Together the reports rang out.
With a loud cry Frank Reade leaped from his seat.
For a moment he tottered on the steps, and then fell heavily from the box to the floor of the wagon.
[CHAPTER XV.]
THE STEAM MAN.
When the Steam Man went smashing up against the door of the counterfeiters’ head-quarters, the shock caused by the sudden recoil was so great that Charley Gorse flew one way and Harry Hale went another.
The man shivered and stood still, for the power of action ceased immediately after the collision.
If Charley had only been a second sooner in shutting off steam, they would have stopped before reaching the door.
The man’s feet were fairly on the stone steps of the door.
When he recoiled from the stout panel that had withstood even this great shock, the Steam Man actually staggered.