The gardener was alive. That was for sure. He was always breathing and he could move and think and talk.
He was alive alright, but only in body.
The middle aged gardener hated his old employer, Ebenezer Scrooge. The jolly old fellow was always happy. Everyone loved him. Even the blind man’s dog would turn towards him to catch just a piece of the man’s happiness.
Yes, Ebenezer was as happy as a hippo, if anyone can say a hippo really is happy. The
happiest hippo probably sits in a river all day as various fish swim into its mouth. I doubt Scrooge would enjoy this.
Day after day the gardener tended to the gardens of Scrooge’s house. He had bought the house 9 years ago, and that was how long the gardener worked there.
9 year of dread.
Every morning Ebenezer would burst open the doors and breathe in the fresh morning air. He would walk around, quite slowly with his age, and look lovingly at everything he saw. Before he left the grounds he would pay the gardener.
The payment.
That was the only reason the gardener stayed at this job. Scrooge payed well more than what his services were worth.
That’s his problem. Thought the gardener as he heard the front door swing open.
“Good morning, Eustes!” shouted Scrooge, “How are you this wonderful morning?”
Eustes grumbled.
“Lighten up my young fellow! I am nearly 83 years old and I am as happy as a hippo, if a hippo ever was happy.”
What is wrong with this man?
“Say, Eustes, how would you like some extra coinage?”
“That would be... fine.”
“Jolly good! You wait on the front porch as I go get somethings, then we can arrange your extra money!”
Scrooge skipped joyfully back into the house.
Eustes sighed.
This man was insanely happy. But he paid well.
“Eustes.” said a voice.
Eustes spun around to see a hooded man standing on the porch steps behind him.
“Who are you?” asked Eustes nervously.
The man handed him an envelope.“In there you will find directions, as well as some... start up money.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You will see soon enough, I think it will be a situation that is... profitable, for the both of us.”
The man turned around and walked away. Eustes stared after him for a while.
The front door swung open and Scrooge stepped out, carrying a large box.
“Can you follow me to work today with this box.”
Eustes nodded, though he could not understand why the man still worked. He had plenty of money. The man said it made him happy, and reminded him of his old friend.
Friends. A waist of time.
Eustes followed the jolly old man to the sidewalk and they set off to the counting house.
Scrooge threw open the doors to the counting house and shouted a hello to everyone he saw.
There was Bob Cratchit, who actually ran the counting house. Scrooge more just, watched over the employees.
There was also Fred, Scrooge’s nephew, who worked as the head bookkeeper for the counting house.
There were about 5 other employees that Eustes did not know. The old man seemed to hire anyone he saw who needed a job.
“How are you today, Fred?” said Scrooge as he waved to Eustes to put the box down on his desk.
“I am fine, indeed, Uncle. It is a wonderful morning, is it not?”
“Indeed!” agreed Scrooge.
Eustes rolled his eyes. These people are so stupid.
“How is the building of your family’s new home, Bob?” asked Scrooge.
“Quite well, thank you.”
“I do hope Tiny Tim likes it...” said Scrooge, “as well as your other children.”
Bob laughed. It was well known that Scrooge had a special place in his heart for Tim.
Eustes stood next to the desk. He could feel the envelope the man had handed him in his pocket. It was heavy, and felt as if there might be an awful lot of coins in it.
Scrooge turned to Eustes.
“Oh, thank you, Eustes.” He handed him 10 gold coins. “Takes these and head home for the day.
“Are you sure, sir?” aksed Eustes, surprised.
“Yes, you have worked hard, go home and rest.”
“Um, thank you. Sir.” he added.
Scrooge smiled at him as he left.
Eustes walked down the street aways to his modest apartment on the third floor. Once securely locked inside, he opened the envelope.
Inside were 20 gold coins, enough for two months rent.
Why did the man give me this?
Then he noticed something else in the envelope. A small sheet of paper. He pulled it out and unfolded it. He read the message on it. His eyes widened. Surely, it was not possible.
But it was.
The message said so loud and clear.
He was going to be rich. And he was going to be free of that stupid,hippo-happy old man for the rest of his life.
The next morning Eustes woke up early, at about 6. He did not have to be to Scrooge’s until 8, so he had time.
Still, he got ready quickly and headed out the door at 6:30.
He walked down the street, where several merchants were finishing setting up their stands for the day. Eustes ignored them and walked down several more streets. The look on his face was solemn and without expression.
After about 15 minutes he came to a small coffee shop. He opened the door and sat down at table 4.
He waited for two minutes before a man sat down at his table.
“I knew you would come, Eustes.” said the man, it was the same voice as the man on the porch the other day.
Eustes said nothing.
“Because you are here,” continued the man, “I assume you read the note I left for you... and also recieved your monies.
Eustes nodded.
“You are a man of few words, my boy. But, I sense this may be helpful with our arrangement. No emotion to get in the way.”
You have no idea. Thought Eustes.
Eustes studied the man. He was tall, but so was Eustes. The man was much slimmer than Eustes and had a large, pointed nose. The man seemed to be about 40 years of age, approximatly the same as Eustes. In fact, they looked very similar, except for the fact that Eustes was much more muscular than the man.
“I assume that you have agreed to my... plan.” said the man.
Eustes nodded.
“Very good, I will supply the means of doing your part in a few days time. Wait for my signal to use it though.
Eustes gulped, but nodded.
The man smiled.
“I like you, Eustes. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership.”
Eustes arrived at Scrooge’s house at 8:15. Scrooge was waiting for him on the porch.
“You are late.” he said. “This is okay today, but please do not make it a habit.”
Eustes grunted and avoided the old man’s eyes.
“I am off to work. You are free to eat any of the food in the house, assuming you do your job as well.
Eustes nodded and went about his work.
Soon, you will bother me no more, Old Man...
No comments:
Post a Comment