“I’ve been reading in scientific journals about your new miniature power plant which produces electrical energy directly from atomic reaction,” Wayne began.
“Europa Fabrik can use that process. We can use you, too. Name your price.” He took out a checkbook and poised a fountain pen over it.
Tom grinned. “I’m flattered, Mr. Wayne, but the rights to my midget power plant are not for sale. Nor am I looking for a job. If you’ll pardon me, my dad and I think we have the finest scientific setup in the world right here.”
Wayne named a huge figure, then doubled it. Tom shook his head. “Sorry, but my answer remains No.”
Wayne laughed. “Very well. I like a young fellow who knows his own mind.”
He replaced his checkbook and pen, then took a card from his wallet and handed it to Tom. “But if you should change your mind, the offer’s still open.”
30 TRIPHIBIAN ATOM I CAR
After seeing his visitor take off, Tom went back to his private lab, feeling a trifle dazed from Wayne’s whirlwind tactics.
“Who was Handlebar Hank?” inquired Bud, walking into the laboratory a few moments afterward.
“Fellow named Wayne from Europa Fabrik.” Tom grinned as he related his visitor’s offer. “But never mind him. I want to see how the Mighty Midget, here, pans out.”
Bud watched eagerly from the doorway of the test booth as Tom tightened a cable connection and inspected a few final details.
The power plant was housed in a small, rectangular, capsulelike casing. It had a copper boss at each end, one positive and one negative, through which the electrical output would be drawn off. A sheathed cable led from the capsule to a small control box, which was connected to an outside control panel.
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