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Cuba! Is that a center of advanced scientific thought? Why did you not

take your marvels to New York or Chicago; or, if you wished to cross the

ocean, to Paris or Vienna?"

I never thought of those places," acknowledged Rob, meekly.

Then you were foolish, as I said," declared the Demon, in a calmer tone.

Can you not realize that it is better to be considered great by the

intelligent thinkers of the earth, than to be taken for a god by stupid

cannibals?"

Oh, yes, of course," said Rob. "I wish now that I had gone to Europe.

But you're not the only one who has a kick coming," he continued. "Your

flimsy traveling machine was nearly the death of me."

Ah, it is true," acknowledged the Demon, frankly. "The case was made

of too light material. When the rim was bent it pressed against the works

and impeded the proper action of the currents. Had you gone to a

civilized country such an accident could not have happened; but to avoid

possible trouble in the future I have prepared a new instrument, having a

stronger case, which I will exchange for the one you now have."

That's very kind of you," said Rob, eagerly handing his battered machine

to the Demon and receiving the new one in return. "Are you sure this

will work?"

It is impossible for you to injure it," answered the other.

And how about the next three gifts?" inquired the boy, anxiously.

Before I grant them," replied the Demon, "you must give me a promise to

keep away from uncivilized places and to exhibit your acquirements only

among people of intelligence."

All right," agreed the boy; "I'm not anxious to visit that island again, or

any other uncivilized country."

Then I will add to your possessions three gifts, each more precious and

important than the three you have already received."

At this announcement Rob began to quiver with excitement, and sat

staring eagerly at the Demon, while the latter increased in stature and

sparkled and glowed more brilliantly than ever.

The Master Key