“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 no minor heirs.  We could make an agreement and record it.  There was no will.  Mother will administer.  It’s all settled.  Wait until I get the figures.”

Then slowly and clearly she went over the situation, explaining everything in detail.  When she finished he sat staring at her with a snarling face.

“You signed that?” he demanded.  “You signed that!  You threw away at least half you might have had!  You let those lazy scoundrels of brothers of yours hoodwink you, and pull the wool over your eyes like that?  Are you mad?  Are you stark, staring mad?”

“No, I’m quite sane,” said Kate.  “It is you who are mad.  You know my figures, don’t you?  Those were the only ones used yesterday.  The whole scheme was mine, with help from Mother to the extent of her giving up everything except the home farm.”

“You crazy fool!” he cried, springing up.

“Now stop,” said Kate.  “Stop right there!  I’ve done what I think is right, and fair, and just, and I’m happy with the results.  Act decently, I’ll stay and build the mill.  Say one, only one more of the nasty, insulting things in your head, and I’ll go in there and wake up the children and we will leave now and on foot.”