They spread out slightly, rushed on like flashes, and the extended screen of wire pushed the men kiting from the ground and sent them flying, dead, bruised and dying over the plain, while the groans and curses of the band, and their wild screams rang out in one thrilling chorus of terror and pain.
Men went whirling high into the air; and went tumbling over the ground like tops, and all sorts of weapons flew around with the force of the shock, for the solid weight of two immense machines had been sufficient to knock over every living object.
Many were killed instantly; others were left dying on the ground; some few were left to scamper away; but very nearly the entire party of men were stretched out by the one grand rush, and onward dashed the man and horse once more.
And as they rushed onward they caught sight of the running fight, and saw the single fugitive, who had been cut off from his men.
Even as they looked the horse leaped high into the air, twice, and then fell headlong to the ground, catching his rider’s leg under him.
The pursuers spurred fiercely toward him, and then Frank shouted:
“A full head of steam. Scoop ’em in with the net. Do or die. Onward!”
No time was to be lost if they would scoop the little band of pursuers before the helpless captain could be reached, so on went a full head of steam.
The pursuers, yelling like maniacs, spurred toward the captain with drawn weapons in their murderous hands.
“Rescue!” shrieked Frank.