“Why is Rascomb so against publicity? A pose?”
Doyle shrugged as he steered the sound truck into a filling station.
“No, he’s just that way. But they tell me Rascomb is a fine fellow.”
An attendant filled the gasoline tank, checked the oil and replenished the water in the radiator. As Doyle paid him, he volunteered road information.
“Aiming to take U.S. 49 out of here?”
“That’s right,” answered Doyle. “How is the road to Excelsior City?”
“The road’s in good condition. But if you want to be on the safe side you’d better take Highway 23. We’ve had some hard rains around here. The Coon River is over its banks, and there’s a bad bridge about six miles beyond town.”
“Then the road is closed?”
“They were keeping it open an hour ago. A radio report said it would be closed if the water came any higher.”
Doyle and Flash studied a map. Highway 23 was graveled and at least fourteen miles out of their way.