But the villain did not answer. Already his eyes were set. The Master had called him. He had cheated the gallows after all.
A grave was dug on the prairie and Frank saw that he was properly buried.
The confession was put in writing and duly witnessed. The mission of the new Steam Man to the far west was ended.
The spirits of all were bright and cheerful, now that the end had come.
The extermination of the Cliff gang was certainly a blessing to that part of the State, and no one regretted the villain’s demise.
Preparations were now made for the return home.
Of course, Col. Clark and his command would return to the fort, but Frank now thought of Bessie Rodman.
“By Jupiter!” he muttered, “something must be done for her. Poor girl! she is without a friend in the world now.”
Barney and Pomp winked at each other, and Barney cried: