 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 11 The Man of Science Rob passed the remainder of the day wandering about London and amusing himself by watching the peculiar ways of the people. When it became so dark that there was no danger of his being observed, he rose through the air to the narrow slit in the church tower and lay upon the floor of the little room with the bells hanging all around him to pass the night. He was just falling asleep when a tremendous din and clatter nearly deafened him and set the whole tower trembling. It was the midnight chime. Rob clutched his ears tightly, and when the vibrations had died away, descended by the latter to a lower platform. But even here the next hourly chime made his ears ring, and he kept descending from platform to platform until the last half of a restless night was passed in the little room at the bottom of the tower. When at daylight the boy sat up and rubbed his eyes, he said wearily, Churches are all right as churches, but as hotels they are rank failures. I ought to have bunked in with my friend King Edward. He climbed up the stairs and the ladders again, and looked out the little window in the belfry. Then he examined his map of Europe. I believe I'll take a run over to Paris, he thought. I must be home again by Saturday to meet the demon, so I'll have to make every day count. Without waiting for breakfast, since he had eaten a tablet the evening before, he crept through the window and mounted into the fresh morning air until the great city with its broad waterway lay spread out beneath him. Then he sped away to the south-east and crossing the channel, passed between Amiens and Juan, and reached Paris before ten o'clock. Near the outskirts of the city appeared a high tower, upon the flat roof of which a man was engaged in adjusting a telescope. Upon seeing Robb, who was passing at no great distance from this tower, the man cried out, Approcher, venez ici! Then he waved his hands frantically in the air, and fairly danced with excitement. So the boy laughed and dropped down to the roof, where, standing beside the Frenchman, whose eyes were actually protruding from their sockets, he asked Cooley, Well, what do you want? The other was for a moment speechless. He was a tall, lean man, having a bald head, but a thick iron-gray beard, and his black eyes sparkled brightly from behind a pair of gold-renned spectacles. After attentively regarding the boy for a time, he said in broken English, But Monsieur, how can you fly without the machine? I have experimented myself with some airship, but you, there is nothing to make go. Robb guessed that here was his opportunity to do the demon a favor by explaining his electrical devices to this new acquaintance, who was evidently a man of science. Here is the secret professor, he said, and holding out his wrist displayed the traveling machine and explained, as well as he could, the forces that operated it. The Frenchman, as you may suppose, was greatly astonished, and to show how perfectly the machine worked, Robb turned the indicator and rose a short distance above the tower, circling around it, before he joined the professor on the roof. Then he showed his food tablets, explaining how each was stored with sufficient nourishment for an entire day. The scientist positively gasped for breath, so powerful was the excitement he experienced at witnessing these marvels. It is wonderful, grand, magnifique, he exclaimed. But here is something of still greater interest continued Robb, and taking the automatic record of events from his pocket, he allowed the professor to view the remarkable scenes that were being enacted throughout the civilized world. The Frenchman was now trembling violently, and he implored Robb to tell him where he might obtain similar electrical machines. I can't do that, replied the boy decidedly, but having seen these you may be able to discover their construction for yourself. Now that you know such things to be possible and practical, the hint should be sufficient to enable a shrewd electrician to prepare duplicates of them. The scientist glared at him with evident disappointment, and Robb continued, These are not all the wonders I can exhibit. Here is another electrical device that is perhaps the most remarkable of any I possess. He took the character-marking spectacles from his pocket, and fitted them to his eyes. Then he gave a whistle of surprise, and turned his back upon his new friend. He had seen upon the Frenchman's forehead the letters E and C. Guess I've struck the wrong sort of scientist after all, he muttered, in a disgusted tone. His companion was quick to prove the accuracy of the character-marker. Seeing the boy's back turned, he seized a long iron bar that was used to operate the telescope, and struck at Robb so fiercely that had he not worn the garment of protection, his skull would have been crushed by the blow. As it was, the bar rebounded with a force that sent the murderous Frenchman sprawling upon the roof, and Robb turned around and laughed at him. It won't work, Professor, he said. I'm proof against assassins. Perhaps you had an idea that when you had killed me you could rob me of my valuable possessions, but they wouldn't be a particle of use to a scoundrel like you, I assure you. Good morning. Before the surprised and baffled scientist could collect himself sufficiently to reply, the boy was soaring far above his head, and searching for a convenient place to alight, that he might investigate the charms of this famed city of Paris. It was indeed a beautiful place with many stately buildings lining the shady boulevards. So thronged were the streets that Robb well knew he would soon be the center of a curious crowd should he alight upon them. Already a few sky-gazers had noted the boy moving high in the air, above their heads, and one or two groups stood pointing their fingers at him. Pausing at length above the imposing structure of the Hotel Anglais, Robb noticed at one of the upper floors an open window, before which was a small iron balcony. Alighting upon this he proceeded to enter without hesitation the open window. He heard a shriek and a cry of « au voler » and caught sight of a woman's figure as she dashed into an adjoining room, slamming and locking the door behind her. I don't know as I blame her, observed Robb with a smile at the panic he had created. I suppose she takes me for a burglar and thinks I've climbed up the lightning rod. He soon found the door leading into the hallway and walked down several flights of stairs until he reached the office of the Hotel. How much do you charge a day, he inquired, addressing a fat and pompous-looking gentleman behind the desk. The man looked at him in a surprised way, for he had not heard the boy enter the room. But he said something in French to a waiter who was passing, and the latter came to Robb and made a low bow. I speak the English very fine, he said. What desire have you? What are your rates by the day, asked the boy? Ten francs, monsieur. How many dollars is that? Dollar américain? Yes, United States money. Ah oui, it is du dollar, monsieur. Alight, I can stay about a day before I go bankrupt, give me a room. Certement, monsieur. Have you zi luggage? No, but I'll pay in advance, said Robb, and began counting out his dimes and nickels and pennies to the unbounded amazement of the waiter, who looked as if he had never seen such coins before. He carried the money to the fat gentleman, who examined the pieces curiously, and there was a long conference between them before it was decided to accept them in payment for a room for a day. At this season the hotel was almost empty, and when Robb protested that he had no other money, the fat gentleman put the coins into his cash-box with a resigned sigh, and the waiter showed the boy to a little room at the very top of the building. Robb washed and brushed the dust from his clothes, after which he sat down and amused himself by viewing the pictures that constantly formed upon the polished plate of the record of events. End of Chapter 11 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 12. How Robb Saved a Republic While following the shifting scenes of the fascinating record, Robb noted an occurrence that caused him to give a low whistle of astonishment, and devote several moments to serious thought. I believe it's about time I interfered with the politics of this Republic, he said, at last, as he closed the lid of the metal box and restored it to his pocket. If I don't take a hand, there probably won't be a Republic of France very long, and, as a good American, I prefer a Republic to a monarchy. Then he walked downstairs and found his English-speaking waiter. Where is President Loubet, he asked? The President? Ah, he is with his mansion. To be at his residence, monsieur. Where is his residence? The waiter began a series of voluble and explicit directions which so confused the boy that he exclaimed, Oh, much obliged, and walked away in disgust. Gaining the street he approached Agendon and repeated his question, with no better result than before, for the fellow waved his arms wildly in all directions and roared a volley of incomprehensible French phrases that conveyed no meaning whatever. If ever I travel in foreign countries again, said Robb, I'll learn their lingo in advance. Why doesn't the demon get up a conversation machine that will speak all languages? By dint of much inquiry, however, and after walking several miles following ambiguous directions, he managed to reach the residence of President Loubet. But there he was politely informed that the President was busily engaged in his garden and would see no one. That's all right, said the boy calmly, if he's in the garden I'll have no trouble finding him. Then, to the amazement of the Frenchmen, Robb shot into the air fifty feet or so, from which elevation he overlooked a pretty garden in the rear of the President's mansion. The place was protected from ordinary intrusion by high walls, but Robb descended within the enclosure and walked up to a man who was riding at a small table, placed under the spreading branches of a large tree. Is this President Loubet he inquired with about? The gentleman looked up. My servants were instructed to allow no one to disturb me, he said, speaking in excellent English. It isn't their fault I flew over the wall, returned Robb. The fact is, he added hastily, as he noted the President's frown, I have come to save the Republic and I haven't much time to waste over a bundle of Frenchmen, either. The President seemed surprised. Your name, he demanded sharply. Robert Billings Jocelyn, United States of America. Your business, Monsieur Jocelyn? Robb drew the record from his pocket and placed it upon the table. This, sir, said he, is an electrical device that records all important events. I wish to call your attention to a scene enacted in Paris last evening, which may have an effect upon the future history of your country. He opened the lid, placed the record so that the President could see clearly, and then watch the changing expressions upon the great man's face. First indifference, then interest, the next moment eagerness and amazement. Mondeux, he gassed. The oleonistes. Robb nodded. Yes, they worked up a rather pretty plot, haven't they? The President did not reply. He was anxiously watching the record and scribbling notes on a paper beside him. His face was pale and his lips tightly compressed. Finally he leaned back in his chair and asked, Can you reproduce this scene again? Certainly, sir, answered the boy, as often as you like. Will