“You cannot leave Rosedale without making an accounting of the flower show funds!” he told the promoter. “Debts are not paid and you have all the money.”
“Try to stop me,” said Mr. Piff unpleasantly. “I’m fed up with this town. I’m leaving.”
“Oh, no, you are not,” corrected the nurseryman. He spoke quietly but with firmness.
By this time the train had pulled into the station. Most of the passengers already had boarded their cars.
“Get out of my way!” Mr. Piff said furiously.
He tried to push past the nurseryman. Mr. Van Der Lann grasped him by the arm, making the promoter drop one of the bags he carried.
Vevi snatched it up. Before anyone could stop her, she had opened it.
Inside were two sacks of tulip bulbs. Vevi knew at once that they were the Golden Beauties.
“So!” exclaimed Mr. Van Der Lann. “I thought as much.”
“Now see here,” said Mr. Piff, still trying to pull away. “I can explain. It’s true I intended to sell the bulbs to a dealer I know. But you would have received the full amount, minus a small commission. I can get you a much better price than you can arrange for yourself.”