Not two hours later, or in the middle of the afternoon, Harmon drew his horse alongside the Steam Man and pointing to the south cried:
“Look yonder, Mr. Reade. Do ye see them lines of high ground? Wall, jest this side ar ther Ranch V.”
A cheer went up from all.
“Begorra, it’s Ranch Ours it’ll be, if iver we get there,” declared Barney.
“Golly, won’t dis be a big ‘sprise party fo’ dat vilyun Cliff,” cried Pomp.
Frank Reade, Jr., held the Steam Man at a steady stride, and very soon the ranch came in sight.
It was truly a most extensive establishment.
The stockade and buildings covered acres of ground. A great herd of cattle were feeding on the open plains.
The main ranch itself was surrounded by a high stockade, which would resist most any ordinary attack with small arms.
As the Vigilants and the Steam Man came swiftly rushing down upon the place, a great commotion was seen to take place.