CHAPTER XVII.
PRINCIPALLY CONCERNING KATE.
During all this work of soliciting subscriptions, ordering instruments and batteries, and leasing stations, Kate had kept pretty much in the background.

True, she had not been idle.

She had covered a great deal of paper with calculations, and had issued certificates of stock, all in her own plain handwriting, to those persons who had put money into the treasury of the company.

And she had received all that money, had kept accurate account of it, and had locked it up in a little box which was kindly kept for her in the iron safe owned by Mr.Darby, the storekeeper.
When the money was all drawn out and sent to New York, her duties became easier.
School had closed, as has been before stated, and although Kate had home duties and some home studies, she had plenty of time for outdoor life.
But now she almost always had to enjoy that life alone, if we except the company of Rob, who generally kept faithfully near her so long as she saw fit to walk, but when she stopped to rest or to pursue some of her botanical or entomological studies he was very apt to wander off on his own account.

He liked to keep moving.
One of her favorite resorts was what was called the "Near Woods," a piece of forest land not far from Mr.Loudon's house, and within calling distance of several dwellings and negro cabins.