Thus the fate of the prisoners was decided by their captors. But the question of attack upon the vigilants was now the one in order.
Preparations were at once made for cornering Harmon and his heroic little band.
Several parties of cowboys were dispatched to head off any possible attempt at escape from the hills.
Harmon’s men were certainly hemmed in on all sides, and it was a most dubious outlook for them.
The exultation of the cowboys was beyond expression.
“We’ve got ‘em dead sure!” cried Cliff, triumphantly. “Not a one on ‘em can possibly escape.”
The cowboys now began to close the line in about their prey.
A pass was found through which the Steam Man was taken, and to a point within easy range of the position held by the Vigilants.
Harmon had chosen an elevated position on a kind of small tableland or plateau.
Here behind bowlders he had concentrated his forces. The position was not a bad one to defend.