The Steam Man was far ahead making rapid time.
But Costello was determined not to be cheated so easily of his prey.
His murderous gang came thundering in pursuit. The greasers rode like fiends and kept up a constant fire.
Down through the pass went the Steam Man.
After it came the stage-coach, and the passengers were yelling and firing with full force.
A short while later the Steam Man shot out upon the mesas.
The coach came after and across the plain the race went.
Of course the fleet ponies of the greasers could out-foot the stage horses.
The greasers came swarming up around the stage and it was possible that they would have annihilated the mining party but for an intervention.
Frank Reade, Jr., saw the danger and at once made action to prevent it.