“That’s another strange thing, Connie. His home must have burned down a long time ago. Why didn’t he rebuild it?”
“Maybe he didn’t have the money. Or perhaps he just didn’t want to.”
Veve had been reading mystery books and considered Connie’s explanation entirely too matter-of-fact.
“That isn’t it at all,” she insisted. “Mr. Hooper must have a special reason for not rebuilding his house. While we’re picking cherries at his orchard, I intend to learn all about it!”
CHAPTER 4
“Tail-ender”
AT six-thirty the next morning, six sleepy-eyed Brownies were at Miss Gordon’s home, ready to drive to the cherry orchard.
Eileen was the last to arrive. Usually she did not arise until eight o’clock and so felt a little cross.
“I don’t see why we have to get up so early,” she grumbled.
All the girls wore blue jeans instead of dresses, for Miss Gordon had warned them that frocks might be ruined by fruit stains. The Brownie leader had packed enough lunch for everyone, and had filled a thermos jug with hot chocolate.