L. Frank Baum by The Master Key

wisely, in the interests of science, and do not
forget your promise to exhibit your electrical marvels only to those
who are most capable of comprehending them."
    "I'll remember," said Rob.
    "Then adieu until a week from to-day, when I will meet you here at this
hour and bestow upon you the last three gifts which you are entitled to
receive. Good-by!"
    "Good-by!" repeated Rob, and in a gorgeous flash of color the Demon
disappeared, leaving the boy alone in the room with his new and
wonderful possessions.

9 - The Second Journey
*
    By this time you will have gained a fair idea of Rob's character. He
is, in truth, a typical American boy, possessing an average
intelligence not yet regulated by the balance-wheel of experience. The
mysteries of electricity were so attractive to his eager nature that he
had devoted considerable time and some study to electrical experiment;
but his study was the superficial kind that seeks to master only such
details as may be required at the moment. Moreover, he was full of
boyish recklessness and irresponsibility and therefore difficult to
impress with the dignity of science and the gravity of human existence.
Life, to him, was a great theater wherein he saw himself the most
interesting if not the most important actor, and so enjoyed the play
with unbounded enthusiasm.
    Aside from the extraordinary accident which had forced the Electrical
Demon into this life, Rob may be considered one of those youngsters who
might possibly develop into a brilliant manhood or enter upon an
ordinary, humdrum existence, as Fate should determine. Just at present
he had no thought beyond the passing hour, nor would he bother himself
by attempting to look ahead or plan for the future.
    Yet the importance of his electrical possessions and the stern
injunction of the Demon to use them wisely had rendered the boy more
thoughtful than at any previous time during his brief life, and he
became so preoccupied at the dinner table that his father and mother
cast many anxious looks in his direction.
    Of course Rob was anxious to test his newly-acquired powers, and
decided to lose no time in starting upon another journey. But he said
nothing to any of the family about it, fearing to meet with opposition.
    He passed the evening in the sitting-room, in company with his father
and mother and sisters, and even controlled his impatience to the
extent of playing a game of carom with Nell; but he grew so nervous and
impatient at last that his sister gave up the game in disgust and left
him to his own amusement.
    At one time he thought of putting on the electric spectacles and seeing
what the real character of each member of his family might be; but a
sudden fear took possession of him that he might regret the act forever
afterward. They were his nearest and dearest friends on earth, and in
his boyish heart he loved them all and believed in their goodness and
sincerity. The possibility of finding a bad character mark on any of
their familiar faces made him shudder, and he determined then and there
never to use the spectacles to view the face of a friend or relative.
Had any one, at that moment, been gazing at Rob through the lenses of
the wonderful Character Marker, I am sure a big "W" would have been
found upon the boy's forehead.
    When the family circle broke up, and all retired for the night, Rob
kissed his parents and sisters with real affection before going to his
own room. But, on reaching his cozy little chamber, instead of
preparing for bed Rob clothed himself in the Garment of Repulsion.
Then he covered the glittering Garment with his best summer suit of
clothes, which effectually concealed it.
    He now looked around to see what else he should take, and thought of an
umbrella, a rain-coat, a book or two to read during the journey, and
several things besides; but he ended by leaving them all behind.
    "I can't be loaded down with so much truck," he decided; "and I'm going
into civilized countries, this time, where I can get anything