"I trust that his cottage is at least habitable," said Mr. Nichols.
Mr. Kilkane looked puzzled. Then his face lighted and he declared heartily: "Oh, you'll find the place to your liking. There's nothing wrong with the cottage. If everything isn't perfectly satisfactory I'll have Herman Crocker fix it right up for you."
"And shall we pay our rent to him?"
"No, I'll take care of that," replied the agent. "Herman said he'd rather not have you coming to the house with the money. As I say, he's something of a recluse."
"We met his nephew this evening."
"His nephew?" asked Mr. Kilkane raising his eyebrows. "That's a new one on me. I didn't know Herman had one. But then, he's close mouthed."
"We gave this fellow a ride in our car," Mr. Nichols said. "Then he went off somewhere. I suppose he's on his way to see his uncle."
"Did you say that Herman Crocker's home is close to our cottage?" inquired Penny.
"Yes, Miss. They're about a quarter of a mile apart on the Knob Hill road."
"Will we have many other neighbors?" asked the detective.