"No doubt!" said Kate. "But this will do for me."
Her father lowered his paper and asked harshly: "What did you buy that thing for?"
Kate gripped the handle and braced herself.
"To pack my clothes in when I go to my school next week," she said simply.
"What?" he shouted. "What?" cried her mother.
"I don't know why you seem surprised," said Kate. "Surely you knew I went to Normal to prepare myself to teach. Did you think I couldn't find a school?"
"Now look here, young woman," shouted Adam Bates, "you are done taking the bit in your teeth. Nancy Ellen is not going to teach this winter. I have taken the home school for you; you will teach it. That is settled. I have signed the contract. It must be fulfilled."
"Then Nancy Ellen will have to fulfill it," said Kate. "I also have signed a contract that must be fulfilled. I am of age, and you had no authority from me to sign a contract for me."
For an instant Kate thought there was danger that the purple rush of blood to her father's head might kill him. He opened his mouth, but no distinct words came. Her face paled with fright, but she was of his blood, so she faced him quietly. Her mother was quicker of wit, and sharper of tongue.
"Where did you get a school? Why didn't you wait until you got home?" she demanded.