"You see, they've got more apples than they need, and those on the ground are just going to waste," continued Carol, pending the arrival of the little pledge. "The chickens are pecking at them, and ruining them."
"It's criminal destruction, that's what it is," declared Lark.
Connie stood before them respectfully, as they had instructed her to stand. The twins hesitated, each secretly hoping the other would voice the order. But Lark as usual was obliged to be the spokesman.
"Damsel," she said, "it is the will of Skull and Crossbones that you hie ye to yonder orchard,—Avery's, I mean,—and bring hither some of the golden apples basking in the sun."
"What!" ejaculated Connie, startled out of her respect.
Carol frowned.
Connie hastened to modify her tone. "Did they say you might have them?" she inquired politely.
"That concerns thee not, 'tis for thee only to render obedience to the orders of the Society. Go out through our field and sneak under the fence where the wires are loose, and hurry back. We're awfully hungry. The trees are near the fence. There isn't any danger."
"But it's stealing," objected Connie. "What will Prudence——"
"Damsel!" And Connie turned to obey with despair in her heart.