“I hope not,” replied the professor. “Still, he had a narrow escape.”
“Did something bite him?” asked Jerry.
The professor pointed to a small red mark on Bob’s leg.
“He received an electric shock,” said the naturalist.
“An electric shock?” echoed Ned.
“Yes; from the electric battery fish, or stinging ray, as they are sometimes called. They can give a severe shock, causing death under some circumstances, it is said. But I guess it was a young one that stung Bob. They are a fish,” the professor went on to explain, “fitted by nature with a perfect electric battery. I wish I had caught one for a specimen.”
“I didn’t think of it at the time this one stung me or I would have caught it for you,” said Bob, suddenly opening his eyes.
“Oh, you’re better, are you?” asked Jerry.
“I’m all right,” replied Bob. “It was quite a jar at first.”