We were about to gather our belongings and return to our car when a man appeared. He looked very annoyed indeed and asked us angrily if we realized, that these grounds were private property. Father looked very confused and the man pointed to a notice which said that camping was strictly forbidden. Poor father explained that he had not seen the notice and didn’t know that camping was not allowed. Though father apologized, the man did not seem satisfy and asked him for his name and address. All the way home, we were so upset that hardly anyone spoke a word. This unpleasant event had spoiled a wonderful day in the country.
For the rest of the week, we wondered what would happen. The following Sunday, we stayed at home even though it was a fine day. About noon, a large and very expensive car stopped outside a car. We were astonished when we saw several people preparing to have a picnic in our small garden. Father got very angry and went out to ask them what they thought they were doing. You can image his surprise when he recognized the man who had taken our address the week before! Both men burst out laughing and father welcomed the strangers into the house. In time, we become good friends but we learned a lesson we have never forgotten. |
