 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Master Key, an electrical fairytale, founded upon the mysteries of electricity and the optimism of its devotees. It was written for boys, but others may read it, by L. Frank Baum. Who knows? These things are quite improbable to be sure, but are they impossible? Our big world rolls over as smoothly as it did centuries ago, without a squeak to show it needs oiling after all these years of revolution. But times change because men change, and because civilization, like John Brown's soul, goes ever marching on. The impossibilities of yesterday become the accepted facts of today. Here is a fairytale founded upon the wonders of electricity, and written for children of this generation. Yet when my readers shall have become men and women, my story may not seem to their children like a fairytale at all. Perhaps one, perhaps two, perhaps several of the demons' devices will be, by that time, in popular use. Who knows? In wonder all philosophy began, in wonder it all ends, and admiration fills up the interspace. But the first wonder is the offspring of ignorance, the last is the parent of adoration. Colourage. Chapter 1. Robb's Workshop When Robb became interested in electricity, his clear-headed father considered the boys fancy to be instructive as well as amusing. So he heartily encouraged his son, and Robb never lacked batteries, motors, or supplies of any sort that his experiments might require. He fitted up the little back room in the attic as his workshop, and from thence a network of wires soon ran throughout the house. Not only had every outside door its electric bell, but every window was fitted with a burglar alarm. Moreover, no one could cross the threshold of any interior room without registering the fact in Robb's workshop. The gas was lighted by an electric fob. A chime connected with an erratic clock in the boy's room woke the servants at all hours of the night, and caused the cook to give warning. A bell rang whenever the postman dropped a letter into the box. There were bells, bells, bells everywhere ringing at the right time, the wrong time, and all the time. And there were telephones in the different rooms, too, through which Robb could call up the different members of the family just when they did not wish to be disturbed. His mother and sister soon came to vote the boy's scientific craze a nuisance, but his father was delighted with these evidences of Robb's skill as an electrician, and insisted that he be allowed perfect freedom in carrying out his ideas. Electricities, said the old gentleman sage Lee, is destined to become the motive power of the world. The future advance of civilization will be along electric lines. Our boy may become a great inventor and astonish the world with his wonderful creations. And in the meantime, said the mother despairingly, we shall all be electrocuted, or the house burned down by crossed wires, or we shall be blown into eternity by an explosion of chemicals. Nonsense ejaculated the proud father. Robb's storage batteries are not powerful enough to electrocute one, or set the house on fire. Do give the boy a chance, Belinda. And his pranks are so humiliating, continued the lady. When the minister called yesterday and rang the bell, a big card appeared on the front door, on which was printed the words, Fortunately Helen saw him and let him in. But when I reproved Robert for the act, he said he was just trying the sign to see if it would work. Exactly! The boy is an inventor already. I shall have one of those cards attached to the door of my private office at once. I tell you, Belinda, our son will be a great man one of these days, said Mr. Jocelyn, walking up and down with pompous strides and almost bursting with the pride he took in his young hopeful. Mrs. Jocelyn sighed. She knew her monstrance was useless so long as her husband encouraged the boy, and that she would be wise to bear her cross with fortitude. Robb also knew his mother's protests would be of no avail, so he continued to revel in electrical processes of all sorts, using the house as an experimental station to test the powers of his productions. It was in his own room, however, his workshop, that he especially delighted. For not only was it the center of all his numerous lines throughout the house, but he had rigged up therein a wonderful array of devices for his own amusement. A trolley car moved around a circular track and stopped regularly at all stations. An engine and train of cars moved jerkily up and down a steep grade and through a tunnel. A windmill was busily pumping water from the dishpan into the copper skillet. A sawmill was in full operation, and a host of mechanical blacksmiths, scissor-grinders, carpenters, woodchoppers, and millers were connected with a motor, which kept them working away at their trades in awkward but persevering fashion. The room was crossed and recrossed with wires. They crept up the walls, lined the floor, made a grill of the ceiling, and would catch an unwary visitor under the chin or above the ankle, just when he least expected it. Yet visitors were forbidden in so crowded a room, and even his father declined to go farther than the doorway. As for Rob, he thought he knew all about the wires, and what each one was for, but they puzzled even him at times, and he was often perplexed to know how to utilize them all. One day, when he had locked himself in to avoid interruption, while he planned the electrical illumination of a gorgeous paste-board palace, he really became confused over the network of wires. He had a switchboard, to be sure, where he could make and break connections as he chose, but the wires had somehow become mixed, and he could not tell what combinations to use to throw the power onto his miniature electric lights. So he experimented in a rather haphazard fashion, connecting this and that wire blindly and by guesswork, in the hope that he would strike the right combination. Then he thought the combination might be right, and there was a lack of power, so he added other lines of wire to his connections and still others until he had employed almost every wire in the room. Yet it would not work, and after pausing a moment to try to think what was wrong, he went at it again, putting this and that line into connection, adding another here and another there, until suddenly, as he made a last change, a quick flash of light almost blinded him, and the switchboard crackled ominously, as if struggling to carry a powerful current. Rob covered his face at the flash, but finding himself unhurt, he took away his hands and with blinking eyes attempted to look at a wonderful radiance which seemed to fill the room, making it many times brighter than the brightest day. Although at first completely dazzled, he peered before him until he discovered that the light was concentrated near one spot, from which all the glorious rays seemed to scintillate. He closed his eyes a moment to rest them, then reopening them and shading them somewhat with his hands, the form of a curious being standing with majesty and composure in the center of the magnificent radiance and looking down upon him. End of chapter 1 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Master Key by L. Frank Baum Chapter 2 The Demon of Electricity Rob was a courageous boy, but a thrill of fear passed over him in spite of his bravest endeavor as he gazed upon the wondrous apparition that confronted him. For several moments he sat as if turned to stone, so motionless was he, but his eyes were nevertheless fastened upon the being and devouring every detail of his appearance, and how strange an appearance he presented. His jacket was a wavering mass of white light, edged with braid of red flames that shot little tongues in all directions. The buttons blazed in golden fire. His trousers had a bluish incandescent color with glowing stripes of crimson braid. His vest was gorgeous with all the colors of the rainbow blended into a flashing, resplendent mass. In feature he was most majestic, and his eyes held the soft but penetrating brilliance of electric lights. It was hard to meet the gaze of those searching eyes, but Rob did it, and at once the splendid apparition bowed and said in a low, clear voice, I am here. I know that answered the boy trembling, but why are you here? Because you have touched the master key of electricity, and I must obey the laws of nature that compel me to respond to your summons. 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 anyone who is wise and brave enough, or, as in your own case, fortunate and foolhardy enough, to touch it. I've never guessed there was such a thing as a master key, or a demon of electricity, and I'm awfully sorry 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 a kindlier tone, for it is not much pleasure waiting century after century for someone 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 netled 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 electric 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 to 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. Then there's Tesla, said the boy. The demon laughed. There is Tesla, to be sure, he said, but what of him? Why, he's discovered a powerful light. The demon gave an amused chuckle. And he's in communication with the people in Mars. What people? Why the people who live there? There are none. This quiet statement almost took Robb's breath away and caused him to stare hard at his visitor. It's generally thought, he resumed, in an annoyed tone, that Mars has inhabitants who are far in advance of ourselves in civilization. Many scientific men think the people of Mars have been trying to signal us for years, 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 cannot 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 people 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. Robb 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, Robb. Discoveries in electricity have enabled us to live much more conveniently. Then imagine your condition. Were you able fully to control this great element, remarked the other gravely, the weaknesses and privations of mankind would be converted into power and luxury. That's true, 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 Robb 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 himself was a myth, objected Robb, who had been studying mythology. The demon shrugged his shoulders. Then take the words of Mr. Shakespeare to whom you all defer, he replied. Do you not remember that he says, Thy demon, that's the spirit which keeps thee, is noble, courageous, high, unmatchable. Oh, if Shakespeare says it then that's all right, answered the boy. But it seems you're more like a genius, for you answer the summons of the master key of electricity in the same way Aladdin's genius answered the rubbing of the lamp. To be sure, a demon is also a genius, and a genius is a demon, said the being. What matters a name? I am here to do your bidding. End of Chapter 2 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Master Key by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 3 The Three Gifts Familiarity with any great thing removes our awe of it. The great general is only terrible to the enemy. The great poet is frequently scolded by his wife. The children of the great statesman clamber about his knees with perfect trust and impunity. The great actor, who is called before the curtain by admiring audiences, is often waylaid at the stage door by his