Bud looked around to see Sammy Toller, whose farm was a mile and a half north of Gramps', coming from the barn toward him. A small but tremendously energetic little man, Sammy was usually the epitome of good humor. Now his jaw was set, and his eyes smoldered and he did not even appear to notice the freshly planted berries.
"Is Delbert about?" Sammy asked.
"He's here somewhere, Mr. Toller," Bud said. "I'll find him as soon as I've rolled up this hose."
"Can you leave the hose for now?" Sammy asked. "This is pretty important."
Shep trailed along as they walked back to the barn, and Bud shut off the water at the spigot. They found Gramps working the newly spaded family garden with a hand rake. He looked around and said amiably,
"Hi, Sammy."
"'Lo, Delbert. Got a few minutes?"
"Sure thing. What's up?"
"I'd druther take you to my place so you can see for yourself."
"Can I go along?" Bud asked.