He could see that the ranch was in the possession of a foe.
This inflamed his wrath, and, with loud curses and yells, he rode down in the van of his followers.
Frank Reade, Jr., had taken in the situation at a glance.
He knew that it would be flatly impossible for the score of vigilants to hold those three hundred desperadoes long at bay.
It would mean the eventual massacre of every vigilant. This Frank wished to avoid.
The young inventor had induced Bessie Rodman to seek refuge in the wagon. Otherwise, she would certainly fall into the hands of the foe again.
Frank started the Steam Man ahead, and went down to the stockade. He made the vigilantes a hasty address.
“Nothing will be gained by holding this place,” he declared, with force. “You cannot do it. The odds are too great.”
“But we cannot surrender,” cried Harmon, “and how can we retreat?”
“Easily enough,” replied Frank, “there is a rear gate. Open it and cut out upon the prairie.”