creditors. So Rob, having conversed for a time with the glorious demon of electricity, began to regard him with more composure and less awe, as his eyes grew more and more accustomed to the splendor that at first had well nigh blinded them. When the demon announced himself ready to do the boy's bidding, he frankly replied, I am no skilled electrician, as you very well know. My calling you here was an accident, so I don't know how to command you nor what to ask you to do. But I must not take advantage of your ignorance, answered the demon. Also, I am quite anxious to utilize this opportunity to show the world what a powerful element electricity really is. So permit me to inform you that having struck the Master Key, you are at liberty to demand from me three gifts each week for three successive weeks. These gifts, provided they are within the scope of electricity, I will grant. Rob shook his head regretfully. If I were a great electrician I should know what to ask, he said, but I am too ignorant to take advantage of your kind offer. Then replied the demon, I will myself suggest the gifts, and they will be of such a character that the earth people will learn the possibilities that lie before them and be encouraged to work more intelligently and to persevere in mastering those natural and simple laws which control electricity. For one of the greatest errors they now labor under is that electricity is complicated and hard to understand. It is really the simplest earth element lying within easy reach of anyone who stretches out his hand to grasp and control its powers. Rob yawned, for he thought the demon's speeches were growing rather tiresome. Perhaps the genius noticed this rudeness, for he continued, I regret, of course, that you are a boy instead of a grown man, for it will appear singular to your friends that so thoughtless a youth should seemingly have mastered the secrets that have baffled your most learned scientists. But that cannot be helped, and presently you will become, through my aid, the most powerful and wonderful personage in all the world. Thank you, said Rob Meekly. It'll be no end of fun. Fun, echoed the demon scornfully, but never mind, I must use the material fate has provided for me and make the best of it. What will you give me first, asked the boy eagerly? That requires some thought, returned the demon, and paused for several moments, while Rob feasted his eyes upon the gorgeous rays of color that flashed and vibrated in every direction and surrounded the figure of his visitor with an intense glow that resembled a halo. Then the demon raised his head and said, The thing most necessary to man is food to nourish his body. He passes a considerable part of his life in the struggle to procure food, to prepare it properly and in the act of eating. That is not right. Your body cannot be very valuable to you if all your time is required to feed it. I shall therefore present you as my first gift, this box of tablets. Within each tablet are stored certain elements of electricity, which are capable of nourishing a human body for a full day. All you need do is to toss one into your mouth each day and swallow it. It will nourish you, satisfy your hunger, and build up your health and strength. The ordinary food of mankind is more or less injurious. This is entirely beneficial. Moreover, you may carry enough tablets in your pocket to last for months. Here he presented Rob the silver box of tablets, and the boy somewhat nervously thanked him for the gift. The next requirement of man continued the demon is defense from his enemies. I notice with sorrow that men frequently have wars and kill one another. Also, even in civilized communities, man is in constant danger from highwaymen, cranks, and policemen. To defend himself he uses heavy and dangerous guns, with which to destroy his enemies. This is wrong. He has no right to take away what he cannot bestow, to destroy what he cannot create, to kill a fellow creature is a horrid crime, even if done in self-defense. Therefore my second gift to you is this little tube. You may carry it within your pocket. Whenever an enemy threatens you, be it man or beast, simply point the tube and press this button in the handle. An electric current will instantly be directed upon your foe, rendering him wholly unconscious for the period of one hour. During that time you will have opportunity to escape. As for your enemy, after regaining consciousness, he will suffer no inconvenience from the encounter beyond a slight headache. That's fine, said Rob, as he took the tube. It was scarcely six inches long and hollow at one end. The busy lives of men, preceded the demon, require them to move about and travel in all directions. Yet to assist them there are only such crude and awkward machines as electric trolleys, cable cars, steam railways, and automobiles. These crawl slowly over the uneven surface of the earth and frequently get out of order. It has grieved me that men have not yet discovered what even the birds know, that the atmosphere offers them swift and easy means of travelling from one part of the earth's surface to another. Some people have tried to build airships for Marked Rob. So they have great unwieldy machines which offer so much resistance to the air that they are quite useless. A big machine is not needed to carry one through the air. There are forces of nature which may be readily used for such purpose. Tell me what holds you to the earth and makes a stone fall to the ground? Attraction of gravitation, said Rob promptly. Exactly. That is one force I refer to, said the demon. The force of repulsion, which is little known but just as powerful, is another that mankind may direct. Then there are the polar electric forces attracting objects toward the north or south poles. You have guessed something of this by the use of the compass or electric needle. Opposed to these is centrifugal electric force, drawing objects from east to west or in the opposite direction. This force is created by the whirl of the earth upon its axis and is easily utilized although your scientific men have of yet paid little attention to it. These forces operating in all directions, absolute and immutable, are at the disposal of mankind. They will carry you through the atmosphere wherever and whenever you choose. That is, if you know how to control them. Now here is a machine I have myself perfected. The demon drew from his pocket something that resembled an open-faced watch, having a narrow flexible band attached to it. When you wish to travel, said he, attach this little machine to your left wrist by means of the band. It is very light and will not be in your way. On this dial are points marked up and down, as well as a perfect compass. When you desire to rise into the air, set the indicator to the word up, using a finger of your right hand to turn it. When you have risen as high as you wish, set the indicator to the point of the compass you want to follow and you will be carried by the proper electric force in that direction. To descend, set the indicator to the word down. Do you understand? Perfectly cried Rob, taking the machine from the demon with unfeigned delight. This is really wonderful and I am awfully obliged to you. Don't mention it, returned the demon dryly. These three gifts you may amuse yourself with for the next week. It seems hard to entrust such great scientific discoveries to the discretion of a mere boy, but they are quite harmless, so if you exercise proper care, you cannot get into trouble through their possession. And who knows what benefits to humanity may result. One week from today at this hour, I will again appear to you at which time you shall receive the second series of electrical gifts. I'm not sure, said Rob, that I shall be able again to make the connections that will strike the master key. Probably not, answered the demon. Could you accomplish that, you might command my services forever. But having once succeeded, you are entitled to nine gifts, three each week for three weeks, so you have no need to call me to do my duty. I shall appear of my own accord. Thank you, murmured the boy. The demon bowed and spread his hands in the form of a semi-circle. An instant later there was a blinding flash, and when Rob recovered from it and opened his eyes, the demon of electricity had disappeared. End of Chapter 3 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Master Key by L. Frank Baum Chapter 4 Testing the Instruments There is little doubt that had this strange experience befallen a grown man, he would have been stricken with a fit of trembling or a sense of apprehension or even fear at the thought of having faced the terrible demon of electricity, of having struck the Master Key of the world's greatest natural forces and finding himself possessed of three such wonderful and useful gifts. But a boy takes everything as a matter of course, as the tree of knowledge sprouts and expands within him, shooting out leaf after leaf of practical experience. The succession of surprises dulls his faculty of wonderment. It takes a great deal to startle a boy. Rob was full of delight at his unexpected good fortune, but he did not stop to consider that there was anything remarkably queer or uncanny in the manner in which it had come to him. His chief sensation was one of pride. He would now be able to surprise those who had made fun of his electrical craze and force them to respect his marvelous powers. He decided to say nothing about the demon or the accidental striking of the Master Key. In exhibiting to his friends the electrical devices he had acquired, it would be no end of fun to mark their amazement and leave them to guess how he had performed his feats. So he put his treasures into his pocket, locked his workshop, and went downstairs to his room to prepare for dinner. While brushing his hair, he remembered it was no longer necessary for him to eat ordinary food. He was feeling quite hungry at that moment, for he had a boy's ravenous appetite. But taking the silver box from his pocket, he swallowed a tablet and at once felt his hunger as fully satisfied as if he had partaken of a hearty meal, while at the same time he experienced an exhilarating glow throughout his body and a clearness of brain and gaiety of spirits which filled him with intense gratification. Still he entered the dining-room when the bell rang and found his father and mother and sisters already assembled there. Where have you been all day, Robert? inquired his mother. No need to ask, said Mr. Jocelyn, with a laugh. Fussing over electricity, I'll bet a cookie. I do wish, said the mother fretfully, that he would get over that mania. It unfits him for anything else. Priest cisely returned her husband, dishing the soup, but it fits him for a great career when he becomes a man. I shouldn't he spend his summer vacation in pursuit of useful knowledge instead of romping around like ordinary boys. No soup, thank you, said Rob. What, exclaimed his father, looking at him in surprise, it's your favorite soup. I know, said Rob quietly, but I don't want any. Are you ill, Robert? asked his mother. Never felt better in my life, answered Rob truthfully. Yet Mrs. Jocelyn looked worried and when Rob refused the roast she was really shocked. Let me feel your pulse, my poor boy, she commanded, and wondered to find it so regular. In fact, Rob's actions surprised them all. He sat calmly throughout the meal, eating nothing but apparently in good health and spirits, while even his sisters