The apple was brought, and Walter Raymond marked the bullet with his knife. Then with great gravity Carl proceeded to load the pistol.
“There goes the powder, here the paper, here the ball, and here more paper. Did you all see it loaded?”
“Yes, yes!”
“Good! Thanks for the apple—I’ll eat it after I am shot. Now then, Mr. Cavalry Officer, kindly take your station over there, aim straight for my heart, and fire.”
“But—but I might kill you!” suggested the one-armed man nervously.
“Never mind—I’m like a cat that has nine lives. Go ahead. Ready?”
“Yes.”
Carl took the apple given him and held it on his palm at arm’s length.
“Now aim for my heart. Ready? Fire!”
Bang! With a loud explosion the pistol went off, and for a moment the spectators were enveloped in smoke.