 I was to keep the fish before me in a tin tray , and occasionally moisten the surface with alcohol from the jar ... In ten minutes I had seen all that could be seen in that fish , and started in search of the Professor – who had , however , left the Museum ; and when I returned , after lingering over some of the odd animals stored in the upper apartment , my specimen was dry all over . I dashed the fluid over the fish as if to resuscitate the beast from a fainting fit , and looked with anxiety for a return of the normal sloppy appearance . This little excitement over , nothing was done but to return to a steadfast gaze at my mute companion . 
