The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-10-05
CONTINUED from Our Last Issue)

the haven of upstairs. and Matil-
da shivered down through the
blackness.
When she opened the servants
door, a policeman caught her
arm. Down her, BILL" he called
to the man battering at the door
above; and minute later two Of
ficers were inside, and a light
was flashing in Matilda's face.
Now, old GIRL" said the first
officer, whats your little game,
eh?"
Il live here, sir. I'm the
housekeeper."
Now don't try to put that over
on us. l was talkin' to Mrs. De
Peyster's coachman only yester-
day. He told me the housekeep-
er wasn't here no more. Where's
the other one?"
"Wha-what other one?"
Drop it," said the officer.
Didn't we see two women come
in this house-hey, Bill?"
"Sure!"
80 / guess you'd better lead
us to your pal"
He pushed her before him,
| lighting the way with his flash
lantern, up stairways and back
into the dining-room, where the
officer pulled up Mrs. De Pey-
ster's veil and closely scanned
her features
! well, now" said the officer,
with policial POPULARITY, 'since
you two ladies already got your
hats on, l guess We'll just offer
you our arms to the station"
But | tell you I'm Matilda
Simpson, Mrs. De Peyster's house
keeper!"
If SO, who's the other mourn
err" inquired the humorous po-
liceman. "And what's she dom
here?"
"She's-she's-and then Matil-
da plunged blindly at a lie
"she's my sister," And having
started, she went on: MY sister
Angelica, who lives in Syracuse
She's come to visit me awhile"
The officer grinned. We'll, Ma
tilda and Angelica, we'll give you
a chance to tell that to the lieu
tenant. Come on"
But | tell you I'm Matilda
Simpson," cried Matilda. You
say you talked to william, the
coachman. He'll tell you who |
am. There's the bell-ring for
him!"
The officer scratched his chin.
Then he pressed a big thumb
against the bell Matilda had indi-
Gated.
There was a long, sickening
wait. At length, however, Will
liam appeared. He started at sight
of the four figures; then his gaze
fastened on Matilda and grew
hard.
Friend" said the officer,
there's a lady as says she's Ma
tilda Simpson, Mrs, De Peyster's
housekeeper. How about it?"N
"She is" William affirmed
coldly.
1.-The duece." said the officer;
and then in a low voice apart to
the other: Lucky We didn't go
no further-hey, Bill?"
With a glare at Matilda, Will
liam withdrew.
well, ladies'" said the off,