I pressed my foot down on the accelerator and rolled over the plant. Looking back, I saw that it had fallen across another plant, a woody, slender type that was jointed like bamboo. Both of the plants were smoking. Sparks were flying from the saguaro with all the deadliness of a high power line.
"What's the matter, Bill?" Axel called back.
I realized that I must have shouted with surprise at the display.
"These damned plants are charged with electricity, Axel. At least, one of 'em is. It just unloosed a bolt of lightning."
"The hell you say! Are you hurt?"
"No, the car grounded the charge," I said, "but it gave me one big scare."
"Think you can bring in a sample?" he asked.
"What the devil, Axel! Do you want me to be electrocuted?"
"It's just an idea I had. Remember, you'll be safe in your spacesuit. It'll ground the charge, just like the Mars-car did."
"Well, I'll try."