It was no use.

Gently, but unmistakably, something pushed him back.

He _could_ not cross.

He wanted to, and he was in full possession of both his physical and mental faculties, but he simply could not do it.
In great perplexity, not unmixed with some natural sense of umbrage, Austin set off again along the ugly road.

The sun had come out once more, and it was very hot.