made all his money out of the business
father founded."

"Your Uncle Ralph suggests," Mrs. Thurston faltered, "that we find some
work to do. But you and Mollie must be educated, and I am so ignorant of
business."

Barbara's cheeks were crimson and her brown eyes flashed. "I think,
mother," she said quietly, "it will be just as well for us to learn a
little more about Uncle Ralph's management of our business. I am going to
consult Mr. Stuart; I am sure he will give us good advice; he is such a
clear-headed business man. Don't you worry, mother, dear, for I am sure
things will turn out all right."

Mrs. Thurston rose to go out to market.

"Before you go, mother," Barbara begged, "will you please let me see the
roll of father's business papers you have stored away in the trunk in the
attic. Oh, I know they are of no value, but just the same I am curious to
see them."

"Well, if you are so determined, all right," sighed Mrs. Thurston.

Before she left the house she handed Barbara a roll of old papers tied
with a crimson cord.

Bab sat pondering with the papers in her lap. She was more frightened at
her mother's news than she would show. They were mere girls, she and
Mollie, and their little mother had no knowledge of business. She shook
herself impatiently. Barbara was an optimist--things would turn out all
right.

Soon Bab wrinkled her forehead and tried to settle down to her work; the
papers were altogether incomprehensible to her. Most of them were old
business contracts. Yet, here was one that seemed a bit different. It was
in Uncle Ralph Le Baron's handwriting, but so faded that it was difficult
to read. Slowly Bab deciphered it: "On demand, I promise to pay to John
Thurston the sum of five thousand dollars for value received." To this
was appended her uncle's well-known signature, Ralph Le Baron.

"Well," sighed Barbara, as she started to tie the papers together again,
"I suppose Uncle Ralph settled this debt a long time ago."

Suddenly a big, cheerful presence darkened the doorway.

"Hello, Bab!" called Mr. Stuart. "Why are you alone?"

"The girls have gone up to the Squire's for Grace," Bab explained, "and
mother is at market. But do please come in and wait for them. Ruth told
me to keep you; she wants to ask you about something very important."

"May I inquire what you are doing, Barbara?" Mr. Stuart queried, taking a
seat. "Are you preparing to be a lawyer's clerk that you spend your spare
hours po