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Certainly. I am, in truth, the Slave of the Master Key, and am forced to

obey the commands of any one who is wise and brave enough--or, as in

your own case, fortunate and fool-hardy enough--to touch it."

I--I've never guessed there was such a thing as a Master Key, or--or a

Demon of Electricity, and--and I'm awfully sorry I--I called you up!"

stammered the boy, abashed by the imposing appearance of his

companion.

The Demon actually smiled at this speech,--a smile that was almost

reassuring.

I am not sorry," he said, in kindlier tone, "for it is not much pleasure

waiting century after century for some one to command my services. I

have often thought my existence uncalled for, since you Earth people are

so stupid and ignorant that you seem unlikely ever to master the secret

of electrical power."

Oh, we have some great masters among us!" cried Rob, rather nettled at

this statement. "Now, there's Edison--"

Edison!" exclaimed the Demon, with a faint sneer; "what does he know?"

Lots of things," declared the boy. "He's invented no end of wonderful

electrical things."

You are wrong to call them wonderful," replied the Demon, lightly. "He

really knows little more than yourself about the laws that control

electricity. His inventions are trifling things in comparison with the

really wonderful results to be obtained by one who would actually know

how to direct the electric powers instead of groping blindly after

insignificant effects. Why, I've stood for months by Edison's elbow,

hoping and longing for him to touch the Master Key; but I can see plainly

he will never accomplish it."

Then there's Tesla," said the boy.

The Demon laughed.

There is Tesla, to be sure," he said. "But what of him?"

Why, he's discovered a powerful light," the Demon gave an amused

chuckle, "and he's in communication with the people in Mars."

The Master Key