This was a quietus upon the two rascals, and they ceased their skylarking.
The cowboys had been driven back, but now a thrilling sound came from the distant hills.
It was the heavy volleying of many rifles. There could be but one explanation.
Evidently the cavalry had come into conflict with the cowboys.
A good sized battle was in progress. An impulse seized Frank.
He realized that he ought to join that conflict. There was doubt but that the Steam Man could do much to aid the cavalry.
So he started the Man across the plain, looking for an opening into the hills in the direction of the firing.
This it, however, seemed not easy to find.
But as the Man was skirting the line of timber, a thrilling sound was suddenly brought to view.
In a small clearing in the verge of the timber two men were striving to down one. It was a terrific and deadly struggle which was in progress.