Scarcely had they started up the lane from the entrance gate than a dog began to bark.
“We’ll be announced all right,” Brad said. “This place is well guarded.”
As the Cubs expected, the barking of the dog brought the gardener to see what was amiss.
Immediately he recognized Dan and Brad, who walked somewhat in advance of the others in the group.
“I thought I told you to stay away from here,” he said angrily.
“It’s important that we see Mr. Brekenridge,” Brad insisted.
“Well, you can’t talk to him and that’s final,” the man snapped.
By this time the others in the group had come up. Seeing such a large delegation, the gardener did not know what to make of it. Nevertheless, he was determined that his authority should not be questioned.
“We should like to see the master of this estate,” requested Mr. Hatfield politely.
“Mr. Brekenridge’s orders are to keep everyone off the estate.”