But night came on, and they had obtained no clew.
A good place was found to camp, and it was decided to wait until morning before pursuing the journey further.
Accordingly everything was made comfortable with this end in view.
No camp fire was made, for this was not deemed necessary.
At night they always slept in the wagon, and Barney and Pomp served turns in watching.
The fires in the furnace were banked, and the Steam Man was given a rest just the same as the others.
One place was always as good as another in camping out thus, save that it was necessary to be near a body of water, so that the boilers could be filled with ease the next morning.
The Steam Man was thus cared for, the fires banked, and everything made shipshape when, after Barney had been on watch not more than two hours, the first of a series of thrilling incidents occurred.
The night was as dark as Erebus, not a star twinkled in the ether, for heavy black clouds overhung all.
Suddenly Barney saw a light glimmering far out on the prairie.