Miss Gordon reminded the girls that the park was for the use of everyone.
“We can’t prevent people from visiting our tree house,” she said. “Naturally, it will attract attention.”
“We could keep people out if we had a lock on the door,” Veve replied.
“Let’s wish for a lock!” proposed Connie, half in jest. “We’ve had luck with our other wishes. Maybe we can get one!”
The girls were disturbed to observe that the trail of footprints led up the steps to the tree house balcony. Thick, half dry mud had caked heavily on the unpainted boards.
“Someone’s been here, all right, since the rain,” Veve announced with disapproval.
“Mr. Karwhite, probably,” Eileen returned carelessly.
With Veve and Connie, she started up the steps. Miss Gordon and the other girls waited below. Although the stairway was sturdily built, the teacher never allowed more than three persons to ascend or descend at one time.
Reaching the balcony, Connie put down her package of dishes to open the door.
The recent rain had warped it a trifle. She had to shove hard to force it backward.