TOM AND TIIE MAN-OP- WAR. 179 



" and so does this ! " and, giving the Physalia a 

 blow, he exploded Tom's uncomfortable assail- 

 ant, which burst with a loud report. 



" Those tentacles into which Tom ran," con- 

 tinued the doctor, " can be lengthened or drawn 

 up at will. They are the fishing-lines of the 

 animal. When a fish touches them he is killed 

 as by an electric shock, and then hauled in 

 among the tentacles nearer the body and ab- 

 sorbed." 



They sat for a long time in the shadow of 

 the mangroves, discussing the Physalia and other 

 curious and kindred forms, until Long John told 

 them that the night camp was ready. By this 

 time, Tom being able to walk without help, the 

 party left for the camp, where an excellent sup- 

 per of turtle meat, gull's eggs, and fried grouper 

 awaited them. After watching the gorgeous 

 tropical sunset, the mainsails and foresails were 

 unshipped with the masts and hung over the 

 bushes for a shelter, as they had concluded to 

 pass the night on the key. Before this im- 

 promptu tent had been arranged it was eight 

 o'clock. It was a fine night, and a slight breeze 



