gigantic man, could not but startle all who should see it for the
first time.

The steam man advanced at a rate which was quite moderate, until
within a quarter of a mile of the astonished train, when the boy let
on a full head of steam and instantly bounded forward like a meteor.
As it came opposite the amazed company, the whistle was palled, and
it-gave forth a shriek hideous enough to set a man crazy.

The horses and animals of the emigrant train could be seen rearing and
plunging, while the men stood too appalled to do anything except gaze
in stupid and speechless amazement.

There were one or two, however, who had sense enough to perceive that
there was nothing at all very supernatural about it, and they shouted
to them to halt; but our two friends concluded it was not desirable to
have any company, and they only slackened their speed, without
halting.

But there was one of the emigrants who determined to know something
more about it and, mounting his horse, he started after it on a full
run. The trapper did not perceive him until he had approached quite
close, when they again put on a full head of steam, and they went
bounding forward at a rate which threatened to tear them to pieces.

But the keen perception of the boy had detected what they were able to
do without real risk: and, without putting his invention to its very
best, he kept up a speed which steadily drew them away from their
pursuer, who finally became discouraged, checked his animal, and
turned round and rode back to his friends, a not much wiser man.