It took Cliff some time to tumble to this little game.
When he did, and realized that he was simply decimating numbers without gaining ground, he called a halt.
The cowboys were now near the banks of a wide river which was really the Platte. Frank Reade, Jr. saw his advantage and brought the Steam Man to a stop. Then he seized a rifle and joined Barney.
CHAPTER V.
POMP’S RESCUE.
But it was hardly likely that the cowboys would stand their ground long under such a fire.
As fast as they could Frank and Barney worked the repeaters.
The result was that quite a number of the foe lay dead upon the prairie.
But Artemas Cliff knew the fatality of remaining there. Being unable to catch the man, he knew that their only hope now was in retreat.
All of the cowboys fired at the Steam Man. The bullets rattled harmlessly against the steel cage.
Frank at once sprang to the reins and the brake and started the Steam Man in pursuit. It was quite a turning of tables.