“You do fine at keeping the property in order,” declared Brad, his gaze roving over the well-trimmed shrubs. “But we noticed one little thing you overlooked.”
“Oh, you did, eh?” Despite Brad’s polite manner, the gardener was growing more and more irritated.
Trying to be as diplomatic as possible, the boys told of their need to earn money for costumes. They then mentioned the uncut weeds along the front fence, stressing the danger of fire.
“I have enough to do around here without pulling those weeds!” the man exclaimed. “What’s more, I won’t take it on.”
“That’s where we come in,” said Brad. “For a very moderate fee, the Cubs will do a good job of cleaning them out.”
“Oh, no you won’t!” The gardener now was very angry. “You’re trying to make me look bad with the boss. Well, you can’t see him! Now get out of here before I let the dogs loose!”
“You have us all wrong,” Dan protested. “We’re not trying to get anyone into trouble. But the work should be done and—”
“Get out!”
Dan would have stood his ground, but Brad pulled him away.
“Come on, Dan,” he said quietly. “We’ll find another place. No use stirring up trouble.”