| 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 |
| 1 | 27 | 54 | 81 | 108 |
|
www.freeclassicebooks.com
"
I will explain. Perhaps you know that your fellow-creatures are more or
less hypocritical. That is, they try to appear good when they are not, and
wise when in reality they are foolish. They tell you they are friendly when
they positively hate you, and try to make you believe they are kind when
their natures are cruel. This hypocrisy seems to be a human failing.
One of your writers has said, with truth, that among civilized people
things are seldom what they seem."
"
"
I've heard that," remarked Rob.
On the other hand," continued the Demon, "some people with fierce
countenances are kindly by nature, and many who appear to be evil are
in reality honorable and trustworthy. Therefore, that you may judge all
your fellow-creatures truly, and know upon whom to depend, I give you
the Character Marker. It consists of this pair of spectacles. While you
wear them every one you meet will be marked upon the forehead with a
letter indicating his or her character. The good will bear the letter 'G,'
the evil the letter 'E.' The wise will be marked with a 'W' and the foolish
with an 'F.' The kind will show a 'K' upon their foreheads and the cruel a
letter 'C.' Thus you may determine by a single look the true natures of
all those you encounter."
"
And are these, also, electrical in their construction?" asked the boy, as
he took the spectacles.
"
Certainly. Goodness, wisdom and kindness are natural forces, creating
character. For this reason men are not always to blame for bad
character, as they acquire it unconsciously. All character sends out
certain electrical vibrations, which these spectacles concentrate in their
lenses and exhibit to the gaze of their wearer, as I have explained."
"
"
"
"
It's a fine idea," said the boy; "who discovered it?"
It is a fact that has always existed, but is now utilized for the first time."
Oh!" said Rob.
With these gifts, and the ones you acquired a week ago, you are now
equipped to astound the world and awaken mankind to a realization of
the wonders that may be accomplished by natural forces. See that you
employ these powers wisely, in the interests of science, and do not forget
your promise to exhibit your electrical marvels only to those who are
most capable of comprehending them."
4
2
Page
Quick Jump
|