It was not exactly needed, as they were not digging, but laying crushed stone.

The obstruction was simply for the convenience of the boss, who desired to work unhampered.
"Shall we ?" cried Warrington, mischief in his eyes.
"Yes." There was no fear in this girl.
On they went, in a cloud of dust.

The Italians made for the ditches, but the boss stood in the road and waved his arms in warning.
Presently he, too, ducked.
Hep! and over the pair went, landing clean and sound on the other side of the barrier.

Before the surprised boss could express himself, they were far down the road.

A curse was hurled after them, but they heard it not.