They passed apart, muttering, exclaiming, wondering.
An hour later, Tallwoods mansion house was no more.

The last of cornice and pillar and corner post and beam had fallen into a smoldering mass.

In front of one long window a part of the heavy brick foundation remained.

Some bent and warped iron bars appeared across a window.
Unable to do anything, these who had witnessed such scenes, scarce found it possible to depart.

They stood about, whispering, or remaining silent, some regarding the smouldering ruin.