you remain here while I send for my Minister of Police? It will require but a short time. Call him up, then. I'm in something of a hurry myself, but now I've mixed up with this thing, I'll see it through. The President touched a bell and gave an order to his servant. Then he turned to Robb and said, Wonderingly, you are a boy. That's true, Mr. President, was the answer. But an American boy, you must remember. That makes a big difference, I assure you. The President bowed gravely. This is your invention, he asked. No, I'm hardly equal to that. But the inventor has made me a present of the record, and it's the only one in the world. It is a marvel, remarked the President thoughtfully. More, it is a real miracle. We are living in an age of wonders, my young friend. No one knows that better than myself, sir, replied Robb. But tell me, can you trust your chief of police? I think so, said the President slowly. Yet since your invention has shown me that many men I have considered honest are criminally implicated in this royalist plot, I hardly know whom to depend upon. Then please, wear these spectacles during your interview with the Minister of Police, said the boy. You must say nothing while he is with us about certain marks that will appear upon his forehead. But when he has gone, I will explain those marks so you will understand them. The President covered his eyes with the spectacles. Why, he exclaimed, I see upon your own brow the letters. Stop, sir, interrupted Robb with a blush. I don't care to know what the letters are if it's just the same to you. The President seemed puzzled by this speech, but fortunately the Minister of Police arrived just then, and under Robb's guidance the pictured record of the Orlean East plot was reproduced before the startled eyes of the official. And now, said the boy, let us see if any of this foolishness is going on just at present. He turned to the opposite side of the record and allowed the President and his Minister of Police to witness the quick succession of events even as they occurred. Suddenly the Minister cried, ha, and pointed to the figure of a man disembarking from an English boat at Calais. He said excitedly, that your Excellency is the Duke of Orleans in disguise. I must leave you for a time that I may issue some necessary orders to my men, but this evening I shall call to confer with you regarding the best mode of suppressing this terrible plot. When the official had departed the President removed the spectacles from his eyes and handed them to Robb. What did you see? asked the boy. The letters G and W. Then you may trust him fully, declared Robb, and explained the construction of the character marker to the interested and amazed statesman. And now I must go, he continued, for my stay in your city will be a short one, and I want to see all I can. The President scrawled something on a sheet of paper and signed his name to it, afterward presenting it with a courteous bow to his visitor. This will enable you to go wherever you please while in Paris, he said. I regret my inability to reward you properly for the great service you have rendered my country, but you have my sincerest gratitude and may command me in any way. Oh, that's all right, answered Robb. I thought it was my duty to warn you, and if you look sharp you'll be able to break up this conspiracy. But I don't want any reward. Good day, sir. He turned the indicator of his traveling machine and immediately rose into the air, followed by a startled exclamation from the President of France. Moving leisurely over the city, he selected a deserted thoroughfare to alight in, from whence he wandered unobserved into the beautiful boulevards. These were now brilliantly lighted, and crowds of pleasure seekers thronged them everywhere. Robb experienced a decided sense of relief as he mixed with the gay populace and enjoyed the sights of the splendid city, for it enabled him to forget for a time the responsibilities thrust upon him by the possession of the demon's marvelous electrical devices. Our young adventurer had intended to pass the night in the little bed at his hotel, but the atmosphere of Paris proved so hot and disagreeable that he decided it would be more enjoyable to sleep while journeying through the cooler air that lay far above the Earth's surface. So just as the clocks were striking the midnight hour, Robb mounted skyward and turned the indicator of the traveling machine to the east, intending to make the city of Vienna his next stop. He had risen to a considerable distance where the air was remarkably fresh and exhilarating, and the relief he experienced from the close and muggy streets of Paris was of such a soothing nature that he presently fell fast to sleep. His day in the Metropolis had been a busy one, for, like all boys, he had forgotten himself in the delight of sightseeing, and had tired his muscles and exhausted his strength to an unusual degree. It was about three o'clock in the morning when Robb, moving restlessly in his sleep, accidentally touched with his right hand the indicator of the machine which was fastened to his left wrist, setting it a couple of points to the south of east. He was, of course, unaware of the slight alteration in his course, which was destined to prove of serious importance in the near future. For the boys' fatigue induced him to sleep far beyond daybreak, and during this period of unconsciousness he was passing over the face of European countries and approaching the lawless and dangerous dominions of the Orient. When at last he opened his eyes he was puzzled to determine where he was. Beneath him stretched a vast sandy plain, and speeding across this he came to a land abounding in luxuriant vegetation. The centrifugal force which propelled him was evidently, for some reason, greatly accelerated for the scenery of the country he was crossing glided by him at so rapid a rate of speed that it nearly took his breath away. I wonder if I've passed Vienna in the night he thought. It ought not to have taken me more than a few hours to reach there from Paris. Vienna was, at that moment, fifteen hundred miles behind him, but Robb's geography had always been his stumbling block at school, and he had not learned to gauge the speed of the travelling machine, so he was completely mystified as to his whereabouts. Presently a village having many queer spires and minarets whisked by him like a flash, Robb became worried and resolved to slow up at the next sign of habitation. This was a good resolution, but Turkistan is so thinly settled that before the boy could plan out a course of action he had passed the barren mountain range of Theon-Shan as nimbly as an acrobat leaps a jumping-bar. This won't do at all, he exclaimed earnestly. The travelling machine seems to be running away with me, and I'm missing no end of sight by scooting along up here in the clouds. He turned the indicator to zero and was relieved to find it obey with customary quickness. In a few moments he had slowed up and stopped, when he found himself suspended above another stretch of sandy plain. Being too high to see the surface of the plain distinctly, he dropped down a few hundred feet to a lower level, where he discovered he was surrounded by billows of sand as far as the eye could reach. It's a desert alright was his comment, perhaps old Sahara herself. He started the machine again toward the east, and at a more moderate rate of speed skimmed over the surface of the desert. Before long he noticed a dark spot ahead of him, which proved to be a large body of fierce-looking men riding upon dromedaries and slender-spirited horses, and armed with long rifles and crickedly shaped scimitars. Those fellows seemed to be looking for trouble remarked the boy as he glided over them, and it wouldn't be exactly healthy for an enemy to get in their way, but I haven't time to stop, so I'm not likely to get mixed up in any rumpus with them. However the armed caravan was scarcely out of sight before Robb discovered he was approaching a rich-wooded oasis of the desert, in the midst of which was built the walled city of Yarkand. Not that he had ever heard of the place, or knew its name, for few Europeans and only one American traveller had ever visited it, but he guessed it was a city of some importance from its size and beauty, and resolved to make a stop there. Above the high walls projected many slender white minarets, indicating that the inhabitants were either Turks or some race of Mohammedans, so Robb decided to make investigations before trusting himself to their company. A cluster of tall trees with leafy tops stood a short distance outside the walls, and here the boy landed and sat down to rest in the refreshing shade. The city seemed as hushed and still as if it were deserted, and before him stretched the vast plain of white-heated sands. He strained his eyes to catch a glimpse of the band of warriors he had passed, but they were moving slowly and had not yet appeared. The trees that sheltered Robb were the only ones without the city, although many low bushes or shrubs grew scattering over the space between him and the walls. An arched gateway broke the enclosure at his left, but the gates were tightly shut. Something in the stillness and the intense heat of the midday sun made the boy drowsy. He stretched himself upon the ground beneath the dense foliage of the biggest tree, and abandoned himself to the langer that was creeping over him. I'll wait until that army of the desert arrives, he thought sleepily. They either belong in this city or have come to capture it, so I can tell better what to dance when I find out what the band plays. The next moment he was sound asleep, sprawling upon his back in the shade and slumbering as peacefully as an infant. And while he lay motionless, three men dropped in quick succession from the top of the city wall, and hid among the low bushes, crawling noiselessly from one to another, and so approaching by degrees the little group of trees. They were turks and had been sent by those in authority within the city to climb the tallest tree of the group and discover if the enemy was near. For Robb's conjecture had been correct, and the city of Yarkand awaited, with more or less anxiety, a threatened assault from its hereditary enemies, the Tatars. The three spies were not less forbidding in appearance than the horde of warriors Robb had passed upon the desert. Their features were coarse and swarthy, and their eyes had a most villainous glare. Old-fashioned pistols and double-edged daggers were stuck in their belts and their clothing, though of gorgeous colors, was soiled and neglected. With all the caution of the American savage, these turks approached the tree, where, to their unbounded amazement, they saw the boy lying asleep. His dress and fairness of skin at once proclaimed him in their shrewd eyes a European, and their first thought was to glance around in search of his horse or dromedary. Seeing nothing of the kind near, they were much puzzled to account for his presence, and stood looking down at him with evident curiosity. The sun struck the polished surface of the travelling machine, which was attached to Robb's wrist and made the metal glitter like silver. This attracted the eyes of the tallest Turk, who stooped down and stealthily unclasped the band of the machine from the boy's outstretched arm. Then, after a hurried but puzzled examination of the little instrument, he slipped it into the pocket of his jacket. Robb stirred uneasily in his sleep, and one of the Turks drew a slight but stout rope from his breast, and with gentle but deft