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his boyish heart he loved them all and believed in their goodness and

sincerity. The possibility of finding a bad character mark on any of their

familiar faces made him shudder, and he determined then and there

never to use the spectacles to view the face of a friend or relative. Had

any one, at that moment, been gazing at Rob through the lenses of the

wonderful Character Marker, I am sure a big "W" would have been found

upon the boy's forehead.

When the family circle broke up, and all retired for the night, Rob kissed

his parents and sisters with real affection before going to his own room.

But, on reaching his cozy little chamber, instead of preparing for bed Rob

clothed himself in the Garment of Repulsion. Then he covered the

glittering Garment with his best summer suit of clothes, which effectually

concealed it.

He now looked around to see what else he should take, and thought of

an umbrella, a rain-coat, a book or two to read during the journey, and

several things besides; but he ended by leaving them all behind.

I can't be loaded down with so much truck," he decided; "and I'm going

into civilized countries, this time, where I can get anything I need."

However, to prevent a recurrence of the mistake he had previously made,

he tore a map of the world and a map of Europe from his geography, and,

folding them up, placed them in his pocket. He also took a small

compass that had once been a watch-charm, and, finally, the contents of

a small iron bank that opened with a combination lock. This represented

all his savings, amounting to two dollars and seventeen cents in dimes,

nickles and pennies.

It isn't a fortune," he thought, as he counted it up, "but I didn't need any

money the last trip, so perhaps I'll get along somehow. I don't like to

tackle Dad for more, for he might ask questions and try to keep me at

home."

By the time he had finished his preparations and stowed all his electrical

belongings in his various pockets, it was nearly midnight and the house

was quiet. So Rob stole down stairs in his stocking feet and noiselessly

opened the back door.

The Master Key