To charge upon it the cowboys would have to ascend a height of fifty feet or more in the face of a strong fire.
But this sacrifice of men Cliff did not intend to make, at least not at once.
There were other points of vantage about, which the cowboys quickly took possession of.
From these a desultory fire was kept up with the Vigilants with some loss upon both sides.
But Harmon’s men could not very well withstand any loss whatever. This the cowboys could stand better.
The Steam Man, however, could advance to very close proximity with the Vigilants, and those on board were safe from any shots of retaliation.
This made it bad for Harmon for he had no way of checking this most destructive fire.
It was a most galling thing for Frank Reade, Jr., to remain idle and see his invention used in such a manner.
He groaned aloud with horror and dismay. Barney did the same.
“Oh, if I could only free myself,” declared the young inventor.