“No one wants sixty orphans running rampant over his place,” the reporter observed in discouragement. “We may as well give up the idea.”
“It’s possible Mrs. Davis would allow us to hold a muskmelon party at her farm,” Penny replied thoughtfully. “Now that her husband has skipped, she must be in need of money.”
The chance of success seemed unlikely. However, to please Penny, Jerry drove to the Davis property. To their surprise they found the place humming with activity. Professional melon pickers were at work in the patch, and Mrs. Davis, dressed in overalls, was personally supervising the laborers.
“I have no time to answer questions!” she announced to Jerry before he could speak. “Please go away and leave me alone!”
“Oh, I’m not here in an official capacity this time,” the reporter grinned. “We want to make you a business proposition.”
He then explained what he had in mind. Mrs. Davis listened attentively but with suspicion.
“It’s likely some trick!” she declared. “I’ll have nothing to do with it!”
“Mrs. Davis, we’re not trying to deceive you,” Penny interposed earnestly. “We’ve tried several other farms before we came here. No one is willing to let the children trample the vines.”
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt mine,” the woman admitted. “By tomorrow night we’ll have all the best melons picked and sorted. I reckon the youngsters can have what’s left in the patch.”
“We’ll pay you well for the privilege,” Jerry promised, taking out his wallet.