"Good-bye to our chances for the championship," put in Beeby gloomily.
"There's been treachery here," murmured Dick, as he gazed at the blank faces of his companions. "Treachery! This is what Sam Porter meant when he said I'd be sorry."
CHAPTER XXV
A DESPERATE RACE
For a few moments the surprise of the cadets was such that they could think of nothing to do. It seemed almost impossible that their plans should be defeated by such a simple means, yet such was the case. A look down the empty tracks showed not a sign of their special train, and further appeals to the agent only confirmed what he had first said.
"It's no use, boys," he declared. "That special has been sent back and it will take a long time to get it again, even if I could. The train dispatcher made a certain schedule for it, and once that is busted it's hard to get it in shape again."
"Isn't there a regular train they can take?" asked Mr. Hamilton.
"Not for three hours."
"And that will be too late," said Paul dismally.