hould be
enough to square matters with any right-minded woman, even in our
positions. It will give us that much cash in hand, it will leave the
boys, some of the younger ones, in debt for years, if they hold their
land. What more do you want?"

"I want the last cent that is coming to me," said Mary.

"I thought you would," said Kate. "Yet you have the best home, and the
most money, of any of the girls living on farms. I settle under this
proposition, because it is fair and just, and what Mother wants done.
If she feels that this is defrauding the girls any, she can arrange to
leave what she has to us at her death, which would more than square
matters in our favour--"

"You hold on there, Katie," said Mrs. Bates. "You're going too fast!
I'll get what's coming to me, and hang on to it awhile, before I decide
which way the cat jumps. I reckon you'll all admit that in mothering
the sixteen of you, doing my share indoors and out, and living with PA
for all these years, I've earned it. I'll not tie myself up in any way.
I'll do just what I please with mine. Figure in all I've told you to;
for the rest--let be!"

"I beg your pardon," said Kate. "You're right, of course. I'll sign
this, and I shall expect every sister I have to do the same, quickly
and cheerfully, as the best way out of a bad business that has hurt all
of us for years, and then I shall expect the boys to follow like men.
It's the fairest, decentest thing we can do, let's get it over."

Kate picked up the pen, handed it to her mother, signed afterward
herself, and then carried it to each of her sisters, leaving Nancy
Ellen and Mary until last. All of them signed up to Nancy Ellen. She
hesitated, and she whispered to Kate: "Did Robert--?" Kate nodded.
Nancy Ellen thought deeply a minute and then said slowly: "I guess it
is the quickest and best we can do." So she signed. Mary hesitated
longer, but finally added her name. Kate passed on to the boys,
beginning with Adam. Slowly he wrote his name, and as he handed back
the paper he said: "Thank you, Kate, I believe it's the sanest thing
we can do. I can make it easier than the younger boys."

"Then HELP them," said Kate tersely, passing on.

Each boy signed in turn, all of them pleased with the chance. It was
so much better than they had hoped, that it was a great relief, which
most of them admitted; so they followed Adam's example in thanking
Kate, for all of them knew that in her brain ha