ough
profoundly ignorant of electricity and its effects, was deeply learned
in the Scriptures. But Robin did not hunger in vain after scientific
knowledge. By good fortune he had a cousin--cousin Sam Shipton--who was
fourteen years older than himself, and a clerk at a neighbouring railway
station, where there was a telegraphic instrument.

Now, Sam, being himself possessed of strongly scientific tendencies,
took a great fancy to little Robin, and sought to enlighten his young
mind on many subjects where "musser's" knowledge failed. Of course he
could not explain all that he himself knew about electricity--the child
was too young for that,--but he did what he could, and introduced him
one day to the interior of the station, where he filled his youthful
mind with amazement and admiration by his rapid, and apparently
meaningless, manipulation of the telegraph instrument.

Cousin Sam, however, did a good deal more for him than that in the
course of time; but before proceeding further, we must turn aside for a
few minutes to comment on that wonderful subject which is essentially
connected with the development of this tale.

CHAPTER TWO.

REFERS TO A NOTABLE CHARACTER.

Sparks, as a rule, are looked upon as a race of useless and disreputable
fellows. Their course is usually erratic. They fly upward, downward,
forward, and backward--here, there, and everywhere. You never know when
you have them, or what will be their next flight. They often create a
good deal of alarm, sometimes much surprise; they seldom do any good,
and frequently cause irreparable damage. Only when caught and
restrained, or directed, do sparks become harmless and helpful.

But there is one Spark in this world--a grand, glowing, gushing fellow--
who has not his equal anywhere. He is old as the hills--perhaps older--
and wide as the world--perchance wider. Similar to ordinary sparks in
some respects, he differs from them in several important particulars.
Like many, he is "fast," but immeasurably faster than all other sparks
put together. Unlike them, however, he submits to be led by master
minds. Stronger than Hercules, he can rend the mountains. Fleeter than
Mercury, he can outstrip the light. Gentler than Zephyr, he can assume
the condition of a current, and enter our very marrow without causing
pain. His name is Electricity. No one knows what he is. Some
philosophers have said that he is a fluid, because he flows. As well
might