But Frank was ready for them.
He knew that it would never do to let the villains get hands upon the Horse or wagon.
To charge was the only method, so Frank opened the throttle wide and sent the Steam Horse ahead.
The horse went down into the midst of the yelling gang like a thunderbolt.
The effect was most dismaying to the outlaws.
A path was literally mowed through their ranks. Their efforts to check the Horse were utterly futile.
Down through their midst the Steam Horse went, and clearing them, went on out of the gorge.
Frank let the Horse run for ten miles rapidly, until a good spot to camp was found.
Then he halted, and all sprang out. A fire was quickly built and the evening meal got under way.
“Begorra, I reckon we give them varmints a good lesson that toime!” cried Barney.