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Rob smiled and pointed the electric tube at the man, who doubtless

recognized its power, for he fell back scowling and trembling.

This place seems like a good jog from civilization," remarked the boy, as

coolly as if his companion could understand what he said; "but as your

legs are long and strong you may be able to find your way. It's true

you're liable to starve to death, but if you do it will be your own

misfortune and not my fault."

The Turk glared at him sullenly, but did not attempt to reply.

Rob took out his box of tablets, ate one of them and offered another to

his enemy. The fellow accepted it ungraciously enough, but seeing Rob

eat one he decided to follow his example, and consumed the tablet with a

queer expression of distrust upon his face.

Brave man!" cried Rob, laughingly; "you've avoided the pangs of

starvation for a time, anyhow, so I can leave you with a clear conscience."

Without more ado, he turned the indicator of the traveling machine and

mounted into the air, leaving the Turk sitting upon the rocks and staring

after him in comical bewilderment.

15. A Battle with Monsters

Our young adventurer never experienced a more grateful feeling of relief

and security than when he found himself once more high in the air,

alone, and in undisputed possession of the electrical devices bestowed

upon him by the Demon.

The dangers he had passed through since landing at the city of the

desert and the desperate chance that alone had permitted him to regain

the traveling machine made him shudder at the bare recollection and

rendered him more sober and thoughtful than usual.

We who stick closely to the earth's surface can scarcely realize how Rob

could travel through the air at such dizzy heights without any fear or

concern whatsoever. But he had come to consider the air a veritable

refuge. Experience had given him implicit confidence in the powers of

the electrical instrument whose unseen forces carried him so swiftly and

The Master Key