But the event was too important to miss.

The huge, complicated press had already inspired their awe, and they were eager to "see it work" as it printed the new paper.
The girls tolerated this native curiosity with indulgent good humor and at midnight even passed out sandwiches to the crowd, a supply having been secured for the workmen.

These were accepted silently, and as they munched the food all kept their eyes fixed upon the magicians within.
There was a hitch somewhere; McGaffey muttered naughty words under his breath and plied wrenches and screwdrivers in a way that brought a thrill of anxiety, approaching fear, to every heart.

The press started half a dozen times, only to be shut down abruptly before it had printed a single impression.

McGaffey counseled with Larry, who shook his head.
Fitzgerald, the job printer, examined the machinery carefully and again McGaffey screwed nuts and regulated the press.