movement passed it around the boy's wrists and drew them together behind him. The action was not swift enough to arouse the power of repulsion in the garment of protection, but it awakened Robb effectually, so that he sat up and stared hard at his captors. What are you trying to do anyhow, he demanded. The Turks laughed and said something in their own language. They had no knowledge of English. You're only making fools of yourselves, continued the boy wrathfully. It's impossible for you to injure me. The three paid no attention to his words. One of them thrust his hand into Robb's pocket, and drew out the electric tube. His ignorance of modern appliances was so great that he did not know enough to push the button. Robb saw him looking down the hollow end of the tube and murmured, I wish it would blow your ugly head off. But the fellow, thinking the shining metal might be of some value to him, put the tube in his own pocket, and then took from the prisoner the silver box of tablets. Robb rived and groaned at losing his possessions in this way, and while his hands were fastened behind him, tried to feel for and touch the indicator of the traveling machine. When he found that the machine also had been taken, his anger gave way to fear, for he realized he was in a dangerously helpless condition. The third Turk now drew the record of events from the boy's inner pocket. He knew nothing of the springs that opened the lids, so after a curious glance at it he secreted the box in the folds of his sash and continued the search of the captive. The character-marking spectacles were next abstracted, but the Turk, seeing in them nothing but spectacles, scornfully thrust them back into Robb's pocket, while his comrades laughed at him. The boy was now rifled of seventeen cents in pennies, a broken pocket-knife, and a lead pencil, the last article seeming to be highly prized. After they had secured all the booty they could find, the tall Turk, who seemed the leader of the three, violently kicked at the prisoner with his heavy boot. His surprise was great when the garment of repulsion arrested the blow, and nearly overthrew the aggressor in turn. Snatching a dagger from his sash, he bounded upon the boy so fiercely that the next instant the enraged Turk found himself lying upon his back three yards away, while his dagger flew through the air and landed deep in the desert sands. Keep it up, cried Robb bitterly. I hope you'll enjoy yourself. The other Turks raised their comrade to his feet, and the three stared at one another in surprise, being unable to understand how a bound prisoner could so effectually defend himself. But at a whispered word from the leader they drew their long pistols and fired point-blank into Robb's face. The volley echoed sharply from the city walls, but as the smoke drifted slowly away, the Turks were horrified to see their intended victim laughing at them. Uttering cries of terror and dismay, the three took to their heels and bounded towards the wall, where a gate quickly opened to receive them, the populace feeling sure the Tatar horde was upon them. Nor was this guest so very far wrong, for as Robb, sitting disconsolate upon the sand, raised his eyes, he saw across the desert a dark line that marched the approach of the invaders. Nearer and nearer they came, while Robb watched them and bemoaned the foolish impulse that had led him to fall asleep, in an unknown land where he could so easily be overpowered and robbed of his treasures. I always suspected these electrical inventions would be my ruin some day, he reflected sadly, and now I'm side-tracked and left helpless in this outlandish country, without a single hope of ever getting home again. They probably won't be able to kill me unless they find my garment of repulsion and strip that off, but I never could cross this terrible desert on foot, and having lost my food tablets I'd soon starve if I attempted it. Fortunately he had eaten one of the tablets just before going to sleep, so there was no danger of immediate starvation, but he was miserable and unhappy and remained brooding over his cruel fate until a sudden shout caused him to look up. CHAPTER XIV TURK AND TATAR The Tatars had arrived swiftly and noiselessly, and a dozen of the warriors still mounted were surrounding him. His helpless condition aroused their curiosity, and while some of them hastily cut away his bonds and raised him to his feet, others plied him with questions in their own language. Rob shook his head to indicate that he could not understand, so they led him to the chief, an immense bearded representative of the tribe of Kara Kitai, the terrible and relentless black Tatars of Tibet. The huge frame of this fellow was clothed in flowing robes of cloth of gold, braided with jewels, and he sat majestically upon the back of a jet-black camel. Under ordinary circumstances the stern features and flashing black eyes of this redoubtable warrior would have struck a chill of fear to the boy's heart, but now under the influence of the crushing misfortunes he had experienced, he was able to gaze within difference upon the terrible visage of the desert chief. The Tatars seemed not to consider Rob an enemy, instead he looked upon him as an ally, since the Turks had bound and robbed him. Finding it impossible to converse with the chief, Rob took refuge in the sign language. He turned his pockets wrong side out, showing the red welts left upon his wrists by the tight cord, and then shook his fists angrily in the direction of the town. In return the Tatar nodded gravely and issued an order to his men. By this time the warriors were busily pitching tents before the walls of Yarkand and making preparations for a formal siege. In obedience to the chieftain's orders Rob was given a place within one of the tents nearest the wall, and supplied with a brace of brass-mounted pistols and a dagger with a sharp zigzag edge. These were evidently to assist the boy in fighting the Turks, and he was well pleased to have them. The spirits rose considerably when he found he had fallen among friends, although most of his new comrades had such evil faces that it was unnecessary to put on the character markers to judge their natures with a fair degree of accuracy. I can't be very particular about the company I keep, he thought, and this gang hasn't tried to murder me as the rascally Turks did, so for the present I'll stand in with the scowling chief and try to get a shot at the thieves who robbed me. If our side wins, I may get a chance to recover some of my property. It's a slim chance, of course, but it's the only hope I have left. That very evening an opportunity occurred for Rob to win glory in the eyes of his new friends. Just before sundown the gates of the city flew open and a swarm of Turks mounted upon fleet horses and camels issued forth and fell upon their enemies. The Tatars who did not expect the Sally were scarcely able to form an opposing rank when they found themselves engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict, fighting desperately for their lives. In such a battle, however, the Turks were at a disadvantage, for the active Tatars slipped beneath their horses and disabled them, bringing both the animals and their riders to the earth. At the first onslaught Rob shot his pistol at a Turk and wounded him so severely that he fell from his horse. Instantly the boy seized the bridle and sprang upon the steed's back, and the next moment he had dashed into the thickest part of the fray. Bullets and blows rained upon him from all sides, but the garment of repulsion saved him from a single scratch. When his pistols had been discharged he caught up the broken handle of a spear and used it as a club, galloping into the ranks of the Turks and belaboring them as hard as he could. The Tatars cheered and followed him, and the Turks were so amazed at his miraculous escape from their bullets, that they became terrified thinking he bore a charmed life and was protected by unseen powers. This terror helped turn the tide of battle, and before long the enemy was pressed back to the walls and retreated through the gates, which were hastily fastened behind them. In order to prevent a repetition of this sally, the Tatars at once invested the gates so that if the Turks should open them they were as likely to let their foes in as to oppose them. While the tents were being moved up, Rob had an opportunity to search the battlefield for the bodies of the three Turks who had robbed him, but they were not among the fallen. Those fellows were too cowardly to take part in a fair fight, declared the boy, but he was much disappointed nevertheless, as he felt very helpless without the electric tube or the traveling machine. The Tatar chief now called Rob to his tent, and presented him with a beautiful ring set with a glowing pigeon's blood ruby in acknowledgement of his services. This gift made the boy feel very proud, and he said to the chief, You're all right, old man, even if you do look like a pirate. If you can manage to capture that city so I can get my electrical devices back, I'll consider you a trump as long as I live. The chief thought this speech was intended to express Rob's gratitude, so he bowed solemnly in return. During the night that followed upon the first engagement of the Turks and Tatars, the boy lay awake trying to devise some plan to capture the city. The walls seemed too high and thick to be either scaled or broken by the Tatars, who had no artillery whatever, and within the walls lay all the fertile part of the oasis, giving the besieged a good supply of water and provisions, while the besiegers were obliged to subsist on what water and food they had brought with them. Just before dawn Rob left his tent and went out to look at the great wall. The stars gave plenty of light, but the boy was worried to find that according to Eastern custom, no sentries or guards whatever had been posted, and all the Tatars were slumbering soundly. The city was likewise wrapped in profound silence, but just as Rob was turning away, he saw a head project stealthily over the edge of the wall before him and recognized in the features one of the Turks who had robbed him. Finding no one awake except the boy, the fellow sat upon the edge of the wall with his feet dangling downward and grinned wickedly at his former victim. Rob watched him with almost breathless eagerness. After making many motions that conveyed no meaning whatever, the Turk drew the electric tube from his pocket and pointed his finger first at the boy and then at the instrument, as if inquiring what it was used for. Rob shook his head. The Turk turned the tube over several times and examined it carefully, after which he also shook his head, seeming greatly puzzled. By this time the boy was fairly trembling with excitement. He longed to recover this valuable weapon and feared that at any moment the curious Turk would discover its use. He held out his hand toward the tube and tried to say by motions that he would show the fellow how to use it. The man seemed to understand, but he would not let the glittering instrument out of his possession. Rob was almost in despair when he happened to notice upon his hand the ruby ring given him by the chief, drawing the jewel from his finger he made offer by signs that he would exchange it for the tube. The Turk was much pleased with the idea and nodded his head repeatedly, holding out his hand for the ring. Rob had little confidence in the man's honor, but he was so eager to regain the tube that he decided to trust him. So he threw the ring to the top of the wall where