The knowledge thus obtained as to the present occupants of the cottage did not exactly coincide with the story Coolidge had told.

He had spoken of a widow with three children in destitute circumstances following the father's death.

The boy asserted there were no children in the family.

And they had just moved in, within a very few days, during which time the neighbourhood had only glimpsed a "middling old" woman.

It was strange at least, adding distinctly to the puzzle of the whole affair.