Read Online The Adventures of Phineas Frakture by Joseph Gatch - Free Book Online Page B

there. She is very excited about the mummy exhibit, and you have not shown her much attention lately. As a matter of fact, you have become even more withdrawn than you were before...”
    Phineas shot him a glance.
    “Anyway, she is waiting and you can use a break. See some fresh ideas, get recharged, and talk to inventors like yourself. I am sure your vast knowledge could benefit someone out there. Who knows? You might inspire the next great invention.
    Mrs. Popkiss returned from the lab and took off a gas mask. “Go, sir. This is an all day job on my part,” she said wearily. “Puts holes in my walls, soot everywhere, some weird liquid sprayed all over my plants…” Her tirade faded away as she fetched more supplies.
    “There, you see, even the warden has given you a leave of absence.”
    “I heard that!” Mrs. Popkiss shouted from the next room.
    “She heard that,” Phineas said.
    “Hmph,” grunted William. “No cake for me for a week then.” He dusted the soot from Phineas’ jacket. “Let’s not keep your lady waiting, lest she become enamored by a brilliant young inventor and run away with him.”
    “Fine.” Phineas wiped the last of the soot from his face. “Mummy exhibit, eh? That’s just what I need…another droll, lifeless person to put me to sleep. This is going to be a very boring day, I can just feel it.”

Episode
2
    Rising above the exposition center in Flushing, New York, were several airship towers which, in turn, held a multitude of Zeppelins, each of their own unique design. Small craft flittered about, from one man gyro-copters to hover barges ferrying spectators around the expo. Throngs of people streamed in from all over the city and beyond. The cabbies were smiling broadly as overcharged fares were collected from people desperate to arrive at the center before the rest of the masses, evading long lines at the ticket booths. Those who arrived late, and who were still waiting in line, icily glared at those who strolled past them already holding tickets and not having to endure the heat of the morning or the agitation of those around them.
    Several automatons greeted the visitors as they entered the main gate, taking tickets and ushering them through the entrances. Some of the visitors were turned away as the new models, equipped with the latest anti-counterfeit punch-cards, weeded out ticket forgeries.
    Phineas eyed one of the automatons, checking its gears until he realized that he was holding up the line.
    “Nothing interesting, eh?” asked William.
    “I’ve made one before. Nothing new to me.”
    “Yes, but this one hasn’t launched its gears through a window yet.”
    The duo pushed through the already growing mob of people. Everyone seemed to have their heads either pointed up at the marvels above or pointed down towards their maps of the park, planning their strategy for the day.
    Phineas felt a bump from behind and quickly lashed out, snagging a small boy by the collar.
    “Sorry, sir. I weren’t watchin’ where I was goin’,” the boy said eagerly.
    “That’s all right, son, but I would like my wallet back, if you please.”
    “What?! I ain’t gots your wallet! Let me go!”
    Phineas pulled out a small metal rod from his coat pocket and touched the boy with it. He yelped as a small electric arc zapped him in the rear.
    “Fine,” the boy said testily. “Here ya go.” He handed Phineas his wallet back and ran off quickly as soon as he was released.
    “Was that really necessary?” asked William as Phineas replaced both the rod and his wallet.
    “It was if you wanted me to pay for lunch. Blasted orphans. We need more workhouses to keep them in check.”
    “You are a pillar of humanity. I hope that you don’t use that thing on your students. The headmaster will surely be getting calls about you.”
    “Well, just look around. A few years ago, this Exposition would have had half the visitors it has now. The population is out of control. Soon, the city will be