survivors had all they could do in 'taking care of their disabled
comrades.

Never was victory more complete. The Indians were thoroughly
discomfited, and only too glad to get away after being so severely
punished. During this singular running fight the steam man kept up a
constant shrieking, which doubtless contributed in no slight degree to
the rout of the red-skins. They fired continually at the
fearful-looking monster, and, finding their shots produced no effect,
invested the thing with a portion of the supernatural power which they
had given it at first sight.

When the last glimpse of the retreating Indians was seen, the trapper
turned triumphantly toward the boy.

'Warn't that purty well done, younker?'

'It was indeed.'

'They'll now stay away awhile.'

'We would have failed if we had waited any longer.'

'Why so, boy?'

'Because the last stick is burned, and the steam man couldn't be made
to run a mile further without more fuel.'

CHAPTER XVII. HOMEWARD BOUND.