Benjamin Franklinstein Meets the Fright Brothers Read Online Free PDF Page B

“What’s a Hyperion coil?”
    â€œMy latest invention,” Franklin explained. “Whenever lightning strikes the house, the energy is stored inside the charging sphere.” He pointed to the large copper orb suspended from the ceiling.
    Scott walked over for a closer look.
    â€œThat generates a tremendous amount of heat,” Victor continued. “When winter comes, we’ll use some of it to heat the house. For now, the Hyperion coil fires the heat deep into the ground, where it dissipates in the cool earth. It’s kind of like a super-powerful radiator.”
    â€œSo that’s why it’s so hot in here,” Scott said. “But I thought it was bad for lightning to hit your house.”
    Scott had endless questions, and there was plenty to tell: Franklin’s invention of the life-sustaining harmonic fluid, his low-power zombie state, his overcharged rampaging monster state, the battery belt that kept him in balance, and the real story behind the volcanic disaster at last month’s Mandatory Science Fair.
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    THE FRANKLIN HARMONIC COIL

    â€œSo all that stuff at the fair was because of you, Ben?” Scott asked.
    â€œWell,” Franklin said, “me, combined with your delectable potato battery exhibit.”
    â€œYeah, those were awesome,” Scott said, hefting his antique radio up on top of the Leyden casket. “Remember when you—”
    â€œYou really shouldn’t put your radio there,” Victor interrupted. “The casket’s open.”
    â€œIt’s just for a second. I can’t quite reach the thingamajig when it’s on the floor.” Scott turned, and bumped the radio with his elbow. It plunged into the harmonic fluid and sank to the bottom of the casket. The blue liquid bubbled and crackled.
    â€œDon’t worry,” Scott said. “I’ll get it.”
    â€œYoung Master Weaver, perhaps you should step away from the casket,” Franklin urged him. “It is not safe.”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Scott said, plunging his hands into the harmonic fluid. “The radio wasn’t working anyway.”
    â€œScott!” Victor yelled. “Don’t!”
    Scott fished around inside the casket. His hair stood straight up, and his eyes glowed turquoise. “It tingles!” He flashed an electric smile as he lifted out the soaking radio.
    â€œAre you okay?” Victor asked.
    â€œSure,” Scott said. “Maybe it even fixed the radio.”
    He flicked on the power switch and a horrible grating static blared from the speaker. The lights in the basement surged briefly.
    â€œNope, it’s still broken,” Scott said, over the static.
    â€œRrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!” Franklin growled.
    Victor and Scott looked up from the radio. Their faces went pale.
    â€œWhat’s going on?” Scott said, slowly backing up.
    â€œI don’t know. It’s like he’s supercharged.”
    â€œBut isn’t that battery belt you invented supposed to keep him normal?”
    Franklin lurched forward, his arms outstretched. He collided with a table, spilling beakers of cobalt and liquid franklinogen all over the floor. Victor tried to race out of the way but slipped, fell, and struck his head on a Leyden jar.
    Scott clutched his radio and cowered behind the electrophone.
    â€œRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggghhhh!”
    With one hand, Franklin flipped the electrophone on its side, smashing gauges and crushing pipes. He charged at Scott, madness in his eyes.
    Victor blinked hard, trying to shake off the pain of his fall.
    Franklin staggered closer to Scott, his clawlike fingers trembling with rage.
    Wait a minute! Victor thought. “Scott! Turn off the radio!”
    â€œBut it’s broken!”
    â€œTURN IT OFF!”
    Scott flicked the switch, and the radio fell silent. Franklin froze in place.
    The old man looked startled. He scanned the room. “Good heavens, such a mess! What happened?