“How does it work’” asked Ned, as he looked at the curious gun. The electric weapon was not unlike an ordinary heavy rifle in appearance save that the barrel was a little longer, and the stock larger in every way. There were also a number of wheels, levers, gears and gages on the stock.
“It works by electricity,” explained Tom.
“That is, the force comes from a powerful current of stored electricity.”
“Oh, then you have storage batteries in the stock?”
“Not exactly. There are no batteries, but the current is a sort of wireless kind. It is stored in a cylinder, just as compressed air or gases are stored, and can be released as I need it.”
“And when it’s all gone, what do you do?”
“Make more power by means of a small dynamo.”
“And does it shoot lead bullets?”
“Not at all. There are no bullets used.”
“Then how does it kill?”