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Freeman, R. Austin (Richard Austin), 1862-1943

"The Vanishing Man"

From these
instructions I gathered that the testator was uncertain as to the length
of his absence from England and the extent of his journey."
"Did he state precisely where he was going?"
"No. He said that he was going to Paris and perhaps to Vienna, but he
gave no particulars and I asked for none."
"Do you, in fact, know where he went?"
"No. He left the house at six o'clock wearing a long, heavy overcoat
and carrying a suit-case and an umbrella. I wished him 'Good-bye' at the
door and watched him walk away as if going towards Southampton Row. I
have no idea where he went, and I never saw him again."
"Had he no other luggage than the suit-case?"
"I do not know, but I believe not. He was accustomed to travel with the
bare necessaries, and to buy anything further that he wanted _en
route_."
"Did he say nothing to the servants as to the probable date of his
return?"
"There were no servants excepting the caretaker. The house was not used
for residential purposes. The testator slept and took his meals at his
club, though he kept his clothes at the house.


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