www.freeclassicebooks.com

machine, which clearly was not in good working order. The vast ocean

was beneath him, and he moved no faster than an ordinary walk.

At this rate I'll get home some time next year," he grumbled. "However, I

suppose I ought to be glad the machine works at all." And he really was

glad.

All the afternoon and all the long summer night he moved slowly over the

water. It was annoying to go at "a reg'lar jog-trot," as Rob called it, after

his former swift flight; but there was no help for it.

Just as dawn was breaking he saw in the distance a small vessel, sailing

in the direction he was following, yet scarcely moving for lack of wind.

He soon caught up with it, but saw no one on deck, and the craft had a

dingy and uncared-for appearance that was not reassuring. But after

hovering over it for some time Rob decided to board the ship and rest for

a while. He alighted near the bow, where the deck was highest, and was

about to explore the place when a man came out of the low cabin and

espied him.

This person had a most villainous countenance, and was dark-skinned,

black-bearded and dressed in an outlandish, piratical costume. On

seeing the boy he gave a loud shout and was immediately joined by four

companions, each as disagreeable in appearance as the first.

Rob knew there would be trouble the moment he looked at this evil crew,

and when they drew their daggers and pistols and began fiercely

shouting in an unknown tongue, the boy sighed and took the electric

tube from his coat pocket.

The buccaneers did not notice the movement, but rushed upon him so

quickly that he had to press the button at a lively rate. The tube made

no noise at all, so it was a strange and remarkable sight to see the

pirates suddenly drop to the deck and lie motionless. Indeed, one was so

nearly upon him when the electric current struck him that his head, in

falling, bumped into Rob's stomach and sent him reeling against the side

of the vessel.

He quickly recovered himself, and seeing his enemies were rendered

harmless, the boy entered the cabin and examined it curiously. It was

dirty and ill-smelling enough, but the corners and spare berths were

The Master Key