The gunner’s mate struck a match, & so while the cutter had begun the mission Saunders actually ended it. The petrol trail flared with a swift bright yellowness that ran snake-like to bite at the building. And it was daylight in the night jungle, the quiet trees outlined by a fiery carapace that roared and presently the trees began to move gently and then to toss in the fierce heated updraft. Randall watched with his hand before his face, imbued with exhilaration. But part of his mind was occupied with a grimmer consideration – the whole sides of the building were ablaze, the flames peaking high above it.