“And be killed?” objected Bob.
The smoke became more dense and the flames spouted up higher around the car.
“Quick! There’s a small creek! Steer for it!” yelled Jerry, pointing ahead.
Bob saw the water and realized Jerry’s plan. He quickly turned the auto toward the water. There was a sort of ford turning off from the main road, which latter led over a small bridge.
Into the creek dashed the burning machine. There was a hiss as the water reached the flames, and clouds of steam arose.
Then, amid a swish of spray, the machine shot out on the opposite bank, only the machinery, as far up as the under side of the floor of the car, having been submerged. The fire was put out as good as if a whole city department had been called to battle with the flames.
[CHAPTER XIII.]
AT DEAD MAN’S GULCH.
Bob brought the auto to a stop under a big sycamore tree. The engine was still smoking, and there was considerable heat. Jerry jumped out and examined the car.