PROFESSOR BABBINGTON rose to his feet, walked towards the dais, and was just about to give his speech welcoming the new students to the faculty, when the audience became aware of Rafferty and Llewellyn’s entrance at the back of the hall, the uniformed officers following. An uneasy muttering began, grew louder as they made their way to the front. It caused Babbington to look up from his notes. All at once he seemed to sag, as if accepting the inevitable. He gave a sigh. With the microphone, it was clearly audible in the hall. He gestured to the side of the stage and exited with a surprising dignity. Even his walk lacked the usual stumbles, which was surprising given he was a known drunk.
Rafferty pushed open one of the double doors to the left of the dais and walked through. Babbington met
