"Nothing very wonderful about it," disclaimed Tom. "Well, if we find
the tank is empty we have a powerful, double-acting hand pump by
which, without much effort, we can get up any pressure we need."

"And then you turn a valve?"

"Exactly, and the air-motor turns over the dynamo which starts
generating electricity right away."

"Then, except for the first cost of the car, the expense of operating
it is comparatively nothing?" asked Dick.

"Yes, you might say we get our power out of the air, and that's
free--so far."

"And there's no limit, then, to what you can do or where you can go
with the Electric Monarch?"

"None; that is, so long as the machinery holds out. We are independent
of fuel and the lubricating system is so devised that the oiling is
automatic and requires attending to only once a month. We could easily
carry a year's supply of lubricant."

"Tall timbers of Taunton!" burst out Dick enthusiastically. "You've
solved the problem of the poor man's car. All the owner of an
Electric Monarch has to do is to pump a little pump-handle or press a
little button and he's off without it costing him a cent. My story
will sure make a big sensation!"

"Well, you want to tone down that part about its not costing a cent,"