176 ALONG THE FLORIDA REEF. 



belt. His victory was hailed with cheers, but, 

 instead of striking out for shore, he gave a terri- 

 ble scream, for an instant seemed trying to tear 

 something from his body, and then sank out of 

 sight. 



As Tom disappeared beneath the waves, 

 Dick and Harry, speedily recovering from their 

 first surprise and fright, struck out for the scene 

 of danger. But Long John and the doctor were 

 already in the dinghy, and with a few powerful 

 strokes passed the swimmers and reached the 

 spot soon after Tom appeared at the surface. 



" A man-o'-war stung him ! " exclaimed Long 

 John. 



" Keep back, boys ! " cried the doctor, wav- 

 ing the swimmers away, and together he and 

 Long John lifted the apparently fainting boy 

 into the boat. 



Poor Tom presented a terrible appearance. 

 Upon his arms and the upper part of his body a 

 blue, jelly-like mass of tentacles had fastened 

 themselves and seemed eating into the flesh. 

 Long John seized the boat-sponge and rubbed 

 off the slimy mass, while the doctor forced a re- 



