"No, you didn't see the bullet," said Tom.
"You saw the illuminating flash which I send out just before I fire,
to reveal the object I am to hit. That is another part of my rifle
and is only used at night."
"You see I shoot out a ball of electrical fire which will disclose
the target, or the enemy at whom I am firing. As soon as that is
discharged the rifle automatically gets ready to shoot the electric
charge, and I have only to press the proper button, and the
'bullet,' as I call it, follows on the heels of the ball of light.
Do you see?"
"Perfectly," exclaimed Ned with a laugh. "What a gun that would be
for hunting, since most all wild beasts come out only at night."
"That was one object in making this invention," said Tom. "I only
hope I get a chance to use it now."
"I thought you were going to Africa after elephants," spoke Mr.
Swift.
"Well, I did think of it." admitted Tom, "but I haven't made any
definite plans. But come into the house, Ned. and I'll show you more
in detail how my rifle works."
Thereupon the two chums spent some time going into the mysteries of
the new weapon. Mr. Swift and Mr. Jackson were also much interested,
for, though they had seen the gun previously and had helped Tom
perfect it, they had not yet tired of discussing its merits.
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