the Turk caught it skillfully, but when Rob held out his hand for the tube the scoundrel only laughed at him and began to scramble to his feet in order to beat a retreat. Chance however foiled this disgraceful treachery, for in his hurry the Turk allowed the tube to slip from his grasp and it rolled off the wall and fell upon the sand at Rob's very feet. The robber turned to watch its fall and filled with sudden anger, the boy grabbed the weapon, pointed it at his enemy, and pressed the button. Down tumbled the Turk without a cry and lay motionless at the foot of the wall. Rob's first thought was to search the pockets of his captive, and to his delight he found and recovered his box of food tablets. The record of events and the traveling machine were doubtless in the possession of the other robbers, but Rob did not despair of recovering them, now that he had the tube to aid him. Day was now breaking and several of the Tatars appeared and examined the body of the Turk, with grunts of surprise, for there was no mark upon him to show how he had been slain. Supposing him to be dead they tossed him aside and forgot all about him. Rob had secured his ruby ring again, and going to the chief's tent he showed the jewel to the guard and was at once admitted. The black-bearded chieftain was still reclining upon his pillows, but Rob bowed before him and by means of signs managed to ask for a band of warriors to assist him in assaulting the town. The chieftain appeared to doubt the wisdom of the enterprise, not being able to understand how the boy could expect to succeed, but he graciously issued the required order, and by the time Rob reached the city gate he found a large group of Tatars gathered to support him, while the entire camp roused to interest in the proceedings stood looking on. Rob cared little for the quarrel between the Turks and Tatars, and under ordinary circumstances would have refused to side with one or the other, but he knew he could not hope to recover his electrical machines unless the city was taken by the band of warriors who had befriended him, so he determined to force an entrance for them. Without hesitation he walked close to the great gate, and shattered its fastenings with the force of the electric current directed upon them from the tube. Then, shouting to his friends the Tatars for assistance, they rushed in a body upon the gate, and dashed it open. The Turks had expected trouble when they heard the fastenings of the huge gate splinter and fall apart, so they had assembled in force before the opening. As the Tatars poured through the gateway in a compact mass they were met by a hail of bullets, spears, and arrows, which did fearful execution among them. Many were killed outright while others fell wounded to be trampled upon by those who pressed on from the rear. Rob maintained his position at the front rank, but escaped all injury through the possession of the garment of repulsion, but he took an active part in the fight and pressed the button of the electric tube again and again, tumbling the enemy into heaps on every side, even the horses and camels falling helplessly before the resistless current of electricity. The Tatars shouted joyfully as they witnessed this marvelous feat, and rushed forward to assist in the slaughter, but the boy motioned them all back. He did not wish any more bloodshed than was necessary, and knew that the heaps of unconscious Turks around him would soon recover. So he stood alone and faced the enemy, calmly knocking them over as fast as they came near. Two of the Turks managed to creep up behind the boy, and one of them, who wielded an immense scimitar with a two-edged blade as sharp as a razor, swung the weapon fiercely to cut off Rob's head. But the repulsive force aroused in the garment was so terrific that it sent the weapon flying backwards with redoubled swiftness, so that it caught the second Turk at the waist and cut him fairly in two. Thereafter they all avoided coming near the boy, and in a surprisingly short time the Turkish forces were entirely conquered, all having been reduced to unconsciousness, except a few cowards who had run away and hidden in the cellars or garrets of the houses. The Tatars entered the city with shouts of triumph, and the chief was so delighted that he threw his arms around Rob's neck and embraced him warmly. Then began the sack of Yarkand, the fierce Tatars plundering the bazaars and houses, stripping them of everything of value they could find. Rob searched anxiously among the bodies of the unconscious Turks for the two men who had robbed him, but neither could be found. He was more successful later, for in running through the streets he came upon a band of Tatars leading a man with a rope around his neck, whom Rob quickly recognized as one of the thieves he was hunting for. The Tatars willingly allowed him to search the fellow, and in one of his pockets Rob found the record of events. He had now recovered all his property except the traveling machine, the one thing that was absolutely necessary to enable him to escape from this barbarous country. He continued his search persistently, and an hour later found the dead body of the third robber lying in the square of the center of the city, but the traveling machine was not on his person, and for the first time the boy began to give way to despair. In the distance he heard loud shouts and sound of renewed strife, warning him that the Turks were recovering consciousness and engaging the Tatars with great fierceness. The latter had scattered throughout the town, thinking themselves perfectly secure, so that not only were they unprepared to fight, but they became panic-stricken at seeing their foes return, as it seemed from death to life. Their usual courage forsook them, and they ran terrified in every direction, only to be cut down by the revengeful Turkish scimitars. Rob was sitting upon the edge of a marble fountain in the center of the square, when a crowd of victorious Turks appeared and quickly surrounded him. The boy paid no attention to their gestures, and the Turks feared to approach him nearly, so they stood a short distance away and fired volleys at him from their rifles and pistols. Rob glared at them scornfully, and seeing they could not injure him the Turks desisted, but they still surrounded him and the crowd grew thicker every moment. Women now came creeping from their hiding places and mingled with the ranks of the men, and Rob guessed from their joyous chattering that the Turks had regained the city and driven out or killed the Tatar warriors. He reflected gloomily that this did not affect his own position in any way, since he could not escape from the oasis. Suddenly, unglancing at the crowd, Rob saw something that arrested his attention. A young girl was fastening some article to the wrist of a burly, villainous-looking Turk. The boy saw a glitter that reminded him of the traveling machine, but immediately afterward the man and the girl bent their heads over the fellow's wrist in such a way that Rob could see nothing more. While the couple were apparently examining the strange device, Rob started to his feet and walked toward them. The crowd fell back at his approach, but the man and the girl were so interested that they did not notice him. He was still several paces away when the girl put out her finger and touched the indicator on the dial. To Rob's horror and consternation, the big Turk began to rise slowly into the air while a howl of fear burst from the crowd. But the boy made a mighty spring and caught the Turk by his foot, clinging to it with desperate tenacity, while they both mounted steadily upward until they were far above the city of the desert. The big Turk screamed pitifully at first, and then actually fainted away from fright. Rob was much frightened on his part, for he knew if his hand slipped from their hold he would fall to his death. Indeed, one hand was slipping already, so he made a frantic clutch and caught firmly hold of the Turk's baggy trousers. Then slowly and carefully he drew himself up and seized the leather belt that encircled the man's waist. This firm grip gave him new confidence, and he began to breathe more freely. He now clung to the body of the Turk with both legs entwined in the way he was accustomed to cling to a tree trunk. When he climbed after cherries at home, he had conquered his fear of falling and took time to recover his wits and his strength. They had now reached such a tremendous height that the city looked like a speck on the desert beneath them. Knowing he must act quickly, Rob seized the dangling left arm of the unconscious Turk and raised it until he could reach the dial of the travelling machine. He feared to unclasp the machine just then for two reasons. If it slipped from his grasp they would both plunge downward to their death, and he was not sure the machine would work at all if in any other position then fastened to the left wrist. Rob determined to take no chances, so he left the machine attached to the Turk and turned the indicator to zero and then to east, for he did not wish to rejoin either his enemies the Turks or his equally undesirable friends the Tatars. After travelling eastward a few minutes he lost sight of the city altogether, so still clinging to the body of the Turk he again turned the indicator and began to descend. When at last they landed gently upon a rocky eminence of the Kuwen Lun Mountains the boy's strength was almost exhausted and his limbs ached with the strain of clinging to the Turk's body. His first act was to transfer the travelling machine to his own wrist and to see that his other electrical devices were safely bestowed in his pockets. Then he sat upon the rock to rest while the Turk recovered consciousness. Presently the fellow moved uneasily, rolled over, and then sat up and stared at his surroundings. Perhaps he thought he had been dreaming, for he rubbed his eyes and looked again with mingled surprise and alarm. Then seeing Rob he uttered a savage shout and drew his dagger. Rob smiled and pointed the electric tube at the man who doubtless recognized its power, for he fell back scowling and trembling. This place seems like a good jog from civilization remarked the boy, as coolly as if his companion could understand what he said. But as your legs are long and strong you may be able to find your way. It's true you're liable to starve to death, but if you do it will be your own misfortune and not my fault. The Turk glared at him sullenly, but did not attempt to reply. Rob took out his box of tablets, ate one of them, and offered another to his enemy. The fellow accepted it ungraciously enough, but seeing Rob eat one he decided to follow his example, and consumed the tablet with a queer expression of distrust upon his face. Brave man cried Rob laughingly. You've avoided the pangs of starvation for a time anyhow, so I can leave you with a clear conscience. Without Laura due he turned the indicator of the traveling machine and mounted into the air, leaving the Turk sitting upon the rocks and staring after him in comical bewilderment. