“Let there be light!” Mr Carmichael said in a tone of triumph. “We have the first spark, the forerunner of many more.” Twisting to face me, the pleasure in his face was heartening. “Such small things please me,” he said as I saw a faint curl of blue smoke rise from the sticks.
“I did not think you could do it,” I said.
“Have faith, oh lady of the wet hat,” Mr Carmichael said. “Look!” He pointed to the dark orange flame that licked around the side of his pyramid. “Soon, this fire will be ablaze, and you will be toasting, with dry clothes and a smile on your face.” He paused for a moment. “And it is a face that deserves a smile or two.”
“Oh.” I was not sure what to say to that.
Mr Carmichael was correct about the fire. Under his care, the flames steadily spread and rose, sending welcome
