n in this part of the country
ever did. Why, it will look like you didn't TRUST me!"

"I can't help how it will look," said Kate. "This is my last and only
dollar; if I lose it, I am out for life; I shall take no risk. I've no
confidence in your business ability, and you know it. It need not hurt
your pride a particle to say that we are partners; that I'm going to
build the mill, while you're going to bring in the timber. It's the
only way I shall touch the proposition. I will give you two hundred
dollars for the deed and abstract of the ravine. I'll give your mother
eight hundred for the lot and house, which is two hundred more than it
is worth. I'll lay away enough to rebuild and refurnish it, and with
the remainder I'll build the dam, bridge, and mill, just as quickly as
it can be done. As soon as I get my money, we'll buy timber for the
mill and get it sawed and dried this winter. We can be all done and
running by next June."

"Kate, how are you going to get all that land sold, and the money in
hand to divide up that quickly? I don't think it ever can be done.
Land is always sold on time, you know," he said.

Kate drew a deep breath. "THIS land isn't going to be sold," she said.
"Most of the boys have owned their farms long enough to have enabled
them to buy other land, and put money in the bank. They're going to
form a pool, and put in enough money to pay the girls the share they
have agreed to take; even if they have to borrow it, as some of the
younger ones will; but the older ones will help them; so the girls are
to have their money in cash, in three months. I was mighty glad of the
arrangement for my part, because we can begin at once on our plans for
the mill."

"And how much do the girls get?" he asked darkly.

"Can't say just yet," said Kate. "The notes and mortgages have to be
gone over, and the thing figured out; it will take some time. Mother
and Adam began yesterday; we shall know in a few weeks."

"Sounds to me like a cold-blooded Bates steal," he cried. "Who figured
out what WAS a fair share for the girls; who planned that arrangement?
Why didn't you insist on the thing going through court; the land belong
sold, and equal divisions of all the proceeds?"

"Now if you'll agree not to say a word until I finish, I'll show you
the figures," said Kate. "I'll tell you what the plan is, and why it
was made, and I'll tell you further that it is already recorded, and in
action. There are