The_information_resoure.
I--I didn't know I touched the Master Key, faltered the boy I understand
that.
You did it unconsciously.
No one in the world has ever done it before, for Nature has hitherto kept
the secret safe locked within her bosom Rob took time to wonder at this
statement, Then who are you? he inquired, at length.
The Demon of Electricity, was the solemn answer.
Good gracious! exclaimed Rob, a demon! Certainly.
I am, in truth, the Slave of the Master Key, and am forced to obey the
commands of any one who is wise and brave enough--or, as in your own case,
fortunate and fool-hardy enough--to touch it, I--I've never guessed there
was such a thing as a Master Key, or--or a Demon of Electricity, and--and
I'm awfully sorry I--I called you up! stammered the boy, abashed by the
imposing appearance of his companion.
The Demon actually smiled at this speech,--a smile that was almost
reassuring.
I am not sorry, he said, in kindlier tone, for it is not much pleasure
waiting century after century for some one to command my services I have
often thought my existence uncalled for, since you Earth people are so
stupid and ignorant that you seem unlikely ever to master the secret of
electrical power.
Oh, we have some great masters among us! cried Rob, rather nettled at this
statement, Now, there's Edison-- Edison! exclaimed the Demon, with a faint
sneer; what does he know? Lots of things, declared the boy.
He's invented no end of wonderful electrical things.
You are wrong to call them wonderful, replied the Demon, lightly.
He really knows little more than yourself about the laws that control
electricity, His inventions are trifling things in comparison with the
really wonderful results to be obtained by one who would actually know how
to direct the electric powers instead of groping blindly after insignificant
effects Why, I've stood for months by Edison's elbow, hoping and longing for
him to touch the Master Key; but I can see plainly he will never accomplish
it.
Received on Thu Nov 02 2006 - 10:34:45 EST