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attention to it you immediately appeared to me--a mere boy--and offered

your services."

I was very anxious to do something," returned the Demon, evasively.

You've no idea how stupid it is for me to live invisible and unknown,

while all the time I have in my possession secrets of untold benefit to the

world."

Well, you'll have to keep cool and bide your time," said Rob. "The world

wasn't made in a minute, and while civilization is going on at a pretty

good pace, we're not up to the Demon of Electricity yet."

What shall I do!" groaned the Apparition, wringing his hands miserably;

oh, what shall I do!"

Go home and lie down," replied Rob, sympathetically. "Take it easy and

don't get rattled. Nothing was every created without a use, they say; so

your turn will come some day, sure! I'm sorry for you, old fellow, but it's

all your own fault."

You are right!" exclaimed the Demon, striding up and down the room,

and causing thereby such a crackling of electricity in the air that Rob's

hair became rigid enough to stand on end. "You are right, and I must

wait--wait--wait--patiently and silently--until my bonds are loosed by

intelligence rather than chance! It is a dreary fate. But I must wait--I

must wait--I must wait!"

I'm glad you've come to your senses," remarked Rob, drily. "So, if you've

nothing more to say--"

No! I have nothing more to say. There IS nothing more to say. You and

I are two. We should never had met!" retorted the Demon, showing great

excitement.

Oh, I didn't seek your acquaintance," said Rob. "But I've tried to treat

you decently, and I've no fault to find with you except that you forgot you

were a slave and tried to be a master."

The Demon did not reply. He was busily forcing the various electrical

devices that Rob had relinquished into the pockets of his fiery jacket.

Finally he turned with an abrupt movement.

The Master Key