FRANKLIN AND DE ROMAS 171 



nated the apparatus. The kite was thrown up to- 

 ward a storm-cloud. At first nothing happened to 

 confirm the learned American's previsions: the 

 string gave no sign of electricity. Eain came on. 

 The wet string let the electricity circulate more 

 freely; and Franklin, without thinking of the danger 

 he ran, and transported with joy at thus stealing its 

 secret from the thunder, elicited with his finger a 

 shower of sparks strong enough to set fire to spirits 

 of wine." 



