They wanted to be able to say that they hadn't paid the farmer, or made any arrangement whatever with him.

That much is true.

They didn't approach the farmer---they sent me.

I went to Farmer Gibson and made the arrangement with him for the supplies, paying him in advance a fair price for whatever the young ladies would take out of his garden.
Yet, in spite of my care in the matter, and my very explicit directions to them, it seems that they went astray, and descended upon the truck garden of Mr.Dobson, instead of that of Mr.Gibson.
Mr.Dobson, not having received any pay, very naturally objected to being looted of his vegetables while Mr.Gibson received the money.
But I have been able to explain matters in a satisfactory manner to Mr.Dobson, and have sent him on his ways" Eight very crestfallen high school girls listened to this recital.
The boys, had they not felt a manly sympathy for their discomfited friends, would have laughed outright.
"I am glad that it is no worse," said Mrs.Bentley in a relieved voice.

"At the same time, it was a very silly performance." "It was," nodded the doctor, who turned to the girls to add: "My dears, as you succeeded this time in making me your very reluctant accomplice, I am in no position to say very much to you.