“Sure, it may be a camp fire,” ventured Barney.
“If so, then we must find out who the campers are,” declared Frank.
It was but an instant’s work to arouse Pomp.
Then the fires in the furnace were started, a line of hose was run to a creek near, and the boiler was filled.
In an incredible short space of time steam was got up, and the Steam Man moved ahead.
Frank held the throttle reins and directed the Steam Man’s course toward the distant camp fire.
For such it was, as became evident as they drew near.
At first no movement was made by the camping party, and Frank fancied that they had nobody on guard.
But as the Steam Man with clanking tread came within one hundred yards of the camp, a wild shout went up and a gun was discharged at the Steam Man.
Frank was now able to see the circle of the camp as revealed by the firelight.