"It is nearly ten o'clock," he said. "For two hours I have been discussing the value of atomic disintegration as a source of tremendous power. In that time, I have endeavored to fully outline the principles that are involved in this great subject. You have been patient, gentlemen — now I shall reward you with the actual demonstration."
Murdock went to a covered table near the center of the room. He drew aside the cloth to disclose a hollow sphere of glass. This globe, which measured more than a foot in diameter, was mounted upon a base of metal.
"Watch," said Murdock, quietly.
He pressed a switch and a motor began to hum. Tiny sparks appeared within the globe.
Then came quick soundless bursts of flame as invisible particles broke asunder.
"Atomic action," spoke the white-haired chemist.
The activity within the hollow sphere seemed like warfare in miniature. The onlookers stared in fascination, while Clark Murdock stood aside, watching the expressions on their faces.
When the chaos had reached its height and the globe seemed ready to break apart, Murdock again pressed the switch. The terrific commotion continued for a few minutes, then gradually ceased. The witnesses gazed at one another in amazement.
"That," declared Clark Murdock, "is a perfect demonstration of my discovery. You have seen the results of atomic disintegration conducted in a vacuum. Now imagine, gentlemen" — the chemist's face took on a visionary stare — "the same activity on a much larger scale — within a steel-walled chamber. There is power here that surpasses all dreams—"
He stopped suddenly as he heard the sound of a telephone bell in another room.