only we don't understand their signals. And great
novelists have written about the Martians and their wonderful
civilization, and--"

"And they all know as much about that little planet as you do
yourself," interrupted the Demon, impatiently. "The trouble with you
Earth people is that you delight in guessing about what you can not
know. Now I happen to know all about Mars, because I can traverse all
space and have had ample leisure to investigate the different planets.
Mars is not peopled at all, nor is any other of the planets you
recognize in the heavens. Some contain low orders of beasts, to be
sure, but Earth alone has an intelligent, thinking, reasoning
population, and your scientists and novelists would do better trying to
comprehend their own planet than in groping through space to unravel
the mysteries of barren and unimportant worlds."

Rob listened to this with surprise and disappointment; but he reflected
that the Demon ought to know what he was talking about, so he did not
venture to contradict him.

"It is really astonishing," continued the Apparition, "how little you
people have learned about electricity. It is an Earth element that has
existed since the Earth itself was formed, and if you but understood
its proper use humanity would be marvelously benefited in many ways."

"We are, already," protested Rob; "our discoveries in electricity have
enabled us to live much more conveniently."

"Then imagine your condition were you able fully to control this great
element," replied the other, gravely. "The weaknesses and privations
of mankind would be converted into power and luxury."

"That's true, Mr.--Mr.--Demon," said the boy. "Excuse me if I don't
get your name right, but I understood you to say you are a demon."

"Certainly. The Demon of Electricity."

"But electricity is a good thing, you know, and--and--"

"Well?"

"I've always understood that demons were bad things," added Rob, boldly.

"Not necessarily," returned his visitor. "If you will take the trouble
to consult your dictionary, you will find that demons may be either
good or bad, like any other class of beings. Originally all demons
were good, yet of late years people have come to consider all demons
evil. I do not know why. Should you read Hesiod you will find he says:

'Soon was a world of holy demons made,
Aerial spirits, by great Jove designed
To be on earth the guardians of mankind.'"

"But Jove was himself