They notified the authorities, because that is what responsible people do when preparing to set fire to history. The police were polite but faintly puzzled. The fire brigades, both rural and city, were more practical. Forms were signed. A permit was issued. The rural crew offered to attend and keep the flames in their proper place, as though fire were a dog needing a firm hand and occasional biscuits. Sandra, Norman and Sean accepted with gratitude. None of them trusted symbolism to behave sensibly once ignited.