Page 71 - English Class 07

He soon found a suitable shop. He made his way invisibly upstairs and came out a little

later wearing bandages round his forehead, dark glasses, false nose, big bushy side whiskers
and a large hat. To escape without being seen, he callously attacked the shopkeeper from
behind, after which he robbed him of all money he could find.

Eager to get away from crowded London, he took a callously : with cruelty
train to the village of Iping, where he booked two rooms wagging : talking all sorts of things
at the local inn. eccentric : cynical

The arrival of a stranger at an inn in winter was in any case an unusual event. A stranger
of such uncommon appearance set all tongues wagging . Mrs Hall, the landlord’s wife made

every effort to be friendly. But, Griffin had no desire to talk, and told her, “My reason for
coming to Iping is a desire for solitude. I do not wish to be disturbed in my work. Besides, an
accident has affected my face.” Satisfied that her guest was an eccentric scientist and in view
of the fact that he had paid her in advance, Mrs Hall was prepared to excuse his strange

habits and irritable temper. But the stolen money did not last long. And presently Griffin had
to admit that he had no more ready cash. He pretended, however, that he was expecting a
cheque to arrive at any moment.

Shortly afterwards a curious episode occurred. Very early in the morning the clergyman
and his wife were awakened by noises on the study. Creeping downstairs, they heard the
chink of money being taken away from the clergyman’s desk.

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