The last was uttered in a loud voice, for the little girl had noticed a painted sign on the fence to the left.
In large red letters it read: “Pickers Wanted.”
“That’s us!” exclaimed Veve. “We’ll get a job for the Brownies yet!”
Connie, however, was less enthusiastic. She pointed out that very likely if they applied, they would be turned down again.
“Well, it won’t hurt to try,” Veve insisted.
“We may miss our bus again.”
“We’ll get home somehow,” Veve waved aside the objection. “Don’t you want a job, Connie?”
“’Course I do. Only I didn’t like Mr. Wingate.”
“But this is across the road, so it can’t be his orchard. The gate’s just ahead. Let’s go in, Connie. I’ll do the talking this time.”
The barrier had been securely fastened with a chain. The girls could not open it. However, they climbed over and started up the gravel driveway.