John Brunner Quote

Opening the door to the visiting doctor, all set to apologize for the flour on her hands—she had been baking—Mrs. Byrne sniffed. Smoke! And if she could smell it with her heavy head cold, it must be a tremendous fire!
We ought to call the brigade! she exclaimed. Is it a hayrick?
The brigade would have a long way to go, the doctor told her curtly. It's from America. The wind's blowing that way.

November THE SMOKE OF THAT GREAT BURNING - The Sheep Look Up (1972)