"Yes!" Ron said. "And now I want to know the truth!"
"I, too, need answers," the Ron-body said stiffly. "I need answers at once, Dr. Minton. I would think this requires an explanation."
"I couldn't do it," the doctor whispered. "I couldn't do what you wanted, Scholar."
"Do what?" Ron said.
"All right, then," the Ron-body said coldly. "You failed once. But you're far too intelligent to make the same mistake twice. So you have your assignment, Dr. Minton. I will get you the help you need. But kill this—this remnant—"
He turned away in disgust, and picked up the telephone. He spoke under his breath for a few moments, and then hung up. "Dr. Luther will be here in just a moment. He'll arrange things with the laboratory. It will all be very painless and quick."
Ron said: "What are you talking about?" He looked wildly towards the old man, who had aged even further since entering the room. "Dr. Minton—"
The door opened. A brisk young man, carrying a small valise, appeared.
"All set downstairs," he said.
"Good," the Ron-body answered. "Then get it over with."