“Because the fruit is ripening so fast. He expected the Mexican pickers two days ago, but they’re still at the Wingate place. Mr. Hooper can’t get them until they’ve finished Wingate’s picking.”
“He has us.”
“But you know we’re not fast pickers, Veve. A good stripper can get almost 300 pounds a day from a tree. Mr. Hooper needs two experienced pickers to every acre. At least that’s what the quilt lady told me.”
“I wish the Mexicans would leave Mr. Wingate’s place and come here.”
“So do I, but they have to finish their contract first. Mr. Wingate has a heavy crop, and he won’t let the pickers move on until they’re completely finished.”
As the girls talked, Miss Gordon called that it was time to return to the orchard. Before leaving, she carefully folded the quilt inside out and left it lying on the grass not far from the picnic baskets.
During the afternoon, the Brownies and their mothers picked steadily.
The work seemed much easier now. Even so, everyone began to grow a little tired about four o’clock.
Mrs. Davidson had just finished filling her bucket when, without warning, the breeze began to freshen.