It seems totally incredible to me now that everyone spent that evening as though it were just like any other. From the railway station came the sound of shunting trains, ringing and rumbling, softened almost into melody by the distance. It all seemed so safe and tranquil.

A few young men crept closer to the pit. A tall funnel rose and an invisible ray of heat leapt from man to man, and there was a bright glare as each was instantly turned to fire. Every tree and bush became a mass of flames at the touch of this savage, unearthly heat.

That evening, there was a violent crash and I realized with horror that my home was within reach of the heat ray.

At dawn, a falling star with a trail of green mist landed with a flash like summer lightning. This was the second cylinder.