With hoarse cries the cowboys descended upon the Steam Man. They urged their horses forward at a full gallop.
Frank Reade, Jr., knew well that it was possible for them to greatly injure his invention, so he made quick action to defeat their plans.
He shouted to Barney:
“Give it to them, Barney. Shoot every man you can.”
Then Frank opened the throttle, and let the Steam Man out for all he was worth.
It was an easy matter to outstrip the horses, and the Steam Man kept ahead, while the cowboys came thundering on in the rear.
Then Frank slackened speed so as to keep up a uniform distance between the Man and the horses.
While Barney poured in shot after shot into the midst of the gang of pursuers.
The cowboys began to drop from their saddles one by one. It was a destructive and telling fire.
And they strained every nerve in vain in an effort to reach the Steam Man. Frank kept the Man just far enough ahead to ensure safety and enable Barney to pick off the cowboys with ease.