balance of the mortgage and adding the remainder to my savings, I had almost $10,000.*[ * In 1893, $10,000 was equal to about $263,000 in today's dollars; $4,000 is about $105,000.] It wasn't a fortune, but I figured it would be enough to last for a few years in Asia. Anna Marie was living with the McNabs, and I set aside $4,000 for her in a trust account in Mr. McNab's bank. Mother had returned to Lawrence but was planning on coming back to Denver in another few weeks to spend time with Anna Marie.

In the meantime, I made my preparations to leave—all in secret. I knew if I told the McNabs or my mother there would be hell to pay. I was guilt-ridden about my plans, but I also knew that I had to get away—as far away as possible. And for me, I decided I couldn't get much farthe...

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