gorgs, and in a few moments came — out upon the plain, which was deep among the hillsandhemmedin ™ with a line of timber. ! ; se The cowboys continued to pour volley after volley into the Steam —_ Man. op Frank waited until he had reached a favorable position. Then he stopped the Steam Man, and picking up his vite, said: ‘Come, boys! let’s give them as good as they send.” Of course Pomp and Barney were ready and eager. A destructive fire was sent into the covert of the cowboys, Ina few moments it grew so hot that they could not remainthere, and had to get out. © . : ki With baffled yells they retreated deeper into the hills. Fane *““Whurroo!” yelled Barney jubilantly.. ‘Shure it’s aisy enough ~ to whip such omadhouns as they be!” tae “*Golly! don’ yo’ be too suah, Tish,” remonstrated Pomp. “What do yez know about it, naygur?” = “ Suah, I know jes’ as much as yo’ does, T’ish.” “G long! Yez area big stuff.” . : “T amn’f so big a wan as yo’ am.” bln), “Say that agin, an’ I’ll break the face ay yez.” = “Huh! Yo’ can’t do it.” . 4 “ 5 abs . The two rogues would have had a friendly set-to then and there, but Frank interposed. Bent aia 2 ae “ None of that,” he cried, sternly; “there is serious work before Cliff. I give ye fair warnin’: to surrender. — us, 2 This was a quietus upon the two rascals, and they seased their skylarking. t he cowboys had been driven back, but now a thrilling soun came from the distant hills. f It was the heavy volleying of many rifles. There could be but one explanation. : : rom Evidently the cavalry had come into conflict with the cowhoys, , A good sized battle was in progress. An impulse seized frank. He realized that he ought to join that conflict, There was ni doubt but that the Steam Man could do much to aid the cayalry, So he started the Man across the plain, looking for an. epening into the hills in the direction of the firing. ‘7 ¢ ie This it, however, seemed not easy to find. Pita But as the Man was skirting the line of timber, a thrilling scen was suddenly brought to view.. ag In a small alanine in the verge of the timber two men were striy. ing to down one. It was a terrific and deadly struggle which wa: in progress. ; ; : he single fighter was holding his own well. Near by, witharms tied behind her, was a young girl. If was Bessie Rodman. “My God!” cried Frank, ‘Quick, for your life, boys! We mus put an end to that struggle. Don’t you see it is young Barrows, and he is fighting to rescue the girl. e “Golly, dat am a fac’! cried Pomp, excitedly. “ Jes’ gibm chance at dem rapscallions,” ; ; ¢ ra Up to the spot the Steam Man swiftly ran. ~~ F vie i ik A ery of wildest joy and hope welled up from Bessie Rodman's: ips. Ay oung Barrows also saw that rescue was at hand and made extra | exertions to overcome his foes. Ge . aoe The cowboys, however, seeing that succor had come tried to brea away. . 4 As Barrows was too exhausted and dashed away at full speed. : Phare a their ponies they monnted and were out of sight inkling. 2 are ie The rice moment Barrows had clasped Besse in his arms, cutting her bonds, , ; bee ees rage “Thank Heaven!” he cried.“ We are united once more; and thi time let us hope never to part.” ‘ot Those aboard the Steam Man pretended to be busy during affecting meeting. i . But soon the Jovers came lowed. sea ae An explanation’ of all followed, and then plans fo were quickly decided upon. % ee % CHAPTER XXI. to restrain them they suc ends to the cage and a general welco’ \
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‘READE, 1 IR, AND ‘AIS her jhe rode away to join the cavalry in their pati team Man, of course, could not hope to follow so quickly , # fleet pony could go through narrow paths, and of course De ‘rows reached the scene of action long before the others. “2 But Frank Reade sent the Steam Man along at a good pace. After some search a pass was found, and the Man made its way '¢arefully through, and suddenly came out apon the field of action. The cowboys were strongly intrenched in the hills, and seemed ods osed to make a final stand. _ Col. Clark’s men were making desperate attempts to drive them satin their position. As the Steam Man came dashing up to the spot a great cheer from the soldiers. awent u | Fran sending upa sharp note. he Man could not hope to reach the position of the outlaws, for the ground was too uneven. But a position was taken up from where the battle could be i peas watched, , Then Col. Clark came up to the wagon. ” Warm greetings followed, and Frank said: “Ts there anythin I could do to help you, colonel?” _. “I think not,” replied the gallant officer. ‘I believe we shall drive them out very soon now.” _ “T hope so.’ CUE T nas not mistaken the day of Cliff and his gang are num- iis joyful news,’ easN hee you will succeed.” ‘«Phank you.’ The eolane! rode away and the voyagers watched tHe contest with terest, One watching the beautiful face of Bessie Rodman could have ‘seen that she was inwardly praying for her lover's safety. ant b te tune was with the troops, though they had experienced a attle. . se an of the outlaws was a very strong one and almost un- sailal if oe igh walls of rock were there for them to use as a breastwork. 6 was not easy to dislodge them except at great loss of life. _ But Clark was not a man to be defeated. _ He urged his men on and slowly but surely drove the foe before him. Frank Reade, Jr.,.now with Barney and Pomp and Bessie Pay eroe on board, took the Steam Man out on to the prairie. ins For over an hour a kind of desultory conflict was was kept up in hills. i "Ben Col. er suddenly came dashing up to 4 Ms ‘ n on. ; Across the prairie the machine ran rapidly, and the cavalry gal-, - loped in the rear. : yas in the latter part of he faye all came out upon a rise r Peking the stockade of Rane the cowboys had got there in advance ‘and had made ready or an attack, “Ol Clark was a man of immediate resources. - : ithout hesitation or a moment's delay he threw his men for- ford on thecharge. At almost the first attack the gate was carried and the soldiers entered fie yard. But step by step Artemus Cliff contested the way. His men by divisions surrendered half a dozen or more at a time. Being thus made prisoners, they were sent to the rear. In this anner the numbers of the cowboy gang were decimated. _* Suddenly a thrilling ery went up. ie. vire! Fire!” ‘the stockade and ranch proper had been fired, and great columns flame now arose. The scene was fast becoming a thrilling one, Darkness was com- ‘on, and the rattle of firearms the dark shadows of page par-_ ally dispelled by the flames, gave a weird aspect to everything,” Slow but sure was.the conquest of Cliff and his gang. _ Now he was driven to his last resort, the corner 0 the stockade nearest the river. Scarce.a score of his followers now remained. . It was utterly no use for him to resist longer. The villain saw it but. ret kept on r diel” & doggedly. : HS surrender, or die!” cried the Hedkanant who led the squad, ‘ Tt ist our only. chance.” ; 45 the remaining cowboys threw up their hands. But Cliff pitched rward in a heap upon the ground, struck by a pistol ball, There he was found later under a heap of dead men. He was re- moved to the camp near and his wounds examined. ; Sapa V was a thing of the past. Sag iy ee eee Re Sn ene ey ee nr ee answered it by pulling the whistle valve of the Man and |. ok a hicks ‘ens, lel stains hundred had rendered up their Possibl: It had Bag ne and of the cowboy gang tully a nal account. - mby of oy cavalrymen had been killed. quite a severe battle, but Frank Reade, companions could not help but feel overjoyed at the resul Barney and Pomp had an old time set-to over the vietory, this n Ir 2 and ‘te pe ghee Seat eA a ist eck : e night was passed quietly. Ear e next mornin; as a came to the Stes Man and chilsd for frank k, & ungeon He announced that Cliff was dying, and wanted to make a con- fession but would makeit to nobody e ise, Frank hurried to the dying couch of the ville Cliff's filmy gaze was fixed upon him eagerly, and he said, huski “Reade, ’m done for. I made a ‘ood fight but T’ye lost... The ame’s up. 5 might as well make a clean breast of ee Ce Jim is innocent of Rodman’s death: Sid Bowen and Jim D Y; ail, 4 trusted pals, killed Rodman and worked the whole game. That 8 I reckon I can die better now.” “You have done a good deed, Artemus Cliff,” said Frank, kindly. “* And may God forgive you your sins.” But the ‘vitlatet did not answer. Already his eyes were set, - The: Master had called him. He had cheated the gallows after all. nes Se ee dug on the prairieand Frank saw that he was prop- aries he confession was put in writing and duly witnessed. The mis- sion of the new eee Man to the ar west was ended, a The spirits of all were puke sid dias now that the end had come. The extermination of the Cliff gang, was certainly a blessing to | that part of the State, and no one regretted the villain’ 8 demise. | He Preparations were now made for the return home. se Of course, Col. Clark and his command would return to the fort i but Frank now thought of Bessie Rodman, dees “By Jupiter!” he muttered, “something must be done for | Poor girl! sae is without a-friend in the world now.’ Barney and Pomp winked at each other, and Barney cried: ‘i een ers, Misther Frank, have yez lost yer powers av penetra ion “T reckon yo’ am way off, Marse Frank,” rejoined Pomp. = pe ‘* What are you fellows driving at?” asked rank, in surprise. “Why, dat ar’ gal, she am got one ob de bes’ friends in. e worl’, P Jes’ yo’ cast; vs r eye ober aavy an’ see dat spruce young tcl walkin’ wid her.’ ; Frank did ‘cast his eye” in the direction indicated, and ‘Bessie and young Walter Barrows approaching. There was a particularly happy light upon. ‘the faces of bot ‘ ““Pshaw!” muttered Frank. “That young fellow can’t m yet. She’s got to have a home in the meanwhile. be 4 one moment, please.” aa lovers ‘paused, and Frank said broaguely - Lcan understand your position, Bes: very well, ‘ana I kno that you need a home. I can only offer to take you to dasen with me, and my wife will do all in her power——” es “One moment, sir,” said Barrows, with burning face. “Yo are very kind, but, let me first explain. I am this lady’s napa pro- tector for life.” ‘ “What?” gasped Frank, t “Yes, she is my wife.” { Pomp and Barney collapsed at the expression ken Frank's. tdes.. “Your wife?’ gasped the young inventor, hen were st married?” “Just now, and the ceremony was ee re by the chaplain of the regiment.” ; Frank thrust forth his right hand, and gave Barrows a grip’ yhich | ardon my conde he cried, “but it was: such a made him wince. “You must surprise. I wish you both worlds o happiness.” Some hours later the new Steam Man was on its way hom f A week later it was in Omaha, Nebraska, and not lone (ae er was at home in Readestown. Re the young inventor was received at home with an ove his father, the Sr ne Reade Senior, was overjoyt that the evidence h pecan to clear Travers, are As for the latter he came from prison like one coming life and from that time on Mourad Frank Reade, Jr. as. his a. est earthly benefactor. The new Steam Man and his wonderful western trip was t the tall of the country. fi People came from near and far to see the invention and Teas: not. long before the young inventor suddenly found himself in volve Slit another daring projevt, trip, The new Steam Man was destined to make another come involved in adventures even more thrilling a oi | Found in’ and a full and detailed account of the second ‘ound in 4 7 ed eg anaes Jae
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WHO IS FRANK READE JRA Asx any Boy ano He wiz Tewt You tTuar FRANK READE AND FRANK READE JR. Are the Greatest Inventors that Ever Lived, AND IN ORDER TO PLACE THEIR MS EXCITING, WONDERFUL & EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES BEFORE THE PUBLIC WE HAVE STARTED THE a eae Which will give their exploits with their wonderful inventions in detail and furnish all its readers a rare treat in every number. If you don’t believe the above read the following list of | the first seven titles and be convinced. “NONAME” will write them all, and you know what kind of a story he writes. It willbe published every Saturday, and each number will be better than the preceding one. You had better tell your newdealer to save you a copy. No.1. Frank Reade, Jr., and His New Steam Man;or,The YoungIn- -yentor’s Trip to the Far West, - By “Noname.,” “ 2, Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Man i in No Man’s Land; 4 or, On a Mysterious Trail, By “ Noname.” “ 3. Frank Reade, Jr, With His New Steam Man in Central America, - - By “Noname.” “ 4, Frank Reade, Jr., “With His New Steam Man in Texas:or, Chasing the Train Robbers, Me «“ Noname.” de “ 5. Frank Reade, Jr., With His New Steam Man in exico;or, Hot Work Among the Greasers, - ou iguana” Ss “ 6 Frank Reade, Jr, With His New Steam Man Gui are = Gang of “Rustlers;” or, Wild Adventures in Montana, sy “ Noname.” “ 7, Frank Reade, Jr,,and His New Steam Horse; or, The Search | for a Million Dollars. A Story of Wild Life in Mexico, oh : By. * Momames > FRANK TOUSEY:;.PUBLISHER, he 2730, , 34 and 36 North Moore Street, New York. —