“Can’t,” answered one of the men.
“Why not?”
“The machinery that operates the draw is broken. We swung the bridge open to let a boat pass, and now we can’t close it again. We’ve sent for some mechanics to repair it.”
“How long will it take?” yelled Tom.
“Oh, not long. Two or three hours, maybe.”
“Two or three hours! Great smokestacks!” howled Tom. “That will be too late for us. We can’t get to the game on time!”
“Of course not!” agreed Holly Cross. “And Boxer Hall will be just mean enough to call a forfeit, and claim the championship!”
“Say, you’ve got to swing this bridge shut, and let us pass!” sung out Phil.
“Can’t!” yelled the men who were on the bridge, marooned as it were. “We’ve tried, but it won’t budge.”