“But there is air in the bottle,” said Uncle George.
“Yes, but not the kind of air the candle wants,” said Frank.
Candle burning in Open Jar.
“That is a queer answer, Frank. The candle burned for a time in the bottle before it went out.”
“Because it used up that part of the air which makes things burn,” said Frank.
“That is very good,” said Uncle George.
Uncle George then poured some water into the large dish. He fixed the candle on a big cork, lighted it and set it floating on the water. Then he placed the glass bell-jar over it. But first of all he marked the level of the water on the outside of the bell-jar.
Very soon the flame of the candle became small, and at last went out. Just then the water inside the bell-jar rose far up above Uncle George’s mark. He marked this new level, and asked the boys if they could tell him why the water rose in the jar.
Both Frank and Tom shook their heads sadly.