The peril which threatened the two jokers was one not to be despised.
It was quite evident that the savages meant to cut off their rejoining the Steam Man. In that case their fate would be sealed.
But Barney was quick-witted, and saw the situation at a glance.
With a wild howl he broke into a mad run for the Steam Man. It was a question of life or death and he ran as he had never ran before.
Pomp was not so lucky. While Barney was distancing his pursuers, and actually succeeded in reaching the wagon, the darky suddenly found himself cut off.
Indian ponies were circling about him, the red riders whooping and yelling like veritable demons.
The poor darky was beside himself with terror and perplexity.
“Golly sakes alibe!” he yelled, with his wool literally standing on end. “Whatebber am dis yer nigger gwine fo’ to do? I’se a gone coon fo’ suah.”
It certainly looked that way. The savages circled nearer and half a dozen of them dismounted and rushed upon Pomp.
Now the darky was unarmed.