He swung round.

The huge beast, with a loud snarl, was coming down upon him.
Here he was, shut within four solid walls, with a wild beast hungry for his life.

All his instincts were alive.

He had little hope of saving himself, but he was determined to do what lay in his power.
His first impulse was to blow out the other candle.

That would leave him in the dark, and it struck him that his advantage would be greater if there were no light.