scuttling
running quickly; scampering
pinged
a slight tapping; a ringing sound
briefly
a short time
tinker
to play with; to change or form into something different
ruptured
to explode; the break open and burst
obliteration
the act of destroying completely
petrol
British way of saying "gas"
taut
tightly stretched; not loose and saggy
smitten
liking someone
douse
to soak with water; to pour water over something; to stop a fire, generally with water
askew
crooked; not in the right place
aspic
a jelly made with the liquid from meat; not a sweet jelly, but a savory one
swivels
to turn in a chair; to spin around
