Here the nature of the ground forbade its going further.
Had it not been for leaving the Man, Frank, Barney and Pomp all would have liked to accompany the party.
But as it was, the best thing that they could do was to remain upon the plain and wait for coming events.
The party were soon out of sight. Hours passed, and the Steam Man remained at the mouth of the pass.
Frank was not particularly charmed with the situation.
It was terribly monotonous waiting here in this idle manner.
Our travelers longed to be in action, to be doing something. But for the present, however, there was little or nothing to do but wait.
Hours passed by slowly.
Finally the day began to wane. Then Barney suddenly exclaimed:
“Wud yez listen! I can hear the crack av foire-arms.”