regarded him with troubled countenances. He's worked too hard, I guess, said Mr. Jocelyn, shaking his head sadly. Oh, no, I haven't protested, Rob, but I've decided not to eat anything hereafter. It's a bad habit and does more harm than good. Wait till breakfast, said Sister Helen, with a laugh. You'll be hungry enough by that time. However, the boy had no desire for food at breakfast time either, as the tablet sufficed for an entire day, so he renewed the anxiety of his family by refusing to join them at the table. If this goes on, Mr. Jocelyn said to his son, when breakfast was finished, I shall be obliged to send you away for your health. I think of making a trip this morning, said Rob carelessly. Where to? Oh, I may go to Boston or take a run over to Cuba, or Jamaica, replied the boy. But you cannot go so far by yourself, declared his father, and there is no one to go with you just now, nor can I spare the money at present for so expensive a trip. Oh, it won't cost anything, replied Rob, with a smile. Mr. Jocelyn looked upon him gravely, and sighed. Mrs. Jocelyn bent over her son with tears in her eyes, and said, This electrical nonsense has affected your mind, dear. You must promise me to keep away from that horrid workshop for a time. I won't enter it for a week, he answered. But you needn't worry about me. I haven't been experimenting with electricity all this time for nothing, I can tell you. I'm as well and strong as any boy need be, and there's nothing wrong with my head, either. Common folks always think great men are crazy, but Edison and Tesla and I don't pay any attention to that. We've got our discoveries to look after. Now, as I said, I'm going for a little trip in the interests of science. I may be back tonight, or I may be gone several days. Anyhow, I'll be back in a week, and you mustn't worry about me a single minute. How are you going?" inquired his father, in the gentle, soothing tone persons use in addressing maniacs. Through the air, said Rob, his father groaned. Where's your balloon? inquired sister Mabel sarcastically. I don't need a balloon, return the boy. That's a clumsy way of traveling at best. I shall go by electric propulsion. Good gracious cried Mr. Jocelyn, and the mother murmured, My poor boy, my poor boy. As you are my nearest relatives, continued Rob, not noticing these exclamations, I will allow you to come into the backyard and see me start. You will then understand something of my electrical powers. They followed him at once, although with unbelieving faces, and on the way Rob clasped the little machine to his left wrist, so that his coat sleeve nearly hid it. When they reached the lawn at the back of the house, Rob kissed them all goodbye, much to his sister's amusement, and turned the indicator of the little instrument to the word up. Immediately he began to rise into the air. Don't worry about me, he called down to them. Goodbye. Mrs. Jocelyn with a scream of terror hid her face in her hands. He'll break his neck, cried the astounded father, tipping back his head to look after his departing son. Come back, come back, shouted the girls to the soaring adventurer. I will, someday, was the faraway answer. Having risen high enough to pass over the tallest tree or steeple, Rob put the indicator to the east of the compass dial, and it once began moving rapidly in that direction. The sensation was delightful. He rode as gently as a feather floats, without any exertion at all on his own part, yet he moved so swiftly that he easily distanced a railway train that was speeding in the same direction. This is great, reflected the youth. Here I am, travelling in fine style, without a penny to pay anyone, and I have enough food to last me a month in my coat pocket. This electricity is the proper stuff after all, and the demon's a trump and no mistake. Wee! How small everything looks down below there. The people are bugs, and the houses are soapboxes, and the trees are like clumps of grass. I seem to be passing over a town. Guess I'll drop down a bit and take in the sights. He pointed the indicator to the word down, and it once began dropping through the air. He experienced the sensation one feels when descending in an elevator. When he reached a point just above the town, he put the indicator to the zero mark, and remained stationary while he examined the place. But there was nothing to interest him particularly, so after a brief survey he once more ascended and continued his journey toward the east. At about two o'clock in the afternoon he reached the city of Boston, and a lighting unobserved in a quiet street, he walked around for several hours enjoying the sights and wondering what people would think of him if they but knew his remarkable powers. But as he looked just like any other boy, no one noticed him in any way. It was nearly evening and Rob had wandered down by the wharves to look at the shipping, and his attention was called to an ugly-looking bulldog which ran toward him and began barking ferociously. Get out, said the boy carelessly, and made a kick at the brute. The dog uttered a fierce growl and sprang upon him with bare teeth and flashing red eyes. Instantly Rob drew the electric tube from his pocket, pointed it at the dog, and pressed the button. Almost at the same moment the dog gave a yelp, rolled over once or twice, and lay still. I guess that'll settle him, laughed the boy, but just then he heard an angry shout, and looking around saw a policeman running toward him. Kill me dog, will ya? yelled the officer. Well, I'll just run you in for that same, and you'll spend the night in the lock-up. And on he came, withdrawn club in one hand and a big revolver in the other. You'll have to catch me first, said Rob still laughing, and to the amazement of the policeman he began rising straight into the air. Come down here, come down or I'll shoot, shouted the fellow, flourishing his revolver. Rob was afraid he would, so to avoid accidents he pointed the tube at him and pressed the button. The red-whiskered policeman keeled over quite gracefully and fell across the body of the dog, while Rob continued to mount upward until he was out of sight of those in the streets. That was a narrow escape, he thought, breathing more freely. I hated to paralyze that policeman, but he might have sent a bullet after me. Anyhow, he'll be all right again in an hour, so I needn't worry. It was beginning to grow dark and he wondered what he should do next. Had he possessed any money he would have descended to the town and taken a bed at a hotel, but he had left home without a single penny. Fortunately the nights were warm at this season, so he determined to travel all night that he might reach by morning some place he had never before visited. Cuba had always interested him and he judged it ought to lie in a south-easterly direction from Boston, so he set the indicator to that point and began gliding swiftly toward the southeast. He now remembered that it was twenty-four hours since he had eaten the first electrical tablet. As he rode through the air he consumed another. All hunger at once left him while he felt the same invigorating sensations as before. After a time the moon came out and Rob amused himself gazing at the countless stars in the sky and wondering if the demon was right when he said the world was the most important of all the planets. But presently he grew sleepy and before he realized what was happening he had fallen into a sound and peaceful slumber while the indicator still pointed to the southeast and he continued to move rapidly through the cool night air. End of Chapter 4 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. The Master Key by L. Frank Baum Chapter 5 The Cannibal Island Doubtless the adventures of the day had tired Rob for he slept throughout the night as comfortably as if he had been within his own room lying upon his own bed. When at last he opened his eyes and gazed sleepily about him he found himself over a great body of water moving along with considerable speed. It's the ocean of course he said to himself I haven't reached Cuba yet. It is to be regretted that Rob's knowledge of geography was so superficial for as he had intended to reach Cuba he should have taken a course almost southwest from Boston instead of southeast. This sad result of his ignorance you will presently learn for during the entire day he continued to travel over a boundless waste of ocean without the sight of even an island to cheer him. The sun shone so hot that he regretted he had not brought an umbrella but he wore a wide brimmed straw hat which protected him somewhat and he finally discovered that by rising to a considerable distance above the ocean he avoided the reflection of the sun upon the water and also came within the current of good breeze. Of course he dared not stop for there was no place to land so he calmly continued his journey. It may be I've missed Cuba he thought but I cannot change my course now for if I did I might get lost and never be able to find land again. If I keep on as I am I shall be sure to reach land of some sort in time and when I wish to return home I can set the indicator to the northwest and that will take me directly back to Boston. This was good reasoning but the rash youth had no idea he was speeding over the ocean or that he was destined to arrive shortly at the barbarous island of Brava off the coast of Africa. Yet such was the case just as the sun sank over the edge of the waves he saw, to his great relief a large island directly in his path. He dropped to a lower position in the air and when he judged himself to be over the center of the island he turned the indicator to zero and stopped short. The country was beautifully wooded while pretty brooks sparkled through the rich green foliage of the trees. The island sloped upwards from the sea coast in all directions rising to a hill that was almost a mountain in the center. There were two open spaces one on each side of the island and Rob saw that these spaces were occupied by queer-looking huts built from brushwood and branches of trees. This showed that the island was inhabited but as Rob had no idea what island it was he wisely determined not to meet the natives until he had discovered what they were like and whether they were disposed to be friendly. So he moved over the hill the top of which proved to be a flat grass-covered plateau about fifty feet in diameter. Finding it could not be easily reached from below on account of its steep sides and contained neither men nor animals he alighted on the hilltop and touched his feet to the earth for the first time in twenty-four hours. The ride through the air had not tired him in the least. In fact he felt as fresh and vigorous as if he had been resting throughout the journey. As he walked upon the soft grass of the plateau he felt elated and compared himself to the explorers of ancient days for it was evident that civilization had not yet reached this delightful spot. There was scarcely any twilight in this tropical climate and it grew dark quickly. Within a few minutes the entire island, save where he stood, became dim and indistinct. He ate his daily tablet and after watching the red glow fade in the western sky and the gray shadows of night settle around him he stretched himself comfortably upon the grass and went to sleep. The events of the day must have deepened his slumber for when he awoke the sun was shining almost directly over him showing that the day was well advanced. He stood up, rubbed the sleep