He blew shrill blasts upon the whistle to attract the attention of the white men.
In this he was successful.
As the Steam Man reached the prairie floor, the cavalcade or cowboys came dashing up.
They did not seem surprised at sight of the Steam Man somewhat singularly and drew up fifty yards distant while one of their number rode forward.
He was evidently the leader, and was a tall, dark, evil-looking fellow. Frank Reade, Jr. was not favorably impressed with his appearance.
As the young inventor noted that the whole gang had a forbidding appearance and with a chill Frank realized that he could hardly expect any assistance from such a cut-throat looking band.
The tall, dark leader doffed his sombrero as he rode forward and made a low bow.
“Buenos Senors!” he said with a Spanish accent. “I wish you a fair day. Do you travel far with your Iron Man?”
“I am glad to meet you,” replied Frank, eagerly. “We come from the East and we are here upon an important mission.”
The stranger smiled and bowed again with a peculiar affectation of politeness.