e machine is thus self-fueling.

"Since the nuclear energy released is converted almost one hundred per
cent into electrical current, there is no danger from radiation; since
the process is, by its very nature, self-limiting, there is no danger of
explosion. The worst that can happen is for the machine to burn out,
and, I understand, it won't do that unless it is purposely tampered
with to make it do so.

"Finally, the device is so inexpensive to produce that it could be sold
for about one-quarter of the price of an ordinary automobile." He
stopped, cleared his throat, and glanced at Larchmont and Vanderlin. "Am
I essentially correct, gentlemen?"

Larchmont nodded, and Vanderlin said, "That's about it."

Jim Luckman looked at Sam Bending in open admiration. "Wow," he said
softly. "You're quite a genius, Sam."

"Very well, gentlemen," Condley continued, "we know what this device
will do on a physical level. Now we must consider what it will do on an
economic level. Have you considered what would happen if you put the
Converter on the market, Mr. Bending?"

"Certainly," Bending said, with an angry glance at Olcott. "The Power
Utilities would lose their pants. So what? I figure that any company
which tries to steal and suppress inventions deserves a licking."

Secretary Condley glanced at Olcott as though he were trying to hold
back a smile, then returned his gaze to Bending. "We won't quibble over
the ethics of the situation, Mr. Bending. You are correct in saying that
Power Utilities would be bankrupt. They couldn't stand the competition
of what amounts to almost unlimited free power. And then what would
happen, with every power company in the United States suddenly put out
of business?"

Sam looked puzzled. "What difference would it make? People would just be
getting their power from another source, that's all."

Richard Olcott leaned forward earnestly. "May I interject something
here? I know you are angry with me, Mr. Bending--perhaps with good
reason. But I'd like to point out something that you might not have
recognized. Public Utilities and its co-operative independent companies
are not owned by individuals. Much of the stock is owned by small
share-holders who have only a few shares each. The several billion
dollars that these companies are worth is spread out over the nation,
not just centered with a few wealthy men. In addition, a great many
shares are held by insurance companies and banks. Literally mi