Angrily he tossed the packet into the fireplace. The photograph fluttered along with it, lighted on the bed of embers, and flared before he could snatch it out. He had a glimpse of Tansy's face curling and blackening.
The packet took longer. A yellow glow crept across its surface, as the nap singed. Then a wavering four-inch flame shot up.
Simultaneously a chill went through him, though he still felt the heat from the embers. The room seemed to darken. There was a faint, mighty roaring in his ears, as of motors far underground. He had the sense of standing suddenly naked and unarmed before something menacingly alien.
Totem had turned around and was peering intently at the shadows in the far corner. With an expectorant hiss she sprang sideways and darted from the room.
He realized he was trembling. Nervous reaction, he told himself. Might have known it was overdue.
The flame died, and once again there was only the bed of embers.
Explosively, the phone began to jangle.
"Professor Saylor? I just want to tell you that you're not going to get away with what you're trying to do to me. I'm not going to be flunked out of Hempnell without a protest."
The voice spluttered with rage. It was some moment before he recognized the student and cut in.
"Now listen, Jennings, if you thought you were being treated unfairly, why didn't you present your grievances three months ago, when you got your grades?"