“I wonder what will happen when the Fire does go out,” said Desmond thoughtfully. “It has existed on itself for these thousands of years. The only fuel that was ever given it latterly was human or animal life. Surely that could hardly feed a Fire.”
“I think some world-wide catastrophe will come when the Fire dies out, if ever it does,” said Alan.
“And Jez-Riah just fell to dust,” went on Sir John slowly.
“Yes.”
Mavis was very excited. “Why our fortunes are made,” she cried. “Of course you’ll write to the papers?”
“We didn’t know what to do,” said Alan. “Desmond and I talked it over and came to the conclusion we would tell Uncle John first and get his advice.”
“No one else knows at all?”
“No one but us five.”
Masters looked up and gave Alan a grateful look. “It was good of you to include me,” said he.
“Why, you are part and parcel of ourselves, Masters,” laughed Alan. “Nothing would be complete without you,” and he shook hands heartily with his uncle’s trusty friend.