's a high frequency current. The man has simply appropriated the
invention of Mr. Nikola Tesla. Seize him. He won't struggle. I've got
him covered."
Two burly Pinkertons leaped forward gingerly into the midst of the
electrical apparatus, and in less time than it takes to write it Lamar
was hustled out to the doorway, each arm pinioned back of him.
As we stood, half dazed by the suddenness of the turn of events, Kennedy
hastily explained:
"Tesla's theory is that under certain conditions the atmosphere, which
is normally a high insulator; assumes conducting properties and so
becomes capable of conveying any amount of electrical energy. I myself
have seen electrical oscillations such as these in this room of such
intensity that while they could be circulated with impunity through
one's arms and chest they would melt wires farther along in the
circuit. Yet the person through whom such a current is passing feels no
inconvenience. I have seen a loop of heavy copper wire energised by such
oscillations and a mass of metal within the loop heated to the fusing
point, and yet into the space in which this destructive aerial turmoil
was going on I have repeatedly thrust my hand and even my head, without
feeling anything or experiencing any injurious after-effect. In this
form all the energy of all the dynamos of Niagara could pass through
one's body and yet produce no injury. But, diabolically directed, this
vast energy has been used by this man to melt the wires in the little
dynamo that runs Norton's gyroscope. That is all. Now to the aviation
field. I have something more to show you."
We hurried as fast as we could up the street and straight out on the
field, across toward the Norton hangar, the crowd gaping in wonderment.
Kennedy waved frantically for Norton to come down, and Norton, who was
only a few hundred feet in the air, seemed to see and understand.
As we stood waiting before the hangar Kennedy could no longer restrain
his impatience.
"I suspected some wireless-power trick when I found that the field
wireless telegraph failed to work every time Norton's aeroplane was in
the air," he said, approaching close to Lamar. "I just happened to catch
sight of that peculiar wireless mast of yours. A little flash of light
first attracted my attention to it. I thought it was an electric spark,
but you are too clever for that, Lamar. Still, you forgot a much simpler
thing. It was the glint of the sun on the lens of your te
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