He imagined that the fire had caused some part of the framework of his bunk to become charged.
Could he have seen Barney at that moment in the engine-room he would have been enlightened.
The Celt was doubled up into a round ball, laughing for all he was worth, silently.
“Fo’ massy sakes, wha’ am mah shoe?” sputtered Pomp.
But he saw it at that moment and reached for it. Happily his hand did not strike the invisible wire.
Again Pomp’s foot went down into the shoe with great force. Once again he was literally lifted in the air.
This time the shoe stuck longer, and he went flopping over the floor in literal agony. Out of compassion Barney shut off the current.
“Begorra, it’s square I am wid him now!” he muttered. “Shure, he’ll niver thry to play a thrick on me again!”
Pomp had now recovered from his second shock. He put his hand down to the shoe and felt the invisible wire.
In a moment he had it in his hands, and as he followed it a comprehension of all burst upon him.