“With pleasure!” cried Frank.
He started the Steam Man at once for Ranch V.
Across the prairie the machine ran rapidly, and the cavalry galloped in the rear.
It was in the latter part of the day that all came out upon a rise overlooking the stockade of Ranch V.
But the cowboys had got there in advance and had made ready for an attack.
Col. Clark was a man of immediate resources.
Without hesitation or a moment’s delay he threw his men forward on the charge. At almost the first attack the gate was carried and the soldiers entered the yard.
But step by step Artemus Cliff contested the way.
His men by divisions surrendered half a dozen or more at a time.
Being thus made prisoners, they were sent to the rear. In this manner the numbers of the cowboy gang were decimated.