This masterful short story initially deceives, then shocks the reader into the realization of the dynamics of scapegoating. Its value lies in this narrative technique which dramatically engages the reader in the textual process such that the reader participates in the act of scapegoating through identification with the townspeople. At the same time as (s)he comes to this realization, (s)he is struck by the perils of too early closure on the interpretation of a narrative. The pitfalls of pattern (mis-) recognition in medicine cannot be more ab ....