The No Hole Holiday Sprouts Story

Rowley, infuriated, fired her assistant on the spot. For his part, Jinx had gotten tired of his supervisor's haranguing, and was happy to leave. Axel was very dismayed at this turn of events, but Rowley insisted that she could keep the machine running all by herself; the gnome went back to work before anyone could stop her.

Time went by, and the factory -- despite Rowley's best efforts -- fell further and further behind. The supervisor was exhausted from all the work...Axel was unhappy from all of the stress...and Mr. Pistachio was frazzled from all of the complaints! Meanwhile, the Grumps were gleeful that their plan had worked so well.

Realizing that things weren't getting any better, Rowley tried to find a new assistant. But none of the applicants worked out to her satisfaction. Their holes were either the wrong shape, or the wrong size, or inside out. Since the gnome prided herself on producing the most perfect holes possible, she refused to hire unsuitable help or turn out shoddy work.

The Grumps now implemented the second part of their plan. Posing as Gnomes, they advertised themselves as makers of "cut-rate holes." Axel, quickly engaged their services, and signed a contract with them for Santa's supplies. The elf was excited about his find, and rushed off to Santa to show him the new holes.

But on the way, Axel ran into Mr. Pistachio, who also asked to see the new holes. Mr. Pistachio tried to open one of Axel's boxes, but the hole wasn't big enough to remove the present. Then the elf reached into a Christmas stocking, only to find that his hand got stuck inside. The two figured out that the "Gnomes" were in fact Grumps, and that all of their holes were closing up!

Mr. Pistachio then decided to give the Grumps a taste of their own medicine. He took a couple of Halloween costumes, stood within earshot of the tricky pair, and began talking to himself. "No more trick-or-treating," he sighed, "dear, dear, dear."

Naturally, the Grumps' ears pricked up at the mention of trick-or-treat, and they hurried to Mr. Pistachio's side. He, with much sighing, explained that he had two fine costumes which would be perfect for Halloween. But, since there were no more holes being produced, no one would ever be able to wear them. "If only someone else knew how to make holes!" he cried.

Saddened, the Grumps began to cry with him, until Snags had an idea. She explained to Mr. Pistachio that she and her sister could actually make holes. Mr. Pistachio then gave them the costumes, in exchange for their tearing up Axel's contract, and the Grumps left very pleased with their new garments.

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