The wood on the hearth sputtered as the fire spread, and the flames grew.

Beyond a doubt a thin spire of smoke was rising from the chimney, and a watching eye would see this sign of a peaceful and unsuspecting mind.
"I hope Braxton Wyatt will be the first to knock at our door," said Shif'less Sol.
"I wouldn't be sorry," said Henry.
Paul was sitting in a chair near the fire, and he said nothing.

He hoped the waiting would be very short.

The light was sufficient for him to see the faces of his comrades, and he noticed that they were all very tense.
This was no common watch that they kept.

Shif'less Sol remained on the bed, Henry sat on another of the chairs, Tom Ross was on one of the chests with his back to the wall.