But this second shot missed.
And even as Grantham's bullet snicked a long splinter from the door-jamb, the second spy fired.
Brevard's choking cry died as the gushing flame enveloped him.

He staggered, flung up both arms and fell stone dead, the life seared clean out of him, as a lamp sears a moth.
Gasping, blinded, the others scattered; and for the third time--while the room now glowed with this unquenchable blossoming of flame--Grantham shot.
The spy's body burst into a sheaf of fire.

Up past the lintel streamed the burning swirl.

Mute and annihilated, his charred body dropped beside that of his mate.
The total time from challenge to complete victory had not exceeded ten seconds.
"I exploded some of his cartridges!" choked Grantham.

shielding his wife from the glare, while Gabriel protected Catherine.
"His--his cartridge belt!" gasped Craig.
"Yes! And now, out--out of here!" "Brevard?
We must save his body!" cried Gabriel, pointing.
"Impossible!" shouted Grantham.