In an instant Pomp was at the dasher and the throttle rein.
He saw at a glance the deadly peril which threatened.
“Heavens!” he gasped. “I beliebe dat de rapscallions heerd dat ar whistle. I’d oughter know’d better.”
The greasers saw that there was only one man aboard the Steam Man.
This was enough for them, and they made a full charge upon it.
Pomp saw that his only salvation was in retreat, so he swung the Man about and pulled wide the throttle.
The Man started to rush out upon the plain.
But the horses of the greasers were alongside, and one of them reached over and pulled the throttle rein.
In an instant the throttle was closed.
The Steam Man came to a halt.