<DIV><DIV>It is a gloomy November day, and a corpse is just the beginning of the intrigue. Matthew Bartholomew recognizes the deceased as the book-bearer of Michaelhouse Fellow John Runham. The death looks like suicide, but before Bartholomew can confirm it, there is a second tragedy. Meanwhile, at Michaelhouse itself, the Master announces his retirement, to everyone's surprise?everyone, that is, except the ruthless Runham, who is hastily elected. Runham demands that Bartholomew choose between his teaching and his medical work, but as Bartholomew is agonizing over his impossible decision, the new Master is discovered dead.</DIV></DIV>