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The Master Key by L. Frank Baum Chapter 15 A Battle with Monsters Our young adventurer never experienced a more grateful feeling of relief and security than when he found himself once more high in the air alone and in undisputed possession of the electrical devices bestowed upon him by the demon. The dangers he had passed through since landing at the city of the desert and the desperate chance that alone had permitted him to regain the traveling machine made him shudder at the bear recollection and rendered him more sober and thoughtful than usual. We who stick closely to the earth's surface can scarcely realize how Rob could travel through the air at such dizzy heights without any fear or concern whatsoever. But he had come to consider the air a veritable refuge. Experience had given him implicit confidence in the powers of the electrical instrument, whose unseen forces carried him so swiftly and surely, and while the tiny watch-like machine was clasped to his wrist he felt himself to be absolutely safe. Having slipped away from the Turk and attained a fair altitude, he set the indicator at zero and paused long enough to consult his map and decide which direction it was best for him to take. The misschance that had swept him unwittingly over the countries of Europe had also carried him more than halfway around the world from his home. Therefore the nearest way to reach America would be to continue traveling to the eastward. So much time had been consumed at the desert oasis that he felt he must now hasten if he wished to reach home by Saturday afternoon, so having quickly come to a decision he turned the indicator and began a swift flight into the east. For several hours he traveled above the great desert of Gobi, but by noon signs of a more fertile country began to appear, and dropping to a point nearer the earth he was able to observe closely the country of the Chinese, with its crowded population and ancient but crude civilization. Then he came to the Great Wall of China and to Maidipay King, above which he hovered some time examining it curiously. He really longed to make a stop there, but with his late experiences fresh in his mind he thought it much safer to view the wonderful city from a distance. Resuming his flight he presently came to the Gulf of Laotong, whose fair face was freckled with many ships of many nations, and so on to Korea which seemed to him a land fully a century behind the times. Night overtook him while speeding across the Sea of Japan, and having a great desire to view the Mikado's famous islands, he put the indicator at zero, and coming to a full stop, composed himself to sleep until morning, that he might run no chances of being carried beyond his knowledge during the night. You might suppose it no easy task to sleep suspended in mid-air, yet the magnetic currents controlled by the traveling machine were so evenly balanced that Robb was fully as comfortable as if reposing upon a bed of down. He had become somewhat accustomed to passing the night in the air, and now slept remarkably well, having no fear of burglars or fire or other interruptions that dwellers in cities are subject to. One thing, however, he should have remembered, that he was in an ancient and little-known part of the world and reposing above a sea famous in fable as the home of many fierce and terrible creatures, while not far away lay the land of the dragon, the simurgue and other ferocious monsters. Robb may have read of these things in fairy tales and books of travel, but if so they had entirely slipped his mind, so he slumbered peacefully and actually snored a little, I believe, towards morning. But even as the red sun peeped curiously over the horizon he was awakened by a most unusual disturbance, a succession of horse screams and a pounding of the air as from the quickly revolving blades of some huge windmill. He rubbed his eyes and looked around. Coming towards him at his right hand was an immense bird, whose body seemed almost as big as that of a horse. Its wide-open curved beak was set with rows of pointed teeth, and the talons held against its breast and turned threateningly outward were more powerful and dreadful than a tiger's claws. While fascinated and horrified he watched the approach of this feathered monster, a scream sounded just behind him, and the next instant the stroke of a mighty wing sent him whirling over and over through the air. He soon came to a stop, however, and saw that another of the monsters had come upon him from the rear, and was now, with its mate, circling closely around him while both uttered continuously their horse-savage cries. Robb wondered why the garment of repulsion had not protected him from the blow of the bird's wing, but, as a matter of fact, it had protected him. For it was not the wing itself but the force of the eddying currents of air that had sent him whirling away from the monster. With the indicator at zero the magnetic currents and the opposing powers of attraction and repulsion were so evenly balanced that any violent atmospheric disturbance affected him in the same way that thisledown is affected by a summer breeze. He had noticed something of this before, but whenever a strong wind was blowing he was accustomed to rise to a position above the air currents. This was the first time he had slept with the indicator at zero. The huge birds had once renewed their attack, but Robb had now recovered his wits sufficiently to draw the electric tube from his pocket. The first one to dart towards him received the powerful electric current direct from the tube and fell stunned and fluttering to the surface of the sea, where it floated motionless. Its mate, perhaps warned by this sudden disaster, renewed its circling flight moving so swiftly that Robb could scarcely follow it and drawing nearer and nearer every moment to its intended victim. The boy could not turn in the air very quickly and he feared an attack in the back mistrusting the saving power of the garment of repulsion under such circumstances. So in desperation he pressed his finger upon the button of the tube and whirled the instrument around his head in the opposite direction to that in which the monster was circling. Presently the current and the bird met, and with one last scream the creature tumbled downwards to join its fellow upon the waves, where they lay like two floating islands. Their presence had left a rank sickening stench in the surrounding atmosphere, so Robb made haste to resume his journey and was soon moving rapidly eastward. He could not control a shutter at the recollection of his recent combat and realized the horror of a meeting with such creatures by one who had no protection from their sharp beaks and talons. It's no wonder the japs draw ugly pictures of those monsters, he thought. People who live in these parts must pass most of their lives in a tremble. The sun was now shining brilliantly and when the beautiful islands of Japan came in sight Robb found that he had recovered his wanted cheerfulness. He moved along slowly hovering with curious interest over the quaint and picturesque villages and watching the industrious Japanese patiently toiling at their tasks. Just before he reached Tokyo he came to a military fort and for nearly an hour watched the skillful maneuvers of a regiment of soldiers at their morning drill. They were not very big people compared with other nations, but they seemed alert and well trained and the boy decided it would require a brave enemy to face them on a field of battle. Having at length satisfied his curiosity as to Japanese life and customs, Robb prepared for his long flight across the Pacific Ocean. By consulting his map he discovered that should he maintain his course due east as before he would arrive at a point in America very near to San Francisco which suited his plans excellently. Having found that he moved more swiftly when farthest from the earth's surface because the air was more rarefied and offered less resistance, Robb mounted upwards until the islands of Japan were mere specks visible through the clear sunny atmosphere. Then he began his eastward flight, the broad surface of the Pacific seeming like a blue cloud far beneath him. End of Chapter 15 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Master Key by L. Frank Baum Chapter 16 Shipwrecked Mariners Ample proof of Robb's careless and restless nature having been frankly placed before the reader in these pages, you will doubtless be surprised when I relate that during the next few hours our young gentlemen suffered from a serious attack of homesickness becoming as gloomy and unhappy in its duration as ever a homesick boy could be. It may have been because he was just then cut off from all his fellow creatures and even from the world itself. It may have been because he was satiated with marvels and with the almost absolute control over the powers which the demon had conferred upon him. Or it may have been because he was born and reared a hearty healthy American boy with a disposition to battle openly with the world and take his chances equally with his fellows. Rather than be placed in such an exclusive position that no one could hope successfully to oppose him. Perhaps he himself did not know what gave him this horrible attack of the blues, but the truth is he took out his handkerchief and cried like a baby from very loneliness and misery. There was no one to see him, thank goodness, and the tears gave him considerable relief. He dried his eyes, made an honest struggle to regain his cheerfulness, and then muttered to himself. If I stay up here like an air bubble in the sky I shall certainly go crazy. I suppose there's nothing but water to look at down below, but if I could only sight a ship or even see a fish jump it would do me no end of good. Thereupon he descended until, as the ocean's surface came nearer and nearer, he discovered a tiny island lying almost directly underneath him. It was hardly big enough to make a dot on the biggest map, but a clump of trees grew in the central portion while around the edges were jagged rocks protecting a sandy beach and a stretch of flower-strewn upland leading to the trees. It looked very beautiful from Rob's elevated position and his spirits brightened at once. I'll drop down and pick a bouquet, he exclaimed, and a few minutes later his feet touched the firm earth of the island. But before he could gather a dozen of the brilliant flowers a glad shout reached his ears and looking up he saw two men running towards him from the trees. They were dressed in sailor fashion, but their clothing was reduced to rags and scarcely clung to their brown skinny bodies. As they advanced they waved their arms wildly in the air and cried in joyful tones, a boat, a boat! Rob stared at them wonderingly and had much adieu to prevent the poor fellows from hugging him outright, so great was their joy at his appearance. One of them rolled upon the ground laughing and crying by turns while the other danced and cut capers until he became so exhausted that he sank down breathless beside his comrade. How came you here then inquired the boy in pitying tones? Were shipwrecked American sailors from the bark Cynthia Jane, which went down near here over a month ago answered the smallest and thinnest of the two? We escaped by clinging to a bit of wreckage and floated to this island where we have nearly starved to death. Indeed we have now eaten everything on the island that was eatable and had your boat arrived a few days later you'd have found us lying dead upon the beach. Rob listened to this sad tale with real sympathy. But I didn't come here in a boat said he. The men sprang to their feet with white-scared faces. No boat they cried, are you too shipwrecked? No he answered, I flew here through the air and then he explained to them the wonderful electric traveling machine. But the sailors had no interest whatever in the relation. Their disappointment was something awful to witness and one of them laid his head upon his comrade's shoulder and wept with unrestrained grief