Once the party was well beyond the Colorado border, Walz began to suggest short-cut roads which he said would greatly reduce the mileage. Feeling that the motel owner knew the country, Mr. Livingston and the Explorers accepted his advice. But as the roads became increasingly poor, they wondered if they actually were saving any time. Late in the afternoon, when they were confronted with a choice of highways, Mr. Livingston stopped the car so as to study the road map.
“No. 416 will take us directly into Elks Creek,” Hap said. “With luck, we ought to get there before dark.”
With his forefinger, Walz traced another route. “It’s 40 miles shorter this way,” he pointed out.
“Your short cuts haven’t worked out so far,” the Scout leader objected.
“But I know this country,” said Walz. “This road is paved all the way.”
“All right, if you’re sure,” Mr. Livingston said, “but I don’t like the look of the sky.”
Black, fast-moving clouds were swirling over the distant mountain peaks.
“Oh, it may rain a little,” Walz replied carelessly. “All the more reason for taking the shorter road that’s paved.”
The highway he had insisted on taking ran for a while through desolate territory, and they didn’t meet any other cars. There were no houses or filling stations, and the only persons they saw along the road were occasional Indians. However, the highway was paved, as Walz had said. Instead of having bridges, the road dipped down through dry creek beds.
Jack called attention to a sign which read: “Notice to Motorists: Do not attempt to cross if creek is running more than six inches deep.”