from his eyes and decided he would like a drink of water. From where he stood he could see several little brooks following winding paths through the forest so he settled upon one that seemed farthest from the brushwood villages pinning his indicator in that direction soon floated through the air to a sheltered spot upon the bank. Kneeling down he enjoyed a long refreshing drink of the clear water but as he started to regain his feet a coil of rope was suddenly thrown about him pinning his arms to his sides and rendering him absolutely helpless. At the same time his ears were saluted with a wild chattering in an unknown tongue and he found himself surrounded by a group of natives of hideous appearance. They were nearly naked and bore spears and heavy clubs as their only weapons. Their hair was long, curly, and thick as bushes and through their noses and ears were stuck the teeth of sharks and curious metal ornaments. These creatures had stolen upon Robb so quietly that he had not heard a sound but now they jabbered loudly as if much excited. Finally one fat and somewhat aged native who seemed to be a chief came close to Robb and said in broken English, how get here! I flew, said the boy with a grin. The chief shook his head saying no boat come, how white man come. Through the air replied Robb who was rather flattered at being called a man. The chief looked into the air with a puzzled expression and shook his head again. White man lie, he said calmly. Then he held further conversation with his fellows after which he turned to Robb and announced me see white man many times. Come in big boats. White man all bad. Make kill with bangsticks. We kill white man with club. Then we eat white man. Dead white man good. Live white man bad. This did not please Robb at all. The idea of being eaten by savages had never occurred to him as a sequel to his adventures. So he said rather anxiously to the chief look here old fellow do you want to die? Me no die, you die was the reply. You'll die too if you eat me said Robb I'm full of poison. Poison? Don't know poison returned the chief much perplexed to understand him. Well poison will make you sick awful sick then you'll die I'm full of it eat it every day for breakfast it don't hurt white man you see but it kills black man quicker than the bangstick. The chief listened to this statement carefully but only understood it in part after a moment's reflection he declared white man lie lie all time me eat plenty white man never get sick never die then he added with renewed cheerfulness me eat you too. Before Robb could think of a further protest his captors caught up the end of the rope and led him away through the forest he was tightly bound and one strand of rope ran across the machine on his wrist and pressed it into his flesh until the pain was severe but he resolved to be brave whatever happened so he stumbled along after the savages without a word. After a brief journey they came to a village where Robb was thrust into a brushwood hut and thrown upon the ground still tightly bound we light fire said the chief then kill little white man then eat him with this comforting promise he went away and left Robb alone to think the matter over this is tough reflected the boy with a groan I never expected to feed cannibals wish I was at home with mother and dad and the girls wish I'd never seen the demon of electricity and his wonderful inventions I was happy enough before I struck that awful master key and now I'll be eaten with salt and pepper probably wonder if there'll be any gravy perhaps they'll boil me with biscuits as mother does chickens oh it's just awful in the midst of these depressing thoughts he became aware that something was hurting his back after rolling over he found that he had been lying upon a sharp stone that stuck out of the earth this gave him an idea he rolled upon the stone again and began rubbing the rope that bound him against the sharp edge outside he could hear the crackling of faggots and the roar of a newly kindled fire so he knew he had no time to spare he wriggled and pushed his body right and left right and left sawing away at the rope until the strain and exertion started the perspiration from every pore at length the rope parted and hastily uncoiling it from his body Rob stood up and rubbed his benumbed muscles and tried to regain his lost breath he had not freed himself a moment too soon he found for hearing a grunt of surprise behind him he turned around and saw a native standing in the door of the hut Rob laughed for he was not a bit afraid of the blacks now as the native made a rush toward him the boy drew the electric tube from his pocket pointed it at the foe and pressed the button the fellow sank to the earth without even a groan and lay still then another black entered followed by the fat chief when they saw Rob at liberty and their comrade lying apparently dead the chief cried out in surprise using some expressive words in his own language if it's just the same to you old chap said Rob Cooley I won't be eaten today you can make a pie of that fellow on the ground no we eat you cried the chief angrily you cut rope but no get away no boat I don't need a boat thank you said the boy and then as the other native sprang forward he pointed the tube and laid him out beside his first victim at this act the chief stood an instant in amazed uncertainty then he turned and rushed from the hut laughing with amusement at the waddling fat figure Rob followed the chief and found himself standing almost in the center of the native village a big fire was blazing merrily and the blacks were busy making preparations for a grand feast Rob was quickly surrounded by a group of the villagers who chattered fiercely and made threatening motions in his direction but as the chief cried out to them a warning in the native tongue they kept a respectful distance and contented themselves with brandishing their spears and clubs if any of your fellows come nearer Rob said to the fat chief I'll knock him over what you make do asked the chief nervously watch sharp and you'll see answered Rob then he made a mocking bow to the circle and continued I'm pleased to have met you fellows and proud to think you like me well enough to want to eat me but I'm in a bit of a hurry today so I can't stop to be digested after which as the crowd broke into a hum of surprise he added good day black folks and quickly turned the indicator of his traveling machine to the word up slowly he rose into the air until his heels were just above the gaping blacks but there he stopped short with the thrill of fear he glanced at the indicator it was pointed properly and he knew at once that something was wrong with the delicate mechanism that controlled it probably the pressure of the rope across its face when he was bound had put it out of order there he was seven feet in the air but without the power to rise an inch farther this short flight however had greatly astonished the blacks who seeing his body suspended in mid-air immediately hailed him as a god and prostrated themselves upon the ground before him the fat chief had seen something of white men in his youth and had learned to mistrust them so while he remained as prostrate as the rest he peeped at Rob with one of his little black eyes and saw that the boy was ill at ease and seemed both annoyed and frightened so he muttered some orders to the man next to him who wriggled along the ground until he had reached a position behind Rob when he rose and pricked the suspended God with the point of his spear ouch! yelled the boy, stop that he twisted his head around and seeing the black again make a movement with the spear Rob turned the electric tube upon him and keeled him over like a ten pin the natives who had looked up at his cry of pain again prostrated themselves kicking their toes against the ground in a terrified tattoo at this new evidence of the God's powers the situation was growing somewhat strained by this time and Rob did not know what the savages would decide to do next so he thought it best to move away from them since he was unable to rise to a greater height he turned the indicator toward the south where a level space appeared between the trees but instead of taking that direction he moved toward the northeast a proof that his machine had now become absolutely unreliable moreover he was slowly approaching the fire which, although it had seized blazing was a mass of glowing red embers in his excitement he turned the indicator this way and that trying to change the direction of his flight but the only result of his endeavor was to carry him directly over the fire where he came to a full stop murder help fire and blazes he cried as he felt the glow of the coals beneath him I'll be roasted after all here help fatty help the fat chief sprang to his feet and came to the rescue he reached up caught Rob by the heels and pulled him down to the ground away from the fire but the next moment as he clung to the boy's feet they both soared into the air again and although now far enough from the fire to escape its heat the savage finding himself lifted from the earth uttered a scream of horror and let go of Rob to fall head over heels upon the ground the other blacks had by this time regained their feet and now they crowded around their chief and set him upright again Rob continued to float in the air just above their heads and now abandoned all thoughts of escaping by means of his wrecked traveling machine he resolved to regain a foothold upon the earth and take his chances of escape by running rather than flying so he turned the indicator to the word down and very slowly it obeyed allowing him to his great relief to sink gently to the ground End of Chapter 5 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Master Key by L. Frank Baum Chapter 6 The Buccaneers Once more the blacks formed a circle around our adventurer who coolly drew his tube and said to the chief Tell your people I'm going to walk away through those trees and if anyone dares to interfere with me I'll paralyze him The chief understood enough English to catch his meaning and repeated the message to his men having seen the terrible effect of the electric tube they wisely fell back and allowed the boy to pass He marched through their lines with a fine air of dignity although he was fearful lest some of the blacks should stick a spear into him or bump his head with a war club but they were awed by the wonders they had seen and were still inclined to believe him a god so he was not molested When he found himself outside the village he made for the high plateau in the center of the island where he could be safe from the cannibals while he collected his thoughts but when he reached the place he found the sides so steep he could not climb them so he adjusted the indicator to the word up and found it had still enough power to support his body while he clambered up the rocks to the level grass covered space at the top Then reclining upon his back he reached himself up to thoughts of how he might escape from his unpleasant predicament Here I am on a cannibal island hundreds of miles from civilization with no way to get back he reflected The family will look for me every day and finally decide I've broken my neck The demon will call upon me when the week is up and won't find me at home so I'll miss the next three gifts I don't mind that so much for they might bring me into worse scrapes than this How am I to get away from this beastly island? I'll be eaten