For some time before his death he was working hard to invent devices which would offset the destructive effects of lightning. In order to do this he studied closely how lightning is formed. He succeeded in producing artificial lightning with the energy of one million horse-power--an achievement which created a sensation among experts in the electrical world. He had unbounded faith in the future of electricity. He was one of the first to predict that electricity would eventually do away with steam locomotives and thus enormously cut down the consumption of coal. He made many other predictions which at the time seemed impossible, but which appear much more reasonable now. He was quick to see that electricity was destined to become more and more useful and a greater boon to the human race. Many great distinctions came to Charles Steinmetz. He was made a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Union University. Both Harvard University and Union University conferred degrees upon him in recognition of his valuable work. No doubt he was glad to receive such honours but he remained very unassuming. His chief delight was in his work and often he appeared at important functions wearing a soft collar and a shabby tweed suit. Charles Steinmetz lived a few months less than sixty years but into those years he put his very best work. When he was buried many of the most notable people on the American continent hastened to pay their tribute to his worth. One writer said: “This deformed hunchback had the mind of an angel and the soul of a seer.” When one thinks of these things there arises before the mind a picture of that penniless, deformed youth, humbly seeking admission to America in 1889. He was a sorry-looking object then--and indeed as far as his body was concerned--remained so throughout life. But though he was dwarfed in body, Charles Steinmetz was a giant in mind and in spirit. CHAPTER II THE AMAZING STORY OF ARTHUR KAVANAGH Early in 1831 a little lad was born in County Carlow, Ireland, under most unfortunate circumstances. He had only the rudiments of arms and legs; mere stumps instead of proper limbs. It would be safe to say that few boys have ever had to face life at any time or in any country with such terrible handicaps as had Arthur McMurrough Kavanagh. Fortunately, his parents were in comfortable circumstances and they did all they could to help him, but nothing came of it. Great surgeons and doctors tried to help, but each operation only resulted in causing the boy great pain and bitter disappointment.