[After placing a foot on the bridge he pulled back, not liking the sound it was making. He silently cursed. Why did old bridges have to be so rickety and loud?]

Any possible suggestions for muffling sound?

[He hated to even ask and ran his hand through his beard as he tried to find another solution. He thought about possibly traveling through the water instead, but wasn't sure if that was even safe.]

I was thinking maybe the water might be a safer way across.