“They actually reached the sides of the house. They’ve left a mark of scorching on the walls⁠—the walls of the laundry building at the other end. You shall see ’em tomorrow.” He pointed to the map to indicate the spot, and then straightened himself and glared about the room as though he had said something no one could believe and expected contradiction.

“Scorched⁠—just as the faces were,” the doctor murmured, looking significantly at me.

“Scorched⁠—yes,” repeated the Colonel, failing to catch the rest of the sentence in his excitement.