after all if I don't look out These and similar thoughts occupied him for some time yet in spite of much planning and thinking he could find no practical means of escape At the end of an hour he looked over the edge of the plateau and found it surrounded by a ring of the black cannibals who had calmly seated themselves to watch his movements Perhaps they intend to starve me into surrender he thought but they won't succeed so long as my tablets hold out and if in time they should starve me I'll be too thin and tough to make good eating so I'll get the best of them anyhow Then he lay down again and began to examine his electrical traveling machine He did not dare take it apart fearing he might not be able to get it together again for he knew nothing at all about its construction but he discovered two little dents on the edge one on each side which had evidently been caused by the pressure of the rope If I could get those dents out he thought the machine might work He first tried to pry out the edges with his pocket knife but the attempt resulted in failure Then as the side seemed a little bulged outward by the dents he placed the machine between two flat stones and pressed them together until the little instrument was nearly round again The dents remained to be sure but he hoped he had removed the pressure upon the works There was just one way to discover how well he had succeeded so he fastened the machine to his wrist and turned the indicator to the word up Slowly he ascended, this time to a height of nearly twenty feet Then his progress became slower and finally ceased altogether That's a little better he thought Now let's see if it will go sideways He put the indicator to northwest, the direction of home and very slowly the machine obeyed and carried him away from the plateau and across the island The natives saw him go and springing to their feet began uttering excited shouts and throwing their spears at him but he was already so high and so far away that they failed to reach him and the boy continued his journey unharmed Once the branches of a tall tree caught him and nearly tipped him over but he managed to escape others by drawing up his feet At last he was free of the island and traveling over the ocean again He was not at all sorry to bid goodbye to the cannibal island but he was worried about the machine which clearly was not in good working order The vast ocean was beneath him and he moved no faster than an ordinary walk At this rate I'll get home sometime next year he grumbled However I suppose I ought to be glad the machine works at all and he really was glad All the afternoon and all the long summer night he moved slowly over the water It was annoying to go at a regular jog trot as Rob called it after his former swift flight but there was no help for it Just as dawn was breaking he saw in the distance a small vessel sailing in the direction he was following yet scarcely moving for lack of wind He soon caught up with it but saw no one on deck and the craft had a dingy and uncared-for appearance that was not reassuring But after hovering over it for some time Rob decided to board the ship and rest for a while He alighted near the bow where the deck was highest and was about to explore the place when a man came out of the low cabin and aspired him This person had a most villainous countenance and was dark-skinned, black-bearded dressed in an outlandish, piratical costume On seeing the boy he gave a loud shout and was immediately joined by four companions each as disagreeable in appearance as the first Rob knew there would be trouble the moment he looked at this evil crew and when they drew their daggers and pistols and began fiercely shouting in an unknown tongue the boy sighed and took the electric tube from his coat pocket The buccaneers did not notice the movement but rushed upon him so quickly that he had to press the button at a lively rate The tube made no noise at all so it was a strange and remarkable sight to see the pirates suddenly drop to the deck and lie motionless Indeed one was so nearly upon him when the electric current struck him that his head, in falling, bumped against Rob's stomach and sent him reeling against the side of the vessel He quickly recovered himself and seeing his enemies were rendered harmless The boy entered the cabin and examined it curiously It was dirty and ill smelling enough but the corners and spare berths were heaped with merchandise of all kinds which had been taken from those so unlucky as to have met these cruel and desperate men After a short inspection of the place he returned to the deck and again seated himself in the bow The crippled condition of his travelling machine was now his chief trouble and although a good breeze had sprung up to fill the sails while Barck was making fair headway Rob knew he could never expect to reach home unless he could discover a better mode of conveyance than this He unstrapped the machine from his wrist to examine it better and while holding it carelessly in his hand it slipped and fell with a bang to the deck striking upon its round edge and rolling quickly past the cabin and out of sight With a cry of alarm he ran after it and after much search found it lying near the edge of a scupper-hole where the least jar of the ship would have sent it to the bottom of the ocean Rob hastily seized his treasure and upon examining it found the fall had bulged the rim so that the old dents scarcely showed at all but its original shape was more distorted than ever and Rob feared he had utterly ruined its delicate mechanism Should this prove to be true he might now consider himself a prisoner of this piratical band the members of which, although temporarily disabled would soon regain consciousness He sat in the bow thinking sadly of his misfortunes until he noticed that one of the men began to stir The effect of the electrical shock conveyed by the tube was beginning to wear away and now the buccaneer sat up rubbed his head in a bewildered fashion and looked around him When he saw Rob he gave a shout of rage and drew his knife One motion of the electric tube made him cringe and slip away to the cabin where he remained out of danger and now the other four sat up groaning and muttering in their outlandish speech but they had no notion of facing Rob's tube a second time so one by one they joined their leader in the cabin leaving the boy undisturbed By this time the ship had begun to pitch and toss in an uncomfortable fashion he noticed that the breeze had increased to a gale There being no one to look after the sails the vessel was in grave danger of capsizing or breaking her masts The waves were now running high too and Rob began to be worried Presently the captain of the pirate stuck his head out of the cabin door jabbered some unintelligible words and pointed to the sails The boy nodded for he understood they wanted to attend to the rigging So the crew trooped forth rather fearfully and began to reef the sails and put the ship into condition to weather the storm Rob paid no further attention to them He looked at his traveling machine rather doubtfully and wondered if he dared risk its power to carry him through the air Whether he remained in the ship or trusted to the machine he stood a good chance of dropping into the sea at any moment So while he hesitated he attached the machine to his wrist and leaned over the bulwarks to watch the progress of the storm He might stay in the ship until it foundered, he thought and then take his chances with the machine He decided to wait until a climax arrived The climax came the next moment for while he leaned over the bulwarks the buccaneers stole up behind him and suddenly seized him in their grasp While two of them held his arms the others searched his pockets taking from him the electric tube and the silver box containing his tablets These they carried to the cabin and threw upon the heap of other valuables they had stolen They did not notice the traveling machine however but seeing him now unarmed they began jeering and laughing at him while the brutal captain relieved his anger by giving the prisoner several malicious kicks Rob bore his misfortune meekly although he was almost ready to cry with grief and disappointment But when one of the pirates to inflict further punishment on the boy came towards him with a heavy strap he resolved not to await the blow Turning the indicator to the word up he found to his joy and relief that it would yet obey the influence of the power of repulsion Seeing him rise into the air the fellow made a grab for his foot and held it firmly while his companions ran to help him Wait seemed to make no difference in the machine It lifted the pirate as well as Rob It lifted another who clung to the first man's leg and another who clung to him The other two also caught hold hoping their united strength would pull him down and the next minute Rob was soaring through the air with the entire string of five buccaneers dangling from his left leg At first the villains were too astounded to speak but as they realized they were being carried through the air and away from their ship they broke into loud shouts of dismay and finally the one who grasped Rob's leg lost his hold and the five plunged downward and splashed into the sea Finding the machine disposed to work accurately Rob left the buccaneers to swim to the ship in the best way they could while he dropped down to the deck again and recovered from the cabin his box of tablets and the electric tube The fellows were just scrambling on board when he again escaped into the air with considerable speed Indeed the instrument now worked better than at any time since he had reached the cannibal island and the boy was greatly delighted The wind at first sent him spinning away to the south but he continued to rise until he was above the air currents and the storm raged far beneath him Then he set the indicator to the northwest and breathlessly waited to see if it would obey Hooray! away he sped at a fair rate of speed while all his anxiety changed to a feeling of sweet contentment His success had greatly surprised him but he concluded that the jar caused by dropping the instrument had relieved the pressure upon the works and so helped rather than harm to the free action of the electric currents While he moved through the air with an easy gliding motion he watched with much interest the storm raging below Above his head the sun was peacefully shining and the contrast was strange and impressive After an hour or so the storm abated or else he passed away from it for the deep blue of the ocean again greeted his eyes He dropped downward until he was about a hundred feet above the water when he continued his northwesterly course But now he regretted having interfered for a moment with the action of the machine His progress, instead of being swift as a bird's flight became slow and jerky nor was he sure that the damaged machine might not break down altogether at any moment Yet so far his progress was in the right direction and he resolved to experiment no further with the instrument but to let it go as it would so long as it supported him above the water However irregular the motion might be it was sure if continued to bring him to land in time that was all he cared about just then When night fell his slumber was broken and uneasy for he wakened more than once with a start of fear that the machine had broken and he was falling into the sea Sometimes he was carried along at a swift pace and again the