Judy inquired if Calico Cave and Hager’s Hole were one and the same place. Bart replied that they were identical.
“For years the cave was known as Hager’s Hole,” he explained. “It was named for old Captain Hager, who once owned this property.”
“Our cottage?” Virginia asked in astonishment.
“Not the cottage. But the Hager home used to stand in the same location. Mr. Krumm bought the place not so long ago. He tore down the old house and put up a new cottage on the original foundation. Folks advised him not to do it, but no one can tell Krumm anything!”
“He’s had a little trouble renting the cottage?” Judy probed.
“Oh, renters came along fast enough, but they wouldn’t stay!” the milkman chuckled. “Some of ’em, it seems, were allergic to strange sounds. I take it you folks spent a comfortable night?”
“We were disturbed once,” Miss Ward answered. “Nothing serious. We fancied we heard a flute player.”
“No ghosts?” Bart asked, grinning.
“Nary a ghost,” Miss Ward returned. “Naturally we were a bit disturbed about the music, and intend to seek an explanation.”
“Mr. Ranieau, you seem to be quite familiar with Calico Cave,” Judy remarked pointedly. “Could you, by chance, tell us why the name was changed, and maybe explain the mystery of the cottage?”