so weak and discouraged had they become through suffering. Suddenly Rob remembered that he could assist them and took the box of concentrated food tablets from his pocket. Eat these he said offering one to each of the sailors. At first they could not understand that these small tablets would be able to allay the pangs of hunger but when Rob explained their virtues the men ate them greedily. Within a few moments they were so greatly restored to strength and courage that their eyes brightened, their sunken cheeks flushed and they were able to converse with their benefactor with calmness and intelligence. Then the boys sat beside them upon the grass and told them the story of his acquaintance with the demon and of all his adventures since he had come into possession of the wonderful electric contravences. In his present mood he felt it would be a relief to confide in someone and so these poor lonely men were the first to hear his story. When he related the manner in which he had clung to the Turk while both ascended into the air the elder of the two sailors listened with rapt attention and then after some thought asked why couldn't you carry one or both of us to America? Rob took time seriously to consider this idea while the sailors eyed him with eager interest. Finally he said, I'm afraid I couldn't support your weight long enough to reach any other land. It's a long journey and you'd pull my arms out of joint before we'd been up an hour. Their faces fell at this but one of them said, why couldn't we swing ourselves over your shoulders with a rope? Our two bodies would balance each other and we are so thin and emaciated that we do not weigh very much. While considering this suggestion Rob remembered how at one time five pirates had clung to his left leg and been carried some distance through the air. Have you a rope he asked? No was the answer but there are plenty of long tough vines growing on the island that are just as strong and pliable as ropes. Then if you are willing to run the chances decided the boy I will make the attempt to save you but I must warn you that in case I find I cannot support the weight of your bodies I shall drop one or both of you into the sea. They looked grave at this prospect but the biggest one said, we would soon meet death from starvation if you left us here on the island so as there is at least a chance of our being able to escape in your company I for one am willing to risk being drowned. It is easier and quicker than being starved and as I'm the heavier I suppose you'll drop me first. Certainly declared Rob promptly. This announcement seemed to be an encouragement to the little sailor but he said nervously, I hope you'll keep near the water for I haven't a good head for heights they always make me dizzy. Oh if you don't want to go began Rob I can easily but I do I do I do cried the little man interrupting him I shall die if you leave me behind. Well then get your ropes and we'll do the best we can said the boy. They ran to the trees around the trunks of which were clinging many tendrils of greenish brown vine which possessed remarkable strength. With their knives they cut a long section of this vine the ends of which were then tied into loops large enough to permit the sailors to sit in them comfortably. The connecting piece Rob padded with seaweed gathered from the shore to prevent its cutting into his shoulders. Now then he said when all was ready take your places. The sailor squatted in the loops and Rob swung the vine over his shoulders and turned the indicator of the traveling machine to up. As they slowly mounted into the sky the little sailor gave a squeal of terror and clung to the boy's arm but the other although seemingly anxious sat quietly in his place and made no trouble. Don't go so high stammered the little one tremblingly suppose we should fall. Well suppose we should answered Rob gruffly you couldn't drown until you struck the water so the higher we are the longer you live in case of accident. This phase of the question seemed to comfort the frightened fellow somewhat but as he said he had not a good head for heights and so continued to tremble in spite of his resolve to be brave. The weight on Rob's shoulders was not so great as he had feared the traveling machine seeming to give a certain lightness and buoyancy to everything that came into contact with its wearer. As soon as he had reached a sufficient elevation to admit of good speed he turned the indicator once more to the east and began moving rapidly through the air the ship wrecked sailors dangling at either side. This is awful gasped the little one say you shut up commanded the boy angrily if your friend was as big a coward as you are I drop you both this minute let go of my arm and keep quiet if you want to reach land alive. The fellow whimpered a little but managed to remain silent for several minutes. Then he gave a sudden twitch and grabbed Rob's arm again. Suppose suppose the vine should break he moaned a horrified look upon his face. I've had about enough of this said Rob savagely if you haven't any sense you don't deserve to live. He turned the indicator on the dial of the machine and they began to descend rapidly. The little fellow screamed with fear but Rob paid no attention to him until the feet of the two suspended sailors were actually dipping into the waves when he brought their progress to an abrupt halt. What are you going to do gurgled the cowardly sailor I'm going to feed you to the sharks unless you promise to keep your mouth shut retorted the boy. Now then decide at once which will it be sharks or silence. I won't say a word upon my honor I won't said the sailor shudderingly. All right remember your promise and we'll have no further trouble remarked Rob who had hard work to keep from laughing at the man's object terror. Once more he ascended and continued the journey and for several hours they rode along swiftly and silently. Rob's shoulders were beginning to ache with the continued tugging of the vine upon them but the thought that he was saving the lives of two unfortunate fellow creatures gave him strength and courage to persevere. Night was falling when they first sighted land a wild and seemingly uninhabited stretch of the American coast. Rob made no effort to select a landing place for he was nearly worn out with the strain and anxiety of the journey. He dropped his burden upon the brow of a high bluff overlooking the sea and casting the vine from his shoulders fell to the earth exhausted and half fainting. End of Chapter 16 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 17 The Coast of Oregon When he had somewhat recovered Rob sat up and looked around him. The elder sailor was kneeling in earnest prayer offering grateful thanks for his escape from suffering and death. The younger one lay upon the ground sobbing and still violently agitated by recollections of the frightful experiences he had undergone. Although he did not show his feelings as plainly as the men, the boy was nonetheless gratified at having been instrumental in saving the lives of two fellow beings. The darkness was by this time rapidly enveloping them, so Rob asked his companions to gather some brushwood and light of fire, which they quickly did. The evening was cool for the time of year, and the heat from the fire was cheering and grateful, so they all lay near the glowing embers and fell fast asleep. The sound of voices aroused Rob next morning, and on opening his eyes and gazing around he saw several rudely dressed men approaching. The two shipwrecked sailors were still sound asleep. Rob stood up and waited for the strangers to draw near. They seemed to be fishermen, and were much surprised at finding three people asleep upon the bluff. Warren Thunder, did you come from? asked the foremost fisherman in a surprised voice. From the sea replied the boy, my friends here are shipwrecked sailors from the Cynthia Jane. But how do you make out to climb the bluff? inquired a second fisherman. No one ever did it afore, as we knows on. Oh, that is a long story, replied the boy evasively. The two sailors had awakened, and now saluted the newcomers. Soon they were exchanging a running fire of questions and answers. Where are we, Rob heard the little sailor ask. Coast of Oregon was the reply. We're about seven miles from Port Orford by land, and about ten miles by sea. Do you live at Port Orford, inquired the sailor? That's what we do, friend. And if your party wants to join us, we'll do our best to make you comfortable, being as your shipwrecked and need help. Just then a loud laugh came from another group, where the elder sailor had been trying to explain Rob's method of flying through the air. Laugh while you want to, said the sailor sullenly. It's true, every word of it. Maybe you think it, friend, answered a big, good-natured fisherman, but it's well known that shipwrecked folks go crazy sometimes, and imagine strange things. Your mind seems clear enough in other ways, so I advise you to try and forget your dreams about flying. Rob now stepped forward and shook hands with the sailors. I see you have found friends, he said to them, so I will leave you and continue my journey, as I'm in something of a hurry. Both sailors began to thank him profusely for their rescue, but he cut them short. That's all right. Of course I couldn't leave you on that island to starve to death, and I'm glad I was able to bring you away with me. But you threatened to drop me into the sea, remarked the little sailor, in a grieved voice. So I did, said Rob, laughing, but I wouldn't have done it for the world, not even to have saved my own life. Goodbye. He turned the indicator and mounted skyward to the unbounded amazement of the fishermen, who stared after him with round eyes and wide open mouths. This sight will prove to them that the sailors are not crazy, he thought, as he turned to the south and sped away from the bluff. I suppose those simple fishermen will never forget this wonderful occurrence, and they'll probably make regular heroes of the two men who have crossed the Pacific through the air. He followed the coastline, keeping but a short distance above the earth, and after an hour's swift flight reached the city of San Francisco. His shoulders were sore and stiff from the heavy strain upon them of the previous day, and he wished more than once that he had some of his mother's household liniment to rub them with. Yet so great was his delight at reaching once more his native land that all discomforts were speedily forgotten. Much as he would have enjoyed a day in the great metropolis of the Pacific slope, Robb dared not delay longer than to take a general view of the place, to note its handsome edifices, and to wonder at the throng of Chinese inhabiting one section of the town. These things were much more plainly and quickly viewed by Robb from above than by threading away through the streets on foot, for he looked down upon the city as a bird does, and covered miles with a single glance. Having satisfied his curiosity without attempting to alight, he turned to the southeast and followed the peninsula as far as Palo Alto, where he viewed the magnificent buildings of the university. Changing his course to the east, he soon reached Mount Hamilton, and being attracted by the great tower of the Lick Observatory, he hovered over it until he found he had attracted the excited gaze of its inhabitants, who doubtless observed him very plainly through the big telescope. But so unreal and seemingly impossible was the sight witnessed by the learned astronomers that they have never ventured to make the incident public. Although long after the boy had darted away into the east, they argued together concerning the marvelous and incomprehensible vision. Afterward they secretly engrossed the circumstance upon their records, but resolved never to mention it in public, lest their wisdom and veracity should be assailed by the skeptical. Meantime, Rob rose to a higher altitude, and sped swiftly across the great continent. By noon he sighted Chicago, and after a brief inspection of the place from the air, determined to devote at least an hour to forming the acquaintance of this most wonderful and cosmopolitan city. 