Soon the tramp of the on-coming troop of horsemen came to their ears, approaching at a rapid trot.
“Ready!” cried Frank.
“Ready!” yelled Charley.
“Go!” cried Harry Hale, and the reins were pulled.
Just as the robber band flashed into view the Steam Horse and the Steam Man rushed like living bolts to the rescue.
[CHAPTER XXX.]
“WE SHALL STARVE ALIVE.”
With their menacing yells ringing out in a loud chorus, the Indians under Van Dorn and the half-breed and the two sub-leaders they had appointed, swept down upon the devoted band.
They had determined upon a desperate charge, hoping by their fierce onset and irresistible force to terrify the emigrants and fairly cut into them at the first charge.
They made a mistake.