The little tug looked large and awkward as it came up beside the graceful creature gliding over the waves without the slightest effort. It seemed especially clumsy, as it had to back several times and make a fresh attempt to get within reach of the animal without swamping it.
The water was so clear that the whole length of the tentacles could be seen, and all on board were filled with admiration for the elegant form and delicate colors of the creature whose fate was sealed.
There was at least one on board who wished it was possible to warn it of its peril, and to suggest sinking in the water as its only means of escape. But it seemed to scorn the thought of danger, and floated proudly on right into the scoop-net that awaited it.
It was a moment of great excitement. The Portuguese man-of-war was lifted carefully on board, and placed in a pail of sea-water, where each one had an opportunity to examine it. The movement of its tentacles was curious. At times some of them were drawn up so as scarcely to be seen, then those were let down suddenly, and others drawn up; sometimes they were all lowered to the bottom of the pail, and were curled and twisted in a peculiar manner.
In lifting it from the water the tentacles hung so far over the edge of the boat as to leave no doubt about their being fully twenty feet in length. A gentleman lifted them into the pail with the handle of a broom. He must have touched the lasso cells in some way, for, notwithstanding his precaution, his hand was badly stung; the swelling extended the whole length of his arm, and it soon became very painful. The company examined some of the lasso cells with a microscope, and they were surprised that such fine white threads could cause so much pain.