machine scarcely worked at all so his anxiety was excusable The following day was one of continued uneasiness for the boy who began to be harassed by doubts after all he was moving in the right direction The machine had failed at one time in this respect and it might again he had lost all confidence in its accuracy In spite of these perplexities Rob passed the second night of his uneven flight in profound slumber being exhausted by the strain and excitement he had undergone When he awoke at daybreak he saw to his profound delight that he was approaching land The rising sun found him passing over a big city which he knew to be Boston He did not stop the machine was so little to be depended upon that he dared make no halt but he was obliged to alter the direction from northwest to west and the result of this slight change was so great a reduction in speed that it was mid-day before he saw beneath him the familiar village in which he lived Carefully marking the location of his father's house he came to a stop directly over it and a few moments later he managed to land upon the exact spot in the back yard whence he had taken his first successful flight Chapter 7 The Demon Becomes Angry When Rob had been hugged and kissed by his mother and sisters and even Mr. Jocelyn had embraced him warmly he gave them a brief account of his adventures The story was received with many doubtful looks and much grave shaking of heads as was quite natural under the circumstances I hope my dear son said his father that you have now passed through enough dangers to last you a lifetime so that hereafter you will be contented to remain at home Oh Robert cried his mother with tears in her loving eyes you don't know how we've all worried about you for the past week A week asked Rob with surprise Yes, it's a week tomorrow morning since you flew into the air and disappeared Then said the boy thoughtfully I've reached home just in time In time for what she asked But he did not answer that question He was thinking of the demon and that on the afternoon of this very day he might expect the wise and splendid genius to visit him a second time At luncheon although he did not feel hungry he joined the family at table and pleased his mother by eating as heartily as of old He was surprised to find how good the food tasted and to realize what a pleasure it is to gratify one sense of taste The tablets were all right for a journey he thought but if he always ate them he would be sure to miss a great deal of enjoyment since there was no taste to them at all At four o'clock he went to his workshop and unlocked the door Everything was exactly as he had left it and he looked at his simple electrical devices with some amusement They seemed tame beside the wonders now in his possession Yet he recollected that his numerous wires had enabled him to strike the master key and therefore should not be despised Before long he noticed a quickening in the air as if it were suddenly surcharged with electric fluid and the next instant in a dazzling flash of light appeared the demon I am here, he announced So am I, answered Rob But at one time I really thought I should never see you again I've been Spare me your history, said the demon coldly I am aware of your adventures Oh you are, said Rob amazed, then you know I know all about your foolish experiences, interrupted the demon for I have been with you constantly, although I remained invisible Then you know what a jolly time I've had, returned the boy but why do you call them foolish experiences Because they were abominably foolish, retorted the demon bitterly I entrusted to you gifts of rare scientific interest electrical devices of such utility that their general adoption by mankind would create a new era in earth life I hoped your use of these devices would convey such hints to electrical engineers that they would quickly comprehend their mechanism and be able to reproduce them in sufficient quantities to supply the world and how do you treat these marvelous gifts why you carry them to a cannibal island where even your crude civilization has not yet penetrated I wanted to astonish the native, said Rob grinning The demon uttered an exclamation of anger and stamped his foot so fiercely that thousands of electric sparks filled the air to disappear quickly with a hissing crinkling sound You might have astonished those ignorant natives as easily by showing them an ordinary electric light, he cried mockingly The power of your gifts would have startled the most advanced electricians of the world Why did you waste them upon barbarians? Really, faltered Rob, who was frightened and awed by the demon's vehement anger I never intended to visit a cannibal island I meant to go to Cuba Cuba, is that a center of advanced scientific thought? Why did you not take your marvels to New York or Chicago or if you wished to cross the ocean to Paris or Vienna? I never thought of those places acknowledged Rob meekly Then you were foolish, as I said, declared the demon in a calmer tone Can you not realize that it is better to be considered great by the intelligent thinkers of the earth than to be taken for a god by stupid cannibals? Oh yes, of course, said Rob I wish now that I had gone to Europe But you're not the only one who has a kick coming, he continued Your flimsy traveling machine was nearly the death of me Ah, it is true, acknowledged the demon frankly The case was made of two light material When the rim was bent it pressed against the works and impeded the proper action of the currents Had you gone to a civilized country such an accident could not have happened But to avoid possible trouble in the future I have prepared a new instrument having a stronger case which I will exchange for the one you now have That's very kind of you, said Rob, eagerly handing his battered machine to the demon and receiving the new one in return Are you sure this will work? It is impossible for you to injure it, answered the other And how about the next three gifts, inquired the boy anxiously Before I grant them, replied the demon You must give me a promise to keep away from uncivilized places and to exhibit your requirements only among people of intelligence All right, agreed the boy I'm not anxious to visit that island again or any other uncivilized country Then I will add to your possessions three gifts each more precious and important than the three you have already received At this announcement Rob began to quiver with excitement and sat staring eagerly at the demon while the latter increased in stature and sparkled and glowed more brilliantly than ever End of Chapter 7 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Master Key by L. Frank Baum Chapter 8 Rob Acquires New Powers I have seen the folly of sending you into the world with an offensive instrument yet with no method of defense resumed the demon presently you have knocked over a good many people with that tube during the past week I know said Rob, but I couldn't help it it was the only way I had to protect myself Therefore my next gift shall be this garment of protection you must wear it underneath your clothing it has power to accumulate and exercise electric repellent force perhaps you do not know what that means so I will explain more fully when any missile such as a bullet sword or lance approaches your person its rush through the air will arouse the repellent force of which I speak and this force being more powerful than the projective force will arrest the flight of the missile and throw it back again therefore nothing can touch your person that comes with any degree of force or swiftness and you will be safe from all ordinary weapons when wearing this garment you will find it unnecessary to use the electric tube except on rare occasions never allow revenge or animosity to influence your conduct men may threaten but they cannot injure you so you must remember that they do not possess your mighty advantages and that because of your strength you should bear with them patiently Rob examined the garment with much curiosity it glittered like silver yet was soft and pliable as lambswoll evidently the demon had prepared it especially for his use for it was just Rob's size now continued the demon more gravely we approach the subject of an electrical device truly marvelous that even I am odd when I contemplate the accuracy and perfection of the natural laws which guide it and permit it to exercise its functions mankind has as yet conceived nothing like it for it requires full knowledge of electrical power to understand even its possibilities the being paused and drew from an inner pocket something resembling a flat metal box in size it was about four inches by six and nearly an inch in thickness what is it asked Rob wonderingly it is an automatic record of events answered the demon I don't understand said Rob with hesitation I will explain to you its use returned the demon although the electrical forces which operate it and the vibratory currents which are the true records remain unknown to you until your brain has mastered the higher knowledge of electricity at present the practical side of this invention will be more interesting to you than a review of its scientific construction suppose you wish to know the principal events that are occurring in Germany at this present moment you first turn this little wheel at the side until the word Germany appears in the slot at the small end then open the top cover which is hinged and those passing events in which you are interested will appear before your eyes the demon as he spoke opened the cover and looking within the boy saw as in a mirror a moving picture before him a regiment of soldiers was marching through the streets of Berlin and at its head rode a body of horsemen in the midst of which was the emperor himself the people who thronged the sidewalks cheered and waved their hats and handkerchiefs with enthusiasm while a band of musicians played a German air which Rob could distinctly hear while he gazed spellbound the scene changed and he looked upon a great warship entering a harbor with flying penance the rails were lined with officers and men straining their eyes for the first sight of their beloved Vaterland after a long foreign cruise this year as from a thousand throats came faintly to Rob's ear again the scene changed and within a dingy underground room hemmed in by walls of stone and dimly lighted by a flickering lamp a body of wild eyed desperate men were plighting an oath to murder the emperor and overthrow his government anarchists asked Rob trembling with excitement anarchists answered the demon with a faint sneer and he shut the cover of the record with a sudden snap it's wonderful cried the boy with a sigh that was followed by a slight shiver the record is indeed proof within itself of the marvelous possibilities of electricity men are now obliged to depend upon newspapers for information but these can only relate events long after they have occurred and newspaper statements are often unreliable and sometimes wholly false while many events of real importance are never printed in their columns you may guess what an improvement is this automatic record of events which is as reliable as truth itself nothing can be altered or falsified for the vibratory currents convey the actual events to your vision even as they happen but suppose said Rob that something important should happen while I'm asleep or not looking at the box I have called this a record replied the demon and such it really is although