HELD BY ELECTRICITY
As they reached the engine room they saw a queer sight. Washington was close to the buzzing dynamo which he had started to oil. His hands grasped two large copper switches used to turn the current on and off.
"Let go and come away from there!" cried Mr. Henderson.
"I can't! I'se stuck fast!" yelled the negro, writhing in pain.
Andy Sudds started on the jump to assist the unfortunate man.
"Don't touch him!" exclaimed Mr. Henderson. "He's held fast by electricity! If you attempt to pull him away with your bare hands you'll be caught just as he is! Wait a minute!"
The inventor rapidly opened a locker. From it he took out a pair of rubber gloves. Putting these on he hurried to where the negro was still squirming in pain and terror.
"Help! Help!" Washington yelled. "I'm burning up!"
"Wait a moment! I'll save you!" shouted the captain of the Monarch. The next instant he reached up, and turned off the electric current. Washington fell in a limp heap on the floor of the engine room. He was freed from the grip of the electricity that had held him as in a vise. The professor ran to a medicine closet and got a remedy which he administered to the unfortunate one.
In a little while the colored man was better. He sat up, opened his eyes, which had been closed, and remarked: