To snuff a candle with a pair of swords held scissorwise is a feat to be accomplished only by an expert.
Interest in the sport was always high; and to-night individual wagers as to the outcome sprang up around the table.

"Saumaise," said the vicomte, "will you hold the watch ?" "With pleasure, Vicomte," accepting the vicomte's handsome time-piece.
"Messieurs, it is now twenty-nine minutes after ten; promptly at thirty I shall give the word, preceding it with a one-two-three.

Are you ready ?" The contestants nodded.

Several seconds passed, in absolute silence.
"One-two-three--go!" The Chevalier succeeded in snuffing his candles three seconds sooner than the vicomte.

The applause was loud.