The Man was made of plates of steel hinged at the ankles, knees and hips. There were driving rods down the legs, showing that the Man’s motive power was steam. The body of the man made the furnace, and upon its back was the steam chest as well as gauge and indicator. The tall hat was the smoke-stack, and in the Man’s mouth was the whistle. A headlight was placed in the forehead. The reservoirs of water were in the Man’s legs and arms, so adjusted that a continual circulation was kept up with the water in the boiler. Reins extended from the throttle and whistle valves in the Man’s mouth to the dasher of the wagon, and it was by these that the iron monster was guided and driven with the greatest of ease. This completes the description of the Steam Man. The wagon was also made of plates of steel, cleverly riveted and bullet proof. The wagon contained bunkers for coal, also compartments for the safe storage of provisions and ammunition. Bunks to sleep in were arranged over the coal bunkers. The wagon was covered entire with a fine netting of bullet proof Steel. In this netting there were loopholes through which rifles could be fired at an enemy. A door in the rear of the wagon furnished means of entrance and exit. Once inside this steel cage the inmates were safe from any sort of a missile but a cannon ball. The Steam Man was certainly a wonderful invention. The four-wheeled wagon with its grooved tires could be hauled across level ground by him faster than the ordinary train of cars. The Man’s stride was something tremendous. Large sums had been offered Frank for the secret of his invention. But he would not sell it for many good and sufficient reasons. CHAPTER II. EN ROUTE TO MEXICO. Frank Reade, Jr., made a quick but thorough examination of the Steam Man. It required but a few moments to satisfy him that Pomp had told the truth. The Man was all in perfect order and ready for a trip. The famous inventor was much pleased with this realization. “Well, Barney,” he said, briskly, “you may see to it that the wagon is provided with necessary stores. Pomp, you may look after the arms and ammunition and have everything in readiness at the earliest possible moment. Do you understand?” “Ay, sor” replied Barney. “Yes, sah!” said Pomp. With this Frank turned about and left the shop. He went at once back to his house. Here at the door he was met by his wife. Mrs. Reade was a very beautiful and intelligent woman, a fit partner for a man of genius. “Well, Frank!” she said, with a smile. “I have a premonition that you are up to some new scheme. Am I not right?” “You are,” replied Frank, with a laugh. “You are a good guesser.” “I knew it. What--what is it?” Frank noted the look of anxiety upon his wife’s face and replied: “You must have no fears. I am quite able to take care of myself. Yes, it is another trip.”