Fast-Moving River Below the Mill Bridge

The river roars beneath the wooden bridge at Black Jack’s Mill, its dark water churning with violent speed as it carries debris downstream. The current’s strength nearly drags the Doctor and Ace under during their escape, their boots slipping on slick stones before they scramble up the opposite bank. The water’s edge gouges deep into the soft earth, revealing roots and mud that threaten to collapse further. Its relentless flow offers both peril and opportunity—only by hurling themselves into its grasp do they break pursuit, though at the cost of drenched clothing and bruised ribs. The river’s deafening rush drowns out footsteps, giving them seconds of cover before they stagger up the far slope.