“Well, I mean it, every word of it.”
With this Clark ordered his men to horse, and the quest at once began.
Frank did not believe that he could be of further service just now, so he decided to return to the Steam Man.
Mounting his horse he rode down through the defile. In a few moments he reached the spot where the remnant of the brave Vigilant band were.
There was the Steam Man intact, but Frank saw at a glance that something was wrong about the camp.
Everybody appeared to be deeply excited. Young Barrows was seen wringing his hands and rushing about madly.
Frank sent his horse forward rapidly.
Barney saw him coming and ran out to meet him.
“Och hone, Misther Frank!” he cried.
“Well!” exclaimed Frank, reining up his horse, “what is the matter?”