"Can't," Freedman mumbled to himself. Perspiration stood out on his face. "Can't, Jerry. Can't."
The control man continued to work.
"Never had this happen before," he said. "Guns were raising hell for a while. They blew out the tubes on both sets. Wire shorted somewhere. Can't find it."
Freedman looked at the clock.
"One minute," he said in a humble, frightened voice. "One minute of life for Jerry." He paused and then put his face close to the screen.
"Jerry," he shouted, "Jerry, for God's sake, go back. The tunnel...."
It wasn't any use. Before he stopped talking, Graham said:
"Wow, this is too much. You guys sound like a bunch of wailing banshees. I'm signing off until you get that sender running again."
"Jerry...."
There was something wild and uncontrolled in Freedman's plea.