[CHAPTER VII.]
THE RESCUE.
Like a bolt from the skies the wonderful Steam Horse rushed forward.
The little mixed band of pursuers, yelling and swinging their hatchets and rifles, did not discover the near approach of the rescuing steed until it was too late for them to think of escaping the monster by flight.
In the body of the wagon stood Barney Shea, and in his hands the brave Irishman held a loaded rifle.
The pursuers had reached within two hundred yards of the helpless captain before they discovered the Steam Man, so excited were they by the thought of taking their prey a prisoner.
Then they pulled up short, and tried to wheel their horses so as to escape the impending danger.
The man kept level with the horse, even at this terrible speed.
Charley Gorse held the reins of his high-stepping man, and on the seat beside him, perched up like a frog, sat the darkey.
The latter held two long range revolvers of the Colt’s Navy order in his hands, and looked eager to use them.