The pursuit lasted for ten miles. Then the horses of both parties became fagged and they were compelled to halt.
But Harmon’s men, by dint of careful work, got their horses into the fastnesses of the hills. Here they felt more secure.
The Steam Man had well covered the retreat of the vigilants. But darkness was now coming on and a serious question presented itself to Frank Reade, Jr.
To remain where they were for the night would be to incur the risk of a midnight attack from the cowboys.
This might result seriously.
At least Frank was disposed to evade it.
He consulted with Harmon, and the result was an arrangement which it was believed would be better for all.
In the fastnesses of the hills Harmon felt sanguine of holding his own against the cowboys.
Therefore it was decided that the Steam Man should leave the vicinity and go far enough away over the prairie to make sure of safety for the night.
Accordingly Frank left the vicinity and sent the Man striding over the plain in the dusk of evening.