Toy Shop by Harry Harrison, Science Fiction, Adventure - Harry Harrison - Bog

Because there were few adults in the crowd, and Colonel "Biff" Hawton stood over six feet tall, he could see every detail of the demonstration. The children -- and most of the parents -- gaped in wide-eyed wonder. Biff Hawton was too sophisticated to be awed. He stayed on because he wanted to find out what the trick was that made the gadget work.