The Day of the Triffids

While Bill and Josella have breakfast, she informs him that the light they saw the previous night is most likely coming from University Tower on campus. Bill checks the mark he made and confirms that its location coincides with the tower near University Building. There are also two flags hoisted now, hinting at a deliberate sign for those with sight. Bill and Josella agree to postpone their departure until they investigate the light’s origin. 

On the road, there are fewer people to contend with—most stick to the gutters. As Bill and Josella approach University Tower, they see a commotion at the gates; they hide to better assess the situation. A large mob of the blind is being led by a man who can see. He demands that the people standing behind the closed gates let them all in to better serve the blind. Those on the other side, however, adamantly refuse. Frustrated, the man quickly sticks his arm between the bars and pulls an obstinate sighted man forward. He has a sightless man hold on to the sighted man as he himself attempts to climb over the gate and open it. Suddenly, shots ring out, causing the blind mob to scatter in fear.