666 What's the matter, Billy?' inquired one of the sailors who came up. "Good gracious, that was an awful blow he gave me!' "Who?' 666 The fellow in there,' said Billy. "After this event, the sailors were shy of those electric fishes. "When one of the rays died, I had to take it out myself with a heavy glove on my hand; and even then I felt stinging shocks. prowling rigging weather temptation appetite "We used to roll the barrel over on one side and let the water run out. Then we would fill the barrel with fresh water and roll it back. On almost every occasion some one of us would receive a shock. 66 Now, Tom was a curious fellow; he was always prowling around and poking his nose into places where he had no business." "Who was Tom?" 66 Why, he was a big, lazy, over-fed cat. He was a great pet with the sailors, who used to take him up in the rigging. "After a while Tom climbed aloft, and in clear weather he seemed to enjoy it. He was a cunning cat and had a number of tricks, both good and bad. "I am sorry to say that Tom was a bold thief. The minute the cook's back was turned he would steal whatever he could lay his paws on. “One afternoon, I noticed the old fellow studying the water-barrel. Then I knew that Tom was going to steal one of the electric fishes. So I awaited the fun. 66 Cautiously and lightly the cat pulled himself up the side of the barrel. Then he peered over the square hole for half a minute, when he saw one of the electric fishes, half alive floating near the surface. The temptation was too strong for Tom's big appetite. ī "All at once he made a quick grab for the fish with his left paw. "But that cat never knew what struck him! "With a 'meow' and a yell, Tom sprang high into the air, and dropped all in a heap on deck. "Like a flash he was on his feet making a wild dash for the storeroom, where he stayed that night. "There he hid for more than two days, and, at the end of that time, after considerable coaxing, Tom crept out half-scared and ashamed. "The barrel was thereafter an object of terror. "When Tom was obliged to go near it, he would arch his back, show his white teeth, and act as if he expected some wild animal to spring out at him. The old fellow was not happy until we reached our home port, and then the terrible barrel disappeared. 66 Now, my boy, ask your father what he thinks of this story." With that parting salute, Captain Bob rose up and walked away. NOTES AND QUESTIONS -LEE Y. VANCE. Why are they called electric fish? What happened to Billy Smart? What did Tom think of the rays? Did he try to catch one? Tell what happened. What did the captain say to the boy? Have the children tell what they know of the different kinds of fish. The ray has the anterior part of the body rounded and disklike, the tail short and ending in a rayed fin, and a pair of electric organs between the head and the pectoral fins. How pleasant it is at the end of the day No follies to have to repent; But reflect on the past, and be able to say Our angel, in a casket, Each treasure doth conceal, That rust may not consume them, Nor thieves break through nor steal. And none shall know what treasures God grant, my dearest brother, |