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 18, A Narrow Escape The auditorium tower where the weatherman sits to flash his reports throughout the country offered an inviting place for the boy to alight. He dropped quietly upon the roof of the great building, and walked down the staircase until he reached the elevators, by means of which he descended to the ground floor without exciting special attention. The eager rush and hurry of the people crowding the sidewalks impressed Rob with the idea that they were all behind time and were trying hard to catch up. He found it impossible to walk along comfortably without being elbowed and pushed from side to side, so a half hour sightseeing under such difficulties tired him greatly. It was a beautiful afternoon, and finding himself upon the lakefront, Rob hunted up a vacant bench and sat down to rest. Presently an elderly gentleman with a reserved and dignified appearance and dressed in black took a seat next to the boy and drew a magazine from his pocket. Rob saw that he opened it to an article on the progress of modern science, in which he seemed greatly interested. After a time the boy remembered that he was hungry, not having eaten a tablet in more than twenty-four hours, so he took out the silver box and ate one of the small round discs it contained. What are those? inquired the old gentleman in a soft voice. You are too young to be taking patent medicines. These are not medicines, exactly, answered the boy with a smile, and said, They are concentrated food tablets stored with nourishment by means of electricity. One of them furnishes a person with food for an entire day. The old gentleman stared at Rob a moment and then laid down his magazine and took the box in his hands, examining the tablets curiously. Are these patented, he asked? No, said Rob, they are unknown to anyone but myself. I will give you a half million dollars for the recipe to make them, said the gentleman. I fear I must refuse your offer, returned Rob with a laugh. I'll make it a million, said the gentleman coolly. Rob shook his head. Money can't buy the recipe, he said, for I don't know it myself. Couldn't the tablets be chemically analysed and the secret discovered inquired the other? I don't know, but I'm not going to give anyone the chance to try, declared the boy firmly. Rob said, the old gentleman picked up his magazine without another word and resumed his reading. For amusement, Rob took the record of events from his pocket and began looking at the scenes reflected from its polished plate. Presently he became aware that the old gentleman was peering over his shoulder with intense interest. General Funston was just then engaged in capturing the rebel chief, Aguinaldo, and the young man and boy observed the occurrence with rapt attention. As the scene was replaced by showing a secret tunnel of the Russian nihilists, with the conspirators carrying dynamites who were recessed underneath the palace of the Tsar, the gentleman uttered a long sigh and asked, will you sell that box? No, answered Rob shortly and put it back into his pocket. I'll give you a million dollars to control the sale in Chicago alone and to keep the reputation in his smooth voice. You seem quite anxious to get rid of money, remarked Rob carelessly. How much are you worth? Personally? Yes. Nothing at all, young man. I am not offering you my own money, but with such inventions as you have exhibited I could easily secure millions of capital. Suppose we form a trust and place them upon the market. We'll capitalize it for a hundred millions that would keep you from worrying about grocery bills. But I wouldn't need groceries if I had the tablets, said Rob, laughing. True enough, but you could take life easily and read your newspaper in comfort without being in any hurry to get downtown to business. Twenty-five millions would bring you a cozy little income if properly invested. I don't see why one should read newspapers when the record of events shows all that is going on True, true, but what do you say to the proposition? I must decline with thanks. These inventions are not for sale. The gentleman sighed and resumed his magazine in which he became much absorbed. Rob put on the character-marking spectacles and looked at him. The letters E, W, and C were plainly visible upon the composed, respectable-looking brow of his companion. Evil, wise, and cruel reflected Rob as he restored the spectacles to his pocket. How easily such a man could impose upon people. To look at him, one would think that butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. He decided to part company with this chance acquaintance and, rising from his seat, strolled leisurely up the walk. A moment later, on looking back, he discovered that the old gentleman had disappeared. He walked down Stage Street by the activity displayed in this busy section of the city. But the time he had allowed himself in Chicago had now expired, so he began looking around for some high building from the roof of which he could depart unnoticed. This was not at all difficult and selecting one of the many stores he ascended by an elevator to the top floor and from there mounted an iron stairway leading to the flat roof. As he climbed this stairway he saw a young man who also seemed desirous of viewing the city from the roof. Annoyed at the inopportune intrusion Rob's first thought was to go back to the street and try another building. But upon reflecting that the young man was not likely to remain long and he would soon be alone he decided to wait. So he walked to the edge of the roof and appeared to be interested in the scenery spread out below him. Find view from here, he was facing his hand carelessly upon the boy's shoulder. It is indeed replied Rob leaning over the edge to look into the street. As he spoke he felt himself gently but firmly pushed from behind and losing his balance he plunged head foremost from the roof and whirled through the intervening space towards the sidewalk far below. Terrified though he was by the sudden disaster the boy had still wit enough remaining on his right hand and moved the indicator of the machine upon his left wrist to the zero mark. Immediately he paused in his fearful flight and presently came to a stop at a distance of less than 15 feet from the flagstones which had threatened to crush out his life. As he stared downward trying to recover his self-possession he saw the old gentleman he had met on the lake front standing just below and looking at him with a half frightened look. At once Rob saw through the whole plot to kill him and thus secure possession of his electrical devices. The young man upon the roof who had attempted to push him to his staff was a confederate of the innocent appearing old gentleman it seemed and the latter had calmly awaited his fall to the pavement to seize the coveted treasures from his dead body. It was an awful idea and Rob was more frightened or ever has been since. But now the shouts of a vast concourse of amazed spectators reached the boy's ears. He remembered that he was suspended in mid-air over the crowded street of a great city while thousands of wondering eyes were fixed upon him. So he quickly set the indicator to the word up and mounted skyward until the watchers below could scarcely see him. Then he fled away into the east and yet shattering with the horror of his recent escape from death and filled with disgust at the knowledge that there were people who held human life so lightly that they were willing to destroy it to further their own selfish ends. And the demon wants such people as these to possess his electrical devices which are as powerful to accomplish evil when in wrong hands as they are good thought the boy resentfully. This would be a fine world where the records of events and traveling machines could be acquired by selfish and unprincipled persons. So unnerved was Rob by his recent experiences that he determined to make no more stops. However he alighted at nightfall in the country and slept upon the sweet hay in a farmer's barn. But early the next morning before anyone else was a stirrer he resumed his journey and at precisely ten o'clock a trip around the world by a lighting unobserved upon the well-tuned lawn of his own home. End of Chapter 18 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 19 Rob makes a resolution with Nell who gave an exclamation of joy and threw herself into his arms. Oh Rob she cried I'm so glad you've come we have all been dreadfully worried about you and mother. Well what about mother inquired the boy anxiously as she paused. She's been very ill Rob and the doctor said today that unless we heard from you soon he would not be able to save her life. The uncertainty about you is killing her. Rob stood stock still and the joy of his return frozen into horror at the thought that he had caused his dear mother so much suffering. Where is she now? he asked brokenly. In her room come I'll take you to her. Rob followed with beating heart and soon was clasped close to his mother's breast. Oh my boy my dear boy she murmured and then for very joy and love she was unable to say more but held him tight except to promise that he would never again leave home without her full consent and knowledge but in his mind he contrasted the love and comfort that now surrounded him with the lonely and unnatural life he had been leading and boy though he was in years a mighty resolution that would have been creditable to an experienced man took firm root in his heart. He was obliged to recount all his adventures to his mother and although he made light of his parents and shutters from her when lunch and time arrived he met his father and Mr. Jocelyn took occasion to reprove his son in strong language for running away from home and leaving them filled with anxiety as to his fate. However when he saw how happy and improved in health his dear wife was at her boy's return and when he had listened to Rob's manly confession of error and expressions of repentance he speedily forgave the culprit as ever. Of course the whole story had to be repeated his sisters listening this time with open eyes and ears and admiring their adventurous brother immensely. Even Mr. Jocelyn could not help becoming profoundly interested but he took care not to show any pride he might feel in his son's achievements. When his father returned to his office Rob went to his own bed chamber and sat for a long time by the window in deep thought when he housed himself he found it was nearly four o'clock. The demon will be here presently he said with a thrill of aversion and I must be in the workshop to receive him. Silently he stole to the foot of the attic stairs and then paused to listen. The house seemed very quiet but he could hear his mother's voice softly humming a cradle song that she had sung to him when he was a baby. He had been nervous but the sound of his mother's voice gave him courage for he boldly ascended the stairs and entered the