He turned the Steam Man making a wide circle.
Then he started out to strike the foe on the flank.
The Man rushed with full force for the party of outlaws.
They did not swerve, and the next moment the Man was among them. The wheels of the wagon overturned horses, split the party up and raised havoc.
Men were trampled beneath the Man’s iron feet. Horses were sent riderless over the plain and confusion ensued.
The Steam Man followed up his advantage closely.
Right and left the outlaws were scattered. Several times Barney drew a bead on a leader of the gang whom he fancied to be Costello, but each time missed.
The man seemed to bear a charmed life. The Celt was disgusted.
“Bejabers, I think I’ll have to learn how to shoot,” he muttered, disconsolately. “It’s three times shure that I thried it an’ each toime missed me mark.”
The stage-coach meanwhile under Bill Guernsey’s able guidance had gained a tremendous lead.