Is there a cartridge in the chamber ?" She fired, and the block remained intact.
"It's a long shot," he said, with the intention of easing her chagrin.
But she bit her lip and fired again.

The bullet emitted a sharp shriek as it ricochetted into space.

The metal block rattled back and forth.
Again and again she fired, till the clip was emptied of its eight cartridges.

Six of them were hits.

The block still swayed at the gaff- end, but it was battered out of all usefulness.