www.freeclassicebooks.com

8. Rob Acquires New Powers

I have seen the folly of sending you into the world with an offensive

instrument, yet with no method of defense," resumed the Demon,

presently. "You have knocked over a good many people with that tube

during the past week."

I know," said Rob; "but I couldn't help it. It was the only way I had to

protect myself."

Therefore my next gift shall be this Garment of Protection. You must

wear it underneath your clothing. It has power to accumulate and

exercise electrical repellent force. Perhaps you do not know what that

means, so I will explain more fully. When any missile, such as a bullet,

sword or lance, approaches your person, its rush through the air will

arouse the repellent force of which I speak, and this force, being more

powerful than the projective force, will arrest the flight of the missile and

throw it back again. Therefore nothing can touch your person that

comes with any degree of force or swiftness, and you will be safe from all

ordinary weapons. When wearing this Garment you will find it

unnecessary to use the electric tube except on rare occasions. Never

allow revenge or animosity to influence your conduct. Men may threaten,

but they can not injure you, so you must remember that they do not

possess your mighty advantages, and that, because of your strength, you

should bear with them patiently."

Rob examined the garment with much curiosity. It glittered like silver,

yet was soft and pliable as lamb's wool. Evidently the Demon had

prepared it especially for his use, for it was just Rob's size.

Now," continued the Demon, more gravely, "we approach the subject of

an electrical device so truly marvelous that even I am awed when I

contemplate the accuracy and perfection of the natural laws which guide

it and permit it to exercise its functions. Mankind has as yet conceived

nothing like it, for it requires full knowledge of electrical power to

understand even its possibilities."

The Being paused, and drew from an inner pocket something resembling

a flat metal box. In size it was about four inches by six, and nearly an

inch in thickness.

The Master Key