"Better slow down," advised Simmons presently. "There's a bridge ahead that isn't any, too strong."
That bridge was closer than the deputy thought. Just then the automobile top brushed heavily against foliage in making a wooded turn in the road.
"There's the bridge!" yelled Simmons almost excitedly. "Slow down—-stop!"
Valden tried to obey, but the bridge was altogether too close for stopping in time. Out over the planks ran the car.
R-r-rip! Crash!
Some of the boards were already missing from the rude bridge. Others gave way almost like paper. Down through the structure fell the car, then landed with a splash, overturning to the accompaniment of cries of fright and of pain from its occupants.
CHAPTER XIII
IN A FIX!
As the water in the creek was barely three feet deep, Officer Valden sprang from the car, holding his right hand, which had been caught in the brake mechanism.
Deputy Simmons appeared to be uninjured.