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"The question is, as the job?" said Gaun is really just a huge cannon," said Gamache, "would it fire only conventionalput into it"

Gamache paused to absorb that state a nuclear warhead?"

Rosenblatt shifted a little in his seat and nodded

"Cheical weapons?"

Now Rosenblatt leaned forward "It would shoot a Volkswagen into the lower at it wanted"

That was followed by silence

"So what’s it doing here?" Gamache asked

More silence, until Rosenblatt finally spoke, quietly "I don’t know"

"Guess"

"I won’t guess I’ isn’t part of what I do"

Gamache smiled "Of course it is Scientists couesses? Try It’s not as though you haven’t been sitting here wondering the sa"

Professor Rosenblatt took a deep breath "It could be a prototype, soIt’s not meant to be fired It’s meant as a sort of mock-up A sales tool"

"Or?"

"Or it’s meant to be fired Did you notice where it’s pointed?"

"Into the United States," said Gamache "Which theory do you think is most likely? A mock-up, or built to be used?"

Rosenblatt shook his head "Themechanism is a puzzle Was it never made? Was it removed?" He looked into Gamache’s face "I honestly don’t know"

Armand Gamache wasn’t sure he believed the scientist, but he kneould not, at this point, get a clearer answer

"The good news is we found the Supergun before it could be fired, if that was the intention," said Gae his life"

Professor Rosenblatt looked closely at his companion "You’re retired What’s your interest in this?"