But Frank was not anxious to meet them in close combat.
He opened the throttle and let the Steam Man out.
Out of the ranch yard the Man sped, but the greasers all sprang upon their horses and gave pursuit.
Out upon the plain went the Steam Man, pursued by the yelling horde of greasers.
For half a mile the race was nip and tuck.
Ordinarily the Man would have distanced them, but there was but little steam up, and progress was slow.
As it was, the greasers gained a trifle, and one of them sent his lasso coiling like a serpent through the air.
It settled down over the Steam Man’s head and shoulders.
CHAPTER IV.
THE PROSPECTORS.
The Mexican who had the temerity to attempt lassooing the Steam Man had little idea of the enormity of his task.