In the latter event it was a question whether any of the party would be left alive to tell the tale.
Nick had no desire to cut short his career on that lonely turnpike in northern Vermont, but still he realized that he would have to take chances, no matter what course he pursued.
In the distance he could see a plank bridge crossing a stream.
The edge of the bridge was guarded with a low wooden railing, and to run the Red Spider into the railing and off the bridge would not be a difficult task.
But that would be infinitely more dangerous than running the auto into a tree.
Nick, therefore, decided on a collision.
The approach to the bridge was slightly downhill, and he started the Spider at a tremendous clip.
“Slower, slower!” shouted Clancy. “Do you want to wreck us?”
“It’s out of control!” cried Nick. “I can’t do anything with it!”
The Spider was shooting toward a tree, a hundred feet ahead, and Nick seemed to be working frantically at the levers in an attempt to stop it.