2. The Demon of Electricity


Rob was a courageous boy, but a thrill of fear passed over him in
spite of his bravest endeavor as he gazed upon the wondrous apparition
that confronted him. For several moments he sat as if turned to
stone, so motionless was he; but his eyes were nevertheless fastened
upon the Being and devouring every detail of his appearance.

And how strange an appearance he presented!

His jacket was a wavering mass of white light, edged with braid of red
flames that shot little tongues in all directions. The buttons
blazed in golden fire. His trousers had a bluish, incandescent color,
with glowing stripes of crimson braid. His vest was gorgeous with
all the colors of the rainbow blended into a flashing, resplendent
mass. In feature he was most majestic, and his eyes held the soft but
penetrating brilliance of electric lights.

It was hard to meet the gaze of those searching eyes, but Rob did it,
and at once the splendid apparition bowed and said in a low, clear voice:

"I am here."

"I know that," answered the boy, trembling, "but WHY are you here?"

"Because you have touched the Master Key of Electricity, and I must
obey the laws of nature that compel me to respond to your summons."