And there were telephones in the different rooms, too, through which Rob could call up the different members of the family just when they did not wish to be disturbed.
His mother and sisters soon came to declare the boy's scientific craze an official nuisance. Still, his father was delighted with all of this. It proved Rob's considerable skill as an electrician. He insisted that Rob be allowed perfect freedom in carrying out his ideas.
"Electricity," said the old gentleman, wisely, "is destined to become the power of the world. The future advance of civilization will be along electrical lines. Our boy may become a great inventor and astonish the world with his wonderful creations."
"And in the meantime," said the mother, despairingly, "we shall all be electrocuted. Or maybe the house will be burned down by crossed wires. Or perhaps we shall be blown into eternity by a chemical explosion!"
"Nonsense!" exclaimed the proud father. "Rob's storage batteries are not powerful enough to electrocute anyone or set the house on fire. Do give the boy a chance, @Belinda."
"And the pranks are so humiliating," continued his mother. "When the minister called yesterday and rang the bell, a big card appeared on the front door. On it was printed the words: 'Busy; Call Again.' Fortunately @Helen saw him and let him in, but when I scolded @Robert for what he had done, he said he was just trying out the sign to see if it would work."
