"Can't you put on the reverse?" asked Innis.
"It would only strip the gears. I guess we've got to chance it, boys!"
A man ran out at the foot of the hill, dancing up and down near the approach to the bridge, and waving a red handkerchief.
"Are you going to try the bridge?" shouted Paul.
"I don't see how I can help it," replied Dick. "If I turn into the ditch we'll sure upset."
"Maybe the bridge is stronger than they think," suggested Innis. "It looks all right."
"That's the way with those country bridges," said Paul, bitterly. "They never keep 'em in repair, and even a heavy truck may go through. It's a shame!"
"Well, get ready for something, fellows!" said Dick, grimly. "Do you want to jump?"
"I guess it's the only thing to do," declared Paul. "There's grass on both sides of the road, and we can't be much hurt. You go first, Dick."