THE PREFACE.



The Doctor never did believe this story, but claims for it that, to
a great extent, it has altered his whole outlook on life.

"Of course, what actually happened--what took place under my own
nose," continued the Doctor, "I do not dispute. And then there is
the case of Mrs. Marigold. That was unfortunate, I admit, and still
is, especially for Marigold. But, standing by itself, it proves
nothing. These fluffy, giggling women--as often as not it is a mere
shell that they shed with their first youth--one never knows what is
underneath. With regard to the others, the whole thing rests upon a
simple scientific basis. The idea was 'in the air,' as we say--a
passing brain-wave. And when it had worked itself out there was an
end of it. As for all this Jack-and-the-Beanstalk tomfoolery--"

There came from the darkening uplands the sound of a lost soul. It
rose and fell and died away.

"Blowing stones," explained the Doctor, stopping to refill his pipe.
"One finds them in these parts. Hollowed out during the glacial
period. Always just about twilight that one hears it. Rush of air
caused by sudden sinking of the temperature. That's how all these
sort of ideas get started."

The Doctor, having lit his pipe, resumed his stride.

"I don't say," continued the Doctor, "that it would have happened