“The fire is behind us. It became easier to breathe. Tall pines with curly tops blocked out the sun. And then it got hot again. Not a forest, not a bush. Just kick it. An endless scattering of fresh frontal stumps. The evil sun danced on their yellow, resin-stained sections, and it seemed as if thousands of spotlights were shining into your eyes. It was all so wild, so monstrous - to cut down a forest near the river itself! - that I involuntarily looked at the driver, looking for his sympathy..."