“But that does not settle the question of Pomp’s fate,” declared Frank. “He must be saved.”

“Shure, Misther Frank.”

“But how can we do it?”

This was yet a conundrum.

Frank and the faithful Irishman stood looking at each other. It was a long time before either spoke.

Finally Frank said:

“There’s only one way, Barney.”

“An’ phwat’s that?”

“We’ve got to got into those hills in some way. I don’t like to leave the Steam Man, but to save Pomp I’d——”

The young inventor ceased speaking. A strange medley of sounds came from the direction of the pass.