Standing on either side of him,
ready to rush in and attack with axe and lance, were Koku and
Norton.
For an instant Tom hesitated. He was wondering whether the
powerful electric charge might not penetrate the body of the
starfish and kill his chum.
"But the rubber suit ought to insulate and protect him," mused
the young inventor. "Here goes!"
Taking quick aim, Tom pulled the switch, and the deadly charge
shot out of the rifle toward the sea monster.
CHAPTER XVI
GASPING FOR AIR
For an instant after the electrical charge had been fired
nothing seem to happen. The giant starfish still enveloped Ned
Newton in its grip, while Tom and his two companions stood
tensely waiting and those in the submarine looked anxiously out
through the thick glass windows.
Then, as the powerful current made itself felt, those watching
saw one of the arms slowly loosen its grip. Another floated
upward, as a strand of rope idly drifts in the current. Tom saw
this, and called through his telephone:
"He's feeling it! Go to him, boys! Koku, you with the axe!"
They needed no second urging.
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