The pass was barely wide enough at this point to let the coach and the Steam Man pass.
But the coach did not offer to move, and Frank saw the passengers pulling their revolvers.
He comprehended the situation at a glance, and cried:
“Hold on, friends! there’s no need of that. We are not road agents!”
“Oh, ye ain’t, eh?” thundered the burly Jehu. “Well, we’re powerful glad to hear that. But whar in thunder did ye git that bullgine, anyhow?”
The passengers now all crowded out of the coach.
They were consumed with curiosity to inspect this new wonder.
“Instead of a steam ingine!” cried one of the sports, “ye see, gentlemen, we now have a Steam Man.”
“A Steam Man!” gasped several. “Well, if that don’t beat me.”
With much wonderment they proceeded to examine the Steam Man.