But it was not to be.
The villain had come to in the meanwhile, but cunning rascal that he was, had laid inanimate in the bottom of the wagon.
He had seen all that was going on, and when he saw that the Steam Man was certain to escape he knew that only desperate action upon his part would save him now.
Accordingly while Frank and Barney were occupied at their posts, he made a sudden lightning leap for the door in the cage.
Unfortunately Barney had not fastened it.
A little scream of warning came from Bessie, but it was too late.
The villain flung open the door and sprung out.
He tumbled heels over head down the decline.
This was partly done on purpose to avoid any bullets sent after him. But none struck him, and he was the next moment in the ranks of his men.
Frank turned just in time to see the daring escape.