Pomp was very much in earnest.
He was a brave and generous fellow, and willing at any time to sacrifice his life for his master.
In some manner he must certainly vindicate himself. He crossed the creek again and stood upon the spot where the Steam Man had been.
Of course the machine was out of sight by this time, but nevertheless, Pomp took the trail and proceeded to follow it.
For some hours he trudged on over the prairie. All the while the darky was revolving in his mind some plan for the relief of his friends.
He was bound to admit that it was a puzzle. Yet he did not lose hope.
The hills were every moment becoming plainer. Already Pomp had covered five of the twenty miles.
The darky was a good walker, and no distance was too great for his trained muscles.
The sun was beginning to run high in the heavens, and a brisk breeze blew across the prairie.
Pomp kept on steadily.