The cavalrymen had reached the prairie in safety, and galloped away from the hills.
Clark knew that his only and best move now was to return to the fort for reinforcements.
He could not hope to do anything with the foe with such a mere handful of men.
Accordingly, just as the sun appeared above the horizon, the little cavalcade, with its shattered ranks, galloped away across the plain.
No effort was made to search for the Vigilants.
Clark knew that even with their aid it would not be feasible to give battle to the cowboys.
Clearly it was necessary to have two hundred more men. The colonel set his lips vengefully.
“I will teach that desperado a lesson,” he muttered. “He shall be swept out of existence together with his rascally crew, and before another week.”
On over the prairie they galloped toward the fort.
And as they rode, thrilling adventures were the lot of Frank Reade, Jr., and his friends on board the Steam Man.