Once he thought the combination might be right, but there was no power. So he added other lines of wire to his connections, and still others, until he had used almost every wire in the room.
Yet it still would not work. After pausing a moment to try to think what was wrong, he went at it again. He put this and that line together, adding another here and another there. Then, suddenly, as he made a last change, a quick flash of light almost blinded him. The switchboard crackled ominously, as if struggling to carry a powerful current.
Rob covered his face at the flash, but when he realized he wasn't hurt, he took his hands away. With blinking eyes, he tried to look at a wonderful brilliant light which seemed to fill the room, making it many times brighter than the brightest day.
Although at first completely dazzled, he quickly recovered and looked around some more. He discovered that the light was concentrated near one spot, from which all the glorious rays seemed to radiate.
He closed his eyes a moment to rest them. Then re-opening them and shading them somewhat with his hands, he made out the form of a curious Being. It stood with majesty and composure in the center of the magnificent light and looked down upon him, smiling.
Rob was a courageous boy, but a thrill of fear passed over him in spite of himself as he gazed upon the wondrous vision that confronted him. For several moments he sat as if turned to stone, but he kept his eyes fastened on the Being, devouring every detail of his appearance.
And what a strange appearance!
His jacket was a wavering mass of white light, edged with braid of red flames that shot little tongues in all directions. The buttons blazed in golden fire. His trousers had a bluish, shining color, with glowing stripes of crimson braid. His vest blended all the colors of the rainbow into a flashing, glorious mass. His features were majestic, and his eyes held the soft but penetrating brilliance of electric lights.
It was hard to meet the gaze of those searching eyes, but Rob did it. The splendid apparition bowed and said in a low, clear voice:
"I am here."
"I know that," answered the boy, trembling, "but WHY are you here?"
"Because you have touched the Master Key of Electricity, and I must obey the laws of nature that compel me to respond to your summons."
"I -- I didn't know I touched the Master Key," faltered the boy.
