The Steam Man put forth mighty efforts, and made giant strides; but he couldn’t match the metal steed.
Onward they flew in a straight line over the plains.
Buffaloes dashed across their path and bounded madly away to either hand.
Troops of prairie dogs ran barking and snarling from their homes, and uttering frightened yells, scampered away as fast as their little legs could carry them.
Onward at fifty miles an hour!
The small shrubbery of the plains seemed to fairly fly past.
Although there was not a particle of breeze, they created so much wind by their great speed that Barney came near losing his hat from his head while in the wagon of the Steam Man, and grinning, clung on for dear life.
It was faster than he had ever ridden in his life.
Charley made a big spurt, and slowly closed the gap between him and the Steam Horse.
Frank looked at his gauge.