workshop closing and locking the door behind him. End of Chapter 19 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 20 The Fate of the Demon Again the atmosphere quickened and pulsed with accumulating vibrations again the boy found himself aroused to eager expectancy There was a whirl in the air a crackling like distant musketry a flash of dazzling light and the demon stood before him for the third time I give you greetings said he in a voice not unkindly Good afternoon Mr. Demon answered the boy bowing gravely I see you have returned safely from your trip continued the apparition cheerfully although at one time I thought you would be unable to escape Indeed, unless I had knocked that tube from the rascally Turk's hand as he clambered to the top of the wall I believe you would have been at the Yarkand Oasis yet either dead or alive as chance might determine Were you there asked Rob? To be sure and I recovered the tube for you without which you would have been helpless but that is the only time I saw fit to interfere in any way I'm afraid I did not get a chance to give many hints to inventors or scientists said Rob True and I have deeply regretted it replied the demon but your unusual powers caused more astonishment and consternation than you perhaps imagined for many saw you whom you were too busy to notice as a result several able electricians are now thinking new thoughts along new lines and some of them may soon give these or similar inventions to the world You are satisfied then asked Rob? As to that returned the demon composedly I am not but I have hopes that with the addition of the three marvelous devices I shall present you with today you will succeed in arousing so much popular interest and inventions as to render me wholly satisfied with the result of this experiment Rob regarded the brilliant apparition with a solemn face but made no answer No living person continued the demon has ever before been favored with such comforting devices for the preservation and extension of human life as yourself You seem quite unappreciative it is true but since our connection you have come to realize that you are but an ordinary boy with many boyish limitations so I do not condemn your foolish actions too harshly That is kind of you said Rob to prove my friendliness pursued the demon I have brought as the first of today's offerings this electromagnetic restorer you see it is shaped like a thin metal band and is to be worn upon the brow moving at the back of the head its virtues surpass those of either the fabulous fountain of youth or the elixir of life so vainly sought for in past ages for its wearer will instantly become free from any bodily disease or pain and will enjoy perfect health and vigor in truth so great are its powers that even the dead may be restored to life providing the blood has not yet chilled in presenting you with this appliance I feel I am bestowing upon you the greatest blessing and most longed for boon ever bequeathed to suffering humanity here he held the slender dull colored metallic band toward the boy keep it said Rob the demon started and gave him an odd look what did you say he asked I told you to keep it answered Rob I don't want it he was struck don't want it he gassed no I've had enough of your infernal inventions cried the boy with sudden anger he unclasped the traveling machine from his wrist and laid it on the table beside the demon there's the thing that's responsible for most of my troubles said he bitterly what right has one person to fly through the air while all his fellow creatures crawl over the earth's surface and why should I be cut off I found a traveling machine I didn't ask for it and I won't keep it a moment longer give it to someone you hate more than you do me the demon stared aghast and turned his glittering eyes wonderingly from Rob to the traveling machine and back again as if to be sure he had heard and seen a right and here are your food tablets continued the boy placing the box upon the table I've only enjoyed one square meal since you gave them to me of course and answer the purpose for which they were made but I don't believe nature ever intended us to exist upon such things or we wouldn't have the sense of taste which enables us to enjoy natural food as long as I'm a human being I'm going to eat like a human being so I've consumed my last electrical concentrated food tablet and don't you forget it the demon sank into a chair nervous and limp but still staring fearfully at the boy and there's another of your unnatural devices said Rob putting the automatic record of events upon the table beside the other things what right have you to capture vibrations that radiate from private and secret actions and discover them to others who have no business to know them this would be a fine world if everybody could peep into everyone else's affairs wouldn't it and here is your character marker nice thing for a decent person to own isn't it as that would be worse than a thief oh I've used them of course and I ought to be spanked for having been so mean and underhanded but I'll never be guilty of looking through them again the demon's face was frowning and indignant he made a motion to rise but thought better of it and sank back in his chair as for the garment of protection resumed the boy after a pause I've worn it for the last time and here it is at your service I'll put the electric tube with it these are such very bad things in themselves but I'll have none of your magical contravences I'll say this however if all armies were equipped with electrical tubes instead of guns and swords the world would be spared a lot of misery and unnecessary bloodshed perhaps they will be in time but that time hasn't arrived yet you might have hastened it said the demon sternly if you had been wise enough to use your powers properly just it answered Robb I'm not wise enough nor is the majority of mankind wise enough to use such inventions as yours unselfishly and for the good of the world if people were better and everyone had an equal show it would be different for some moments the demon sat quietly thinking finally the frown left his face and he said with animation I have other inventions which you may use without any qualms of conscience the story I offered you would be a great boon to your race and could not possibly do harm and besides this I have brought you what I call the Elimitable Communicator it is a simple electric device which will enable you wherever you may be to converse with people in any part of the world without the use of such crude connections as wires in fact you may stop cried Robb it is useless for you to describe it because I'll have nothing more to do with you or your inventions I have given them a fair trial and they've got me into all sorts of trouble and made all my friends miserable if I was some high up scientist it would be different but I'm just a common boy and I don't want to be anything else but your duty began the demon my duty I owe to myself and to my family interrupted Robb I have never cultivated science more than to fool with some simple electrical experiments so I owe nothing to either science or the demon of electricity so far as I can see but consider remonstrated the demon rising to his feet and speaking in a pleading voice consider the years that must elapse before anyone else is likely to strike the master key and in the meanwhile consider my helpless position cut off from all interest in the world while I have such wonderful inventions on my hands for the benefit of mankind if you have no love for science or for the advancement of civilization do have some consideration for your fellow creatures and for me if my fellow creatures would have as much trouble with your electrical inventions as I had I am doing them a service by depriving them of your devices said the boy as for yourself I've no fault to find with you personally you're a very decent sort of demon about our present combination I'm sure it isn't natural the demon made a gesture of despair why oh why did not some intelligent person strike the master key he moaned that's it exclaimed Rob I believe that's the root of the whole evil what is inquired the demon stupidly the fact that an intelligent person did not strike the master key you don't seem to understand well I'll explain the demon of electricity aren't you I am said the other drawing himself up proudly your mission is to obey the commands of whoever is able to strike the master key of electricity that is true I once read in a book that all things are regulated by exact laws of nature if that is so you probably owe your existence to those laws the demon nodded one kind became intelligent enough and advanced enough to strike the master key you and all your devices would not only be necessary and acceptable to them but the world would be prepared for their general use that seems reasonable doesn't it perhaps so yes it seems reasonable answered the demon thoughtfully accidents are always liable to happen continued the boy by accident the master key was struck before the world of science was ready for it or for you instead of considering it an accident and paying no attention to it you immediately appeared to me a mere boy and offered your services I was very anxious to do something returned the demon evasively you've no idea how stupid it is for me to live invisible and unknown while all the time I have you'll have to keep cool and buy your time said Rob the world wasn't made in a minute and while civilization is going on at a pretty good pace we're not up to the demon of electricity yet what shall I do grown the apparition ringing his hands miserably oh what shall I do go home and lie down replied Rob sympathetically take it easy and don't get rattled nothing was ever created without a use they say sure I'm sorry for you old fellow but it's all your own fault you are right exclaimed the demon striding up and down the room and causing thereby such a crackling of electricity in the air that Rob's hair became rigid enough to stand on end you are right and I must wait wait wait patiently and silently until my bonds are loosed by intelligence rather than chance I must wait I must wait I'm glad you've come to your senses remarked Rob dryly so if you've nothing more to say no I have nothing more to say there is nothing more to say you and I are too we should never have met retorted the demon showing great excitement oh I didn't seek your acquaintance said Rob but I've tried to treat you decently that you forgot you were a slave and tried to be master the demon did not reply he was busily forcing the various electrical devices that Rob had relinquished into the pockets of his fiery jacket finally he turned with an abrupt movement goodbye he cried when mortal eyes next behold me they will be those of one fit to command my services as for you your days will be passed in obscurity and your name be unknown to fame goodbye forever the room filled with a flash of white light so like a sheet of lightning that the boy went reeling backwards half stunned and blinded by its dazzling intensity when he recovered himself the demon of electricity had disappeared Rob's heart was very light as he left the workshop and made his way down the attic stairs some people might think I was a fool to give up those electrical inventions he reflected but I'm one of those persons who know when they've had enough it strikes me the fool is the fellow who can't learn a lesson I've learned mine all right it's no fun being a century ahead of the times End of Chapter 20 End of The Master Key Recorded by Judy Bieber 2006