e world of science was
ready for it--or for you. Instead of considering it an accident and
paying no attention to it you immediately appeared to me--a mere
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 benefit to
the world."

"Well, you'll have to keep cool and bide your time," said Rob. "The
world wasn't made in a minute, and while civilization is going on at a
pretty good pace, we're not up to the Demon of Electricity yet."

"What shall I do!" groaned the Apparition, wringing his hands
miserably; "oh, what shall I do!"

"Go home and lie down," replied Rob, sympathetically. "Take it easy
and don't get rattled. Nothing was every created without a use, they
say; so your turn will come some day, sure! I'm sorry for you, old
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 that
Rob's hair became rigid enough to stand on end. "You are right, and I
must wait--wait--wait--patiently and silently--until my bonds are
loosed by intelligence rather than chance! It is a dreary fate. But I
must wait--I must wait--I must wait!"

"I'm glad you've come to your senses," remarked Rob, drily. "So, if
you've nothing more to say--"

"No! I have nothing more to say. There IS nothing more to say. You
and I are two. We should never had met!" retorted the Demon, showing
great excitement.

"Oh, I didn't seek your acquaintance," said Rob. "But I've tried to
treat you decently, and I've no fault to find with you except that you
forgot you were a slave and tried to be a master."

The Demon did not reply. He was busily forcing the various electrical
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 be
those of one fit to command my services! As for you, your days will 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 of
lightning that the boy went reeling backwards, half stunned and blinded
by its dazzling intensity.

When he recovered himself the Demon of Electricity had disappeared.

Rob's h