ne afternoon in Mr. Loudon's
yard, with Harry and Kate, "whether we've made much by this business or
not. Those mica people keep all the accounts and do all the charging,
and if they want to cheat us, I don't see what's to hinder them."

"But you know," said Harry, "that we can examine their accounts; and,
besides, Mr. Lyons will keep a tally of all the messages sent, and I
don't believe that he would cheat us."

"No; I don't suppose he would," said Tom; "but I liked the old way best.
There was more fun in it."

"Yes, there was," said Kate; "and then we helped old Lewston and Aunt
Judy. I expect they'll miss the money they got for rent."

"Certainly," said Harry. "They'll have to deny themselves many a luxury
in consequence of the loss of that dollar a month."

"Now you're making fun," said Kate; "but twelve dollars a year is a good
deal to those poor people."

"I suppose it is," said Harry. "In fifty years, it would be six hundred
dollars, if they saved it all up, and that is a good deal of money, even
to us rich folks."

"Rich!" said Kate. "We're so dreadfully rich that I have only forty-two
cents left of Aunt Matilda's money, and I must have some very soon."

The consequence of this conversation was that Harry had to ride over to
the mica mines and get a small advance on the payment due at the end of
the month.

The end of the month arrived, and the settlement was made. When the
interest on the money advanced to put up the line, hire of operators,
and other expenses, had been deducted from the amount due the Crooked
Creek Company, there was only two dollars and a quarter to be paid to
it!

Harry was astounded. He took the money, rode back to Akeville, and
hastened to have a consultation with Kate. For the first time since he
became a guardian, he was in despair. This money was not enough for Aunt
Matilda's needs, and if it had been, there were stockholders who were
expecting great things from the recent extension of the line. What was
to be said to them?

Harry did not know, and Kate could suggest nothing. It appeared to be
quite plain that they had made a very bad business of this telegraphic
affair. A meeting of the Board was called, and when each member had had
his say, matters appeared worse than ever.

It was a very blue time for our friends.

As for Kate, she cried a good deal that afternoon.

The time had at last come when she felt they would have to give up Aunt
Matilda. She was sure, if the