I have shown you only such events as are in process of being recorded by pressing this spring you may open the opposite cover of the box where all events of importance that have occurred throughout the world during the previous 24 hours will appear before you in succession you may thus study them at your leisure the various scenes constitute a register of the world's history and may be recalled to view as often as you desire it's like knowing everything murmured Rob deeply impressed for perhaps the first time in his life it is knowing everything returned the demon and this mighty gift I have decided to entrust to your care be very careful as to whom you permit to gaze upon these pictures of passing events for knowledge may often cause great misery to the human race I'll be careful promised the boy as he took the box reverently within his own hands the third and last gift of the present series resumed the demon is one no less curious than the record of events although it has an entirely different value it is a character marker what's that inquired Rob? I will explain perhaps you know that your fellow creatures are more or less hypocritical that is they try to appear good when they are not and wise when in reality they are foolish they tell you they are friendly when they positively hate you and try to make you believe they are kind when their natures are cruel this hypocrisy seems to be a human failing one of your writers has said with truth that among civilized people things are seldom what they seem I've heard that remarked Rob on the other hand continued the demon some people with fierce countenances are kindly by nature and many who appear to be evil are in reality honorable and trustworthy therefore that you may judge all your fellow creatures truly and know upon whom to depend I give you the character marker it consists of this pair of spectacles while you wear them everyone you meet will be marked upon the forehead with a letter indicating his or her character the good will bear the letter G the evil the letter E the wise will be marked with a W and the foolish with an F the kind will show a K upon their foreheads and the cruel a letter C thus you may determine by a single look the true natures of all those you encounter and are these also electrical in their construction as the boy as he took the spectacles certainly goodness wisdom and kindness are natural forces creating character for this reason men are not always to blame for bad character as they acquire it unconsciously all character sends out certain electrical vibrations which these spectacles concentrate in their lenses and exhibit to the gaze of their wearer as I have explained it's a fine idea said the boy who discovered it it is a fact that has always existed but now it is utilized for the first time oh said Rob with these gifts and the ones you acquired a week ago you are now equipped to astound the world in mankind to a realization of the wonders that may be accomplished by natural forces see that you employ these powers wisely in the interests of science and do not forget your promise to exhibit your electrical marvels only to those who are the most capable of comprehending them I'll remember said Rob then adieu until a week from today when I will meet you here at this hour and bestow upon you the last three gifts which you are entitled to receive goodbye goodbye 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 End of Chapter 8 This is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer visit LibriVox.org The Master Key by L. Frank Baum Chapter 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 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 his 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 Karim 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 anyone 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 effectively concealed it He now looked around to see what else he should take and thought of an umbrella, a raincoat, 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 I need However, to prevent a recurrence of the mistake he had previously made he tore a map of the world and a map of Europe from his geography and folding them up placed them in his pocket He also took a small compass that had once been a watch charm and finally the contents of a small iron bank that opened with a combination lock This represented all his savings amounting to two dollars and seventeen cents in dimes, nickels and pennies It isn't a fortune he thought as he counted it up but I didn't need any money the last trip so perhaps I'll get along somehow I don't like to tackle Dad for more for he might ask questions and try to keep me at home By the time he had finished his preparations and stowed all his electrical belongings in his various pockets it was nearly midnight and the house was quiet so Rob stole downstairs in his stocking feet and noiselessly opened the back door It was a beautiful July night and in addition to the light of the full moon the sky was filled with the radiance of countless thousands of brilliant stars After Rob had put on his shoes he unfolded the map which was plainly visible by the starlight and marked the direction he must take to cross the Atlantic and reach London, his first stopping place Then he consulted his compass put the indicator of his traveling machine to the word up and shot swiftly into the air When he had reached the sufficient height he placed the indicator to a point north of east and with a steady and remarkably swift flight began his journey Here goes he remarked with a sense of exaltation for another week of adventure I wonder what will happen between now and next Saturday End of Chapter 9 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Master Key by L. Frank Baum Chapter 10 How Rob Served a Mighty King The new traveling machine was a distinct improvement over the old one, for it carried Rob with wonderful speed across the broad Atlantic He fell asleep soon after starting and only wakened when the sun was high in the heavens but he found himself whirling along at a good rate with the greenish shimmer of the peaceful ocean waves spread beneath him far beyond his range of vision Being in the track of the ocean steamers it was not long before he found himself overtaking a magnificent vessel whose decks were crowded with passengers He dropped down some distance to enable him to see these people more plainly and while he hovered near he could hear the excited exclamations of the passengers who focused dozens of marine glasses upon his floating form This inspection somewhat embarrassed him and having no mind to be stared at he put on additional speed and soon left the steamer far behind him About noon the sky clouded over and Rob feared a rainstorm was approaching so he rose to a point considerably beyond the clouds where the air was thin but remarkably pleasant to inhale and the rays of the sun were not so hot as when reflected by the surface of the water He could see the dark clouds rolling beneath him like volumes of smoke from a factory chimney and knew the earth was catching a severe shower of rain Yet he congratulated himself on his foresight in not being burdened with umbrella or raincoat since his elevated position rendered him secure from rain clouds But having cut himself off from the earth there remained nothing to see except the clear sky overhead and the tumbling clouds beneath so he took from his pocket the automatic record of events and watched with breathless interest the incidents occurring in different parts of the world The big battle was being fought in the Philippines and so fiercely was it contested that Rob watched its progress for hours with rapt attention Finally a brave rally by the Americans sent their foes to the cover of the woods where they scattered in every direction only to form again in a deep valley hidden by high hills If only I was there, thought Rob I could show that captain where to find the rebels and capture them the Philippines are rather out of my way so our soldiers will never know how near they are to a complete victory The boy also found considerable amusement in watching the course of an insurrection in Venezuela where opposing armies of well-armed men preferred to bluster and threaten rather than come to blows During the evening he found that an important event was Madame Bernhardt's production of a new play and Rob followed it from beginning to end with great enjoyment although he felt a bit guilty at not having purchased a ticket But it's a crowded house anyway he reflected and I'm not taking up a reserved seat or keeping anyone else from seeing the show so where's the harm? Yet it seems to me if these records get to be common as the demon wishes people will all stay at home and see the shows and the poor actors will starve to death The thought made him uneasy and he began for the first time to entertain a doubt of the demon's wisdom enforcing such devices upon humanity The clouds had now passed away and the moon sent her rays to turn the edges of the waves into glistening showers of jewels Rob closed the lid of the wonderful record of events and soon fell into a deep sleep that held him unconscious for many hours When he awoke he gave a start of surprise for beneath him was land How long it was since he had left the ocean behind him he could not guess but his first thought was to set the indicator of the traveling machine to zero and to hover over the country until he could determine where he was This was no easy matter He saw green fields, lakes, groves, and villages but these might exist in any country Being still at a great elevation he descended gradually until he was about twenty feet from the surface of the earth and he paused near the edge of a small village At once a crowd of excited people assembled shouting to one another and pointing toward him in wonder In order to be prepared for emergencies Rob had taken the electric tube from his pocket and now as he examined the dress and features of the people below the tube suddenly slipped from his grasp and fell to the ground where one end stuck slantingly into the soft earth A man rushed eagerly towards it but the next moment he threw up his hands and fell upon his back unconscious Others who ran to assist their fallen comrade quickly tumbled into a heap beside him It was evident to Rob that the tube had fallen in such a position that the button was being pressed continually and a current of electric fluid issued to shock whoever came near Not wishing to injure these people he dropped to the ground and drew the tube from the earth thus releasing the pressure upon the button But the villagers had now decided that the boy was their enemy and no sooner had he touched the ground than a shower of stones and sticks rained about him Not one reached his body however for the garment of repulsion stopped their flight and returned them to rattle with more or less force against those who had thrown them like regular boomerangs thought Rob To receive their own blows in this fashion it seemed so like magic to the simple folk that with roars of fear and pain they ran away in all directions It's no use stopping here remarked Rob regretfully for I've spoiled my welcome by this accident I think these people are Irish by their looks and speech so I must be somewhere in the Emerald Isle He consulted his map and decided upon the general direction he should take to reach England after which he again rose into the air before long was passing over the channel towards