The Steam Man on the level prairie was invincible, but on rough ground like this wholly useless.
Frank and Barney were beside themselves with solicitude and perplexity.
Frank even thought of going forth on foot to try and overtake the redskins. But of course the folly of such a course was quickly apparent to him.
Barney even attempted to carry out literally this plan.
He went so far as to open the door in the wire screen and leap down to the ground.
But Frank cried sternly:
“Barney, come back at once. You can gain nothing by such a course.”
“Shure, Mr. Frank,” cried the Irishman, “if yez will only let me go——”
“Come back,” was Frank’s terse command, which was reluctantly obeyed by the Celt.
Frank took a careful look at the hills.