The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-03-08

have the power 20 give quite strong cleo
trio shocks. ! don't think you VIII nave
much trouble All the fish need Is pure
ocean water twice a day
"AH right said l, but mind, we are
not 10 be held responsible II the fish die.
50 on the morning Of sailing the electric
RAYS were put I'm a water-barrel, which
was braced strongly on either side on
deck. A square hole was sawed through
the sfaves on the upper side in order 10
give the fish light and air.
Some Of the men were rather skeptical
about the rays giving out electric shocks
that amounted 20 anything. didn't know
much about it then myself. but ] wasn't
going 10 try It.
.0ne sailor. known as BILLY Bowegs.'
thought he would see just how strong the
electricity was. So when no one was
looking he leaned over. put his hand
down into the barrel and moved II around
i'm the water until he caught one of the
fish, The instant he did that. Billy
Strengthened out as though he had been
shot. then howled aloud, on lie felt
his right shoulder and shook his arm 20
be- sure that both were there and all
right
" What's the matter. Billy inquired
one OF the sailors. who came up.
Sure that was an awful blow he gave
me"
.Who?'
" Tho fellow in there said Billy
pointing 20 the barrel
After this event the sailors were shy
OF those electric fish. When one OF the
rays died had to take IL out myself with
a heavy glove on my hand. and even then
felt stuging shocks. We used 10 roll
the barrel over on one side and let the
water out. Then we would fiji the barrel
with water and roll 6 back. On almost
every occasion some OF us would receive
a shock.
Now Tom was a curious fellow; ne
was always providing around and poking
his nose into places where he had no
business"
"Who was TOM"
'Why he was a big. lazy. over-fed cat.
He was great pet with the sailors, who
used 10 take him mp I'm the rigging After
n while Tom climbed aloft, and in clear
weather he seemed 10 enjoy 1t. lie was
cunning cat and had number Of
tricks. both good and bad.
~ am very sorry 10 say that Tom was
n bold thief. The minute the cooks back
was turned he would steal whatever he
could Icy hts paws on. one afternoon
noticed the old fellow studying the water
barrel Then I knew that Tom was going
TO commit larceny. So ] awaited develop
mcuts.
Cautiously ana lightly the cat pulled
himself Up TO the side Of the barrel Then
he peercd over the square hole for half
minute when he saw one OF the electric
fishes. half alive and floating near the
surface.
The temptation was too strong for
Toms yOracious appetite All al once
Dee made a quick grab for the fish with
his lcft paw. But that cat never knew
what struck him. With Il 'mayow and
q yell. Tom sDrang high into the air. and
dropped an I'm "a heap on deck. Like Il
flash he was on his feet making a wild
dash for the stOre-rOOm. where he stayed
that night. There he hid for over two
days. and at the end Of that time after
considerable coaxing. Tom crept out. half
scared and ashamed.
"'rhe barrel was thereafter an object
OF terror. When Tom was obliged 10 20
near il he would arch his back. show his
white teeth and act as If he expected
some wild animal 10 spring at rim oe
Ola fellow was not happy until we reach
al our home port and then the barrel
disappeared.
NOW. my boy. ask your father what
he thinks Of this story" With that LSrt-
ing injunction, Captain Bob rose and
walked away-Independent.