the shores of England Either his map or compass or his calculations proved wrong for it was high noon before having changed his direction a half dozen times he came to the great city of London He saw at a glance that it would never do to drop into the crowded streets unless he wanted to become an object of public curiosity so he looked around for a suitable place to alight Nearby was a monstrous church that sent a sharp steeple far into the air Rob examined this spire and saw a narrow opening in the masonry that led to a small room where a chime of bells hung He crept through the opening and finding a ladder that connected the belfry with the platform below began to descend There were three ladders and then a winding flight of narrow rickety stairs to be passed before Rob finally reached a small room in the body of the church This room proved to have two doors one connecting with the auditorium and the other letting into a side street Both were locked, but Rob pointed the electric tube at the outside door and broke the lock in an instant Then he walked into the street as composedly as if he had lived all his life in London There were plenty of sights to see, you may be sure and Rob walked around until he was so tired that he was glad to rest upon one of the benches in a beautiful park Here half hidden by the trees he amused himself by looking at the record of events London's a great town and no mistake he said to himself but let's see what the British are doing in South Africa today He turned the cylinder to South Africa and opening the lid at once became interested An English column commanded by a brave but stubborn officer was surrounded by the boar forces and fighting desperately to avoid capture or annihilation This would be interesting to King Edward thought the boy Guess I'll hunt him up and tell him about it A few steps away stood a policeman Rob approached him and asked Where's the king today? The officer looked at him with mingled surprise and suspicion Is Majesty a sojourner at Marlborough House just now? What was the reply? Perhaps he wants to make him a visit He continued with lofty sarcasm That's it exactly said Rob I'm an American and thought while I was in London I dropped in on his royal highness and say hello to him The officer chuckled as if much amused Americans is bloom and green he remarked So use can stand for American right enough No other visitors is such blarsted fools He beyonds the palace and I suppose His Majesty will give you aught reception Thanks I'll look him up said the boy and left the officer convulsed with laughter He soon knew why the palace was surrounded by a cordon of the king's own lifeguards who admitted no one saved those who presented proper credentials There's only one thing to do thought Rob and that's to walk straight in as I haven't any friends to give me a regular introduction He boldly advanced to the gate where he found himself stopped by crossed carbines and a cry of HALT Excuse me said Rob I'm in a hurry He pushed the carbines aside and marched on The soldiers made thrusts at him with their weapons and an officer jabbed at his breast with a glittering sword but the garment of repulsion protected him from these dangers as well as from a hail of bullets that followed his advancing figure He reached the entrance of the palace only to face another group of guardsmen and a second order to HALT and as these soldiers were over six feet tall and stood shoulder to shoulder Rob saw that he could not hope to pass them without using his electric tube Stand aside you fellows he ordered There was no response He extended the tube and as he pressed the button described a semi-circle with the instrument Immediately the tall guardsmen toppled over like so many ten pins and Rob stepped across their bodies and penetrated to the reception room where a brilliant assemblage awaited in hushed and anxious groups for opportunity to obtain audience with the king I hope his majesty isn't busy said Rob to a solemn visaged official who confronted him I want to have a little talk with him I beg pardon exclaimed the astounded master of ceremonies What name please Oh never mind my name replied Rob and pushing the gentleman aside he entered the audience chamber of the great king King Edward was engaged in earnest consultation with one of his ministers and after a look of surprise in Rob's direction and a grave bow he bestowed no further attention upon the intruder but Rob was not to be baffled now Your majesty he interrupted I've important news for you a big fight is taking place in South Africa and your soldiers will probably be cut into mincemeat The minister strode towards the boy angrily Explain this intrusion he cried I have explained the boars are having a regular killing bee Here take a look at it yourselves He drew the record from his pocket and at the movement the minister shrank back as if he suspected it was an infernal machine and might blow his head off King stepped quietly to the boy's side and looked into the box when Rob threw open the lid As he comprehended the full wonder of the phenomenon he was observing Edward uttered a low cry of amazement but thereafter he silently gazed upon the fierce battle that still ranged far away upon the African veld Before long his keen eye recognized the troops engaged and realized their imminent danger They'll be utterly annihilated he gassed What shall we do? Oh we can't do anything just now answered Rob but it's curious to watch how bravely the poor fellows fight for their lives The minister who by this time was also peering into the box groaned aloud and then all three forgot their surroundings in the tragedy they were beholding Hemmed in by vastly superior numbers the English were calmly and stubbornly resisting every inch of advance and selling their lives as dearly as possible Their leader fell pierced by a hundred bullets and the king who had known him from boyhood passed his hand across his eyes as if to shut out the awful sight But the fascination of the battle forced him to look again and the next moment he cried aloud Look there, look there! Over the edge of a line of hills appeared the helmets of a file of English soldiers They reached the summit followed by rank after rank until the hillside was alive with them and then with a ringing cheer that came like a faint echo to the ears of the three watchers they broke into a run and dashed forward to the rescue of their brave comrades The boars faltered gave back and the next moment fled precipitately while the exhausted survivors of the courageous band fell sobbing into the arms of their rescuers Rob closed the lid of the record with a sudden snap that betrayed his deep feeling and the king pretended to cough behind his handkerchief and stealthily wiped his eyes It wasn't so bad after all remarked the boy with assumed cheerfulness but it looked mighty ticklish for your men at one time King Edward regarded the boy curiously remembering his abrupt entrance and the marvelous device he had exhibited What do you call that? he asked, pointing at the record with a finger that trembled slightly from excitement It is a new electrical invention, replied Rob replacing it in his pocket and so constructed that events are reproduced at the exact moment they occur Where can I purchase one? demanded the king eagerly They're not for sale, said Rob This one of mine is the first that ever happened Oh! I really think continued the boy nodding sagely that it wouldn't be well to have these records scattered around Their use would give some folks unfair advantage over others, you know Certainly! I only showed you this battle because I happened to be in London at the time and thought you'd be interested It was very kind of you, said Edward but how did you gain admittance? Well, to tell you the truth I was obliged to knock over a few of your tall lifeguards They seemed to think that you're a good thing and need looking after, like jam and a cupboard The king smiled I hope you haven't killed my guards, said he Oh no, they'll come around all right It is necessary, continued Edward that public men be protected from intrusion no matter how democratic they may be personally You would probably find it as difficult to approach the President of the United States as the King of England Oh! I'm not complaining, said Rob It wasn't much trouble to break through You seem quite young to have mastered such wonderful secrets of nature, continued the king So I am replied, Rob, modestly But these natural forces have really existed since the beginning of the world and someone was sure to discover them in time He was quoting the demon, although unconsciously You are an American, I suppose, said the minister coming close to Rob and staring him in the face Guest right the first time answered the boy and drawing his character-marking spectacles from his pocket he put them on and stared at the minister in turn Upon the man's forehead appeared the letter E Your Majesty, said Rob, I have here another queer invention Will you please wear these spectacles for a few moments? The king at once put them on They are called character-markers, continued the boy because the lenses catch and concentrate the character vibrations radiating from every human individual and reflect the true character of the person upon his forehead If a letter G appears, you may be sure his disposition is good If his forehead is marked with an E, his character is evil and you must beware of treachery The king saw the E plainly marked upon his minister's forehead but he said nothing except thank you and returned the spectacles to Rob But the minister, who from the first had been ill at ease now became positively angry Do not believe him, Your Majesty, he cried It is a trick and meant to deceive you I did not accuse you, answered the king sternly Then he added, I wish to be alone with this young gentleman The minister left the room with an anxious face and hanging head Now said Rob, let's look over the record of the past day and see if that fellow has been up to any mischief He turned the cylinder of the record to England and slowly the events of the last 24 hours were reproduced one after the other upon the polished plate Before long the king uttered an exclamation The record pictured a small room in which were seated three gentlemen engaged in earnest conversation one of them was the accused minister Those men said the king in a low voice pointed out the other two, are my avowed enemies This is proof that your wonderful spectacles indicated my minister's character with perfect truth I am grateful to you for thus putting me upon my guard for I have trusted the man fully Oh, don't mention it, replied the boy lightly I'm glad to have been of service to you but it's time for me to go I hope you will favour me with another interview, said the king For I am much interested in your electrical inventions I will instruct my guards to admit you at any time so you will not be obliged to fight your way in All right, but it doesn't really matter, answered Rob It's no trouble at all to knock him over Then he remembered his manners and bowed low before the king who seemed to him a fine fellow and not a bit stuck up and then he walked calmly from the palace The people in the outer room stared at him wonderingly and the officer of the guards saluted the boy respectfully but Rob only smiled in an amused way as he marched past them with his hands thrust deep into his trousers pockets and his straw hat tipped jauntily upon the back of his head