At length distant whistles were heard far away to the right, and soon after came the sound of mighty feet spurning the hard ground.
The people looked aghast at one another, for they had never heard sounds like these in the vicinity of their peaceful village before.
Shrill and clear sounded the shrieks on the air once more, and the tread of the mighty feet grew louder.
Some of the women rushed screaming into their houses and covered their heads with their gowns.
Others ran to the extreme end of the little town, opposite the part from which the terrifying sounds came.
A few of the men were brave enough to go to the right end of the village and try to find out what the racket meant.
Very soon the Steam Horse hove into view, Frank on the seat and Pedro at his side, while behind him, in the wagon, clustered Harry Hale, Barney Shea, the latter fiddling away with might and main, and the gloomy avenger.
A few hundred yards behind them came the Steam Man, Charley and Pomp on the seat, the darkey singing and playing on his banjo, while in the body of the wagon could be seen Barry Brown and Jack.
They had to move slowly, for here the ground was not as level as upon the plains, beyond, and the drivers knew that they must exercise great care in traveling over uneven surface, if they would not injure the delicate machinery of the wonderful inventions.
They went into the village in style, and it was humorous to watch the effect of their entrance upon different sorts of natures.