"Charles L. Harness-Quarks at Appomatox" - читать интересную книгу автора (Harness Charles L)

as many as you have, as well as plenty of powder and skilled gun crews. But you can even the odds, my
General." The stranger flashed black eyes at his reluctant host. "May I demonstrate?"
"Go ahead."
Von Mainz smiled, then held a finger up. "On the other hand, General, it would be more convincing if
you performed the experiment yourself."
"Really, Colonel-- "
"Would the general please pull out the weapon from my rifle boot."
Lee walked over to von Mainz's horse, pushed the saddle bags aside, and tugged at what appeared to
be a plain rifle stock. The thing came out with a long squeak. Lee carried it into a patch of moonlight for a
better look. He frowned. "It's not a rifle...?"
"Not exactly. Now then, shall I retire with your Major Potter, or do you want me to tell you about
this... instrument?"
"Hmm. It's a weapon, you said?"
"It is, indeed." The visitor smiled and crossed his arms over his chest.
"What does it fire?" asked Lee.
"Something in the nature of an electric charge."
"Electricity? For heaven's sake! But to what effect?"
"See for yourself. First, ask the good Major Potter to move a few meters away from the napoleon."
"Very well." Lee call out, "Major-- move away to your left a bit. There. That's fine."
"Now," said the visitor, "take it to your shoulder and hook your finger around the trigger, just as you
would a rifle. Aim it at the cannon barrel."
"What's this on the barrel?" muttered Lee. "A telescopic sight? No-- what in the name of heaven! I can
see everything, plain as day!"
"A snooperscope," explained von Mainz. "It senses infrared radiation."
"Whatever that is," said Lee. He began to perspire.
"A gentle squeeze on the trigger," prompted the German.
Lee felt a faint click as he closed the trigger.
The cannon seemed to vanish. The great Confederate first squinted; then his eyes opened very wide.
Something was still there. Dust. Metallic dust glinting in the soft moonlight. Now beginning to settle. And
a clatter as the wooden wheel spokes and undercarriage collapsed.
Lee hurried out to the shambles, followed by von Mainz. The general poked into the dust clumps with
a boot toe. He bent over, picked up a handful, and smelled it cautiously. A faint odor-- something like
the residue of a lightning strike. He tossed the dust aside.
Major Potter ran over to Lee. "General! Are you all right? What happened?"
Lee stared first at his aide, then at the German colonel. "Potter, everything's fine. Excuse us, please.
The colonel and I have somewhat to discuss." He handed the strange weapon gingerly to von Mainz and
motioned him back into the tent. The candle sputtered at the sudden draft.
"There are five more such weapons in my saddle bags," said von Mainz. "They merely require
assembly. So. What do you think? Do you believe me now?"
"I believe," said Lee, "that I have seen a remarkable thing." He sat on the cot and motioned to the chair
again. "How does it work?"
"I'm not a technical man-- but I think I can give you the basic theory. You've heard of atoms, of
course?"
"Yes."
"Atoms are made up mostly of even smaller particles called protons and neutrons. These in turn consist
of sub-particles called quarks. These quarks are held together by a thing called the strong force, or color
force. It is also called 'gluon,' because it functions like glue in holding the quarks together." He peered
over at the tired gray face. "Do you follow me, General?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
"Well, I'm sorry. Shall I go on?"