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Where to?"

Oh, I may go to Boston, or take a run over to Cuba or Jamaica," replied

the boy.

But you can not go so far by yourself," declared his father; "and there is

no one to go with you, just now. Nor can I spare the money at present

for so expensive a trip."

Oh, it won't cost anything," replied Rob, with a smile.

Mr. Joslyn looked upon him gravely and sighed. Mrs. Joslyn bent over

her son with tears in her eyes and said:

This electrical nonsense has affected your mind, dear. You must

promise me to keep away from that horrid workshop for a time."

I won't enter it for a week," he answered. "But you needn't worry about

me. I haven't been experimenting with electricity all this time for

nothing, I can tell you. As for my health, I'm as well and strong as any

boy need be, and there's nothing wrong with my head, either. Common

folks always think great men are crazy, but Edison and Tesla and I don't

pay any attention to that. We've got our discoveries to look after. Now,

as I said, I'm going for a little trip in the interests of science. I may be

back to-night, or I may be gone several days. Anyhow, I'll be back in a

week, and you mustn't worry about me a single minute."

How are you going?" inquired his father, in the gentle, soothing tone

persons use in addressing maniacs.

Through the air," said Rob.

His father groaned.

Where's your balloon?" inquired sister Mabel, sarcastically.

I don't need a balloon," returned the boy. "That's a clumsy way of

traveling, at best. I shall go by electric propulsion."

Good gracious!" cried Mr. Joslyn, and the mother murmured: "My poor

boy! my poor boy!"

As you are my nearest relatives," continued Rob, not noticing these

exclamations, "I will allow you to come into the back yard and see me

start. You will then understand something of my electrical powers."

The Master Key