Kate put the sailor hat on her head, and sat very straight, an anxious line crossing her forehead.  She was running away, and if discovered, there was the barest chance that her father might follow, and make a most disagreeable scene, before the train pulled out.  He had gone to a far field to plow corn and Kate fervently hoped he would plow until noon, which he did.  Nancy Ellen washed the dishes, and went into the front room to study, while Mrs. Bates put on her sunbonnet and began hoeing the potatoes.  Not one of the family noticed that Monday’s wash was not on the clothes line as usual.  Kate and Adam drove as fast as they dared, and on reaching town, cashed the check, decided that Nancy Ellen’s hat would serve, thus saving the price of a new one for emergencies that might arise, bought the shoes, and went to the depot, where they had an anxious hour to wait.

“I expect Grandpa will be pretty mad,” said Adam.

“I am sure there is not the slightest chance but that he will be,” said Kate.

“Dare you go back home when school is over?” he asked.

“Probably not,” she answered.

“What will you do?” he questioned.

“When I investigated sister Nancy Ellen’s bureau I found a list of the School Supervisors of the county, so I am going to put in my spare time writing them about my qualifications to teach their schools this winter.  All the other girls did well and taught first-class schools, I shall also.  I am not a bit afraid but that I may take my choice of several.  When I finish it will be only a few days until school begins, so I can go hunt my boarding place and stay there.”

“Mother would let you stay at our house,” said Adam.

“Yes, I think she would, after yesterday; but I don’t want to make trouble that might extend to Father and your father.  I had better keep away.”

“Yes, I guess you had,” said Adam.  “If Grandfather rows, he raises a racket.  But maybe he won’t!”

“Maybe!  Wouldn’t you like to see what happens when Mother come in from the potatoes and Nancy Ellen comes out from the living room, and Father comes to dinner, all about the same time?”

Adam laughed appreciatively.

“Wouldn’t I just!” he cried.  “Kate, you like my mother, don’t you?”

“I certainly do!  She has been splendid.  I never dreamed of such a thing as getting the money from her.”

“I didn’t either,” said Adam, “until —­ I became a mind reader.”

Kate looked straight into his eyes.

“How about that, Adam?” she asked.

Adam chuckled.  “She didn’t intend to say a word.  She was going to let the Bateses fight it out among themselves.  Her mouth was shut so tight it didn’t look as if she could open it if she wanted to.  I thought it would be better for you to borrow the money from her, so Father wouldn’t get into a mess, and I knew how fine she was, so I just suggested it to her.  That’s all!”