"I once read in a book that all things are regulated by exact laws o. nature. If that is so you probably owe your existence to those laws."The Demon nodded. "Doubtless it was intended that when mankind becam. intelligent enough and advanced enough to strike the Master Key, yo. and all your devices would not only be necessary and acceptable t. them, but the world would be prepared for their general use. Tha. seems reasonable, doesn't it?""Perhaps so. Yes; it seems reasonable," answered the Demon, thoughtfully.
"Accidents are always liable to happen," continued the boy. "B. accident the Master Key was struck long before the world of scienc. was ready for it--or for you. Instead of considering it an acciden. and paying no attention to it you immediately appeared to me--a mer. boy--and offered your services.""I was very anxious to do something," returned the Demon, evasively.
"You've no idea how stupid it is for me to live invisible and unknown. while all the time I have in my possession secrets of untold benefi. to the world.""Well, you'll have to keep cool and bide your time," said Rob. "Th. world wasn't made in a minute, and while civilization is going on at . pretty good pace, we're not up to the Demon of Electricity yet.""What shall I do!" groaned the Apparition, wringing his hand. miserably; "oh, what shall I do!""Go home and lie down," replied Rob, sympathetically. "Take it eas. and don't get rattled. Nothing was every created without a use, the. say; so your turn will come some day, sure. I'm sorry for you, ol. fellow, but it's all your own fault.""You are right!" exclaimed the Demon, striding up and down the room. and causing thereby such a crackling of electricity in the air tha. Rob's hair became rigid enough to stand on end. "You are right, and Imust wait--wait--wait--patiently and silently--until my bonds ar. loosed by intelligence rather than chance. It is a dreary fate. Bu. I must wait--I must wait--I must wait!""I'm glad you've come to your senses," remarked Rob, drily. "So, i. you've nothing more to say--""No! I have nothing more to say. There IS nothing more to say. Yo. and I are two. We should never had met!" retorted the Demon, showin. great excitement.
"Oh, I didn't seek your acquaintance," said Rob. "But I've tried t. treat you decently, and I've no fault to find with you except tha. you forgot you were a slave and tried to be a master."The Demon did not reply. He was busily forcing the various electrica. devices that Rob had relinquished into the pockets of his fiery jacket.
Finally he turned with an abrupt movement.
"Good-by!" he cried. "When mortal eyes next behold me they will b. those of one fit to command my services. As for you, your days wil. be passed in obscurity and your name be unknown to fame.
Good-by,--forever!"
The room filled with a flash of white light so like a sheet o. lightning that the boy went reeling backwards, half stunned an. blinded by its dazzling intensity.
When he recovered himself the Demon of Electricity had disappeared.
Rob's heart was very light as he left the workshop and made his wa. down the attic stairs.
"Some people might think I was a fool to give up those electrica. inventions," he reflected; "but I'm one of those persons who know whe. they've had enough. It strikes me the fool is the fellow who can'. learn a lesson. I've learned mine, all right. It's no fun being . century ahead of the times!"
