"This time--" he muttered under his breath.
"Try blowing it out try the snuffers!" jeered Mahaffy.
"This time!" repeated the judge, unheeding him, and as the pistol-shot rang out the light vanished.

"By Heaven, I did it!" roared the judge, giving way to an uncontrollable burst of feeling.

"I did it--and I can 'do it again--light the candle, Hannibal!" He began to load the pistols afresh with feverish haste, and Mahaffy, staring at him in amazement, saw that of a sudden the sweat was dripping from him.

But the judge's excitement prevented his attempting another shot at once, twice his hand was raised, twice it was lowered, the third time the pistol cracked and the candle's flame was blown level, fluttered for a brief instant, and went out.
"Did I nick the tallow, Hannibal ?" The judge spoke anxiously.
"Yes, sir, both shots." "We must remedy that," said the judge.

Then, as rapidly as he could load and fire, bullet after bullet was sent fairly through the flame, extinguishing it each time.