Now let us return to Pomp and the Steam Man, whom in the detail of the thrilling adventures just chronicled we have neglected.
The darkey entertained nothing like fear at being left alone on board the Steam Man.
Indeed, he rather enjoyed the responsibility thus put upon him.
He could occasionally hear rifle shots from the hills, which assured him that Frank and Barney were making it hot for the savages.
“Golly!” he muttered, “I jes’ reckon dem Injines git de worstest ob dat fight. Ki dar, if dey amn’t comin’ dis yer way. I spec’s I better move.”
This was true.
The Indians had been driven before the vigilants, and starting for the hills were coming straight toward the Steam Man.
It was evident that they meant to enter the hills at this point.
Pomp knew that it would be folly to remain where he was with the Steam Man.
The savages might ruin the machine as he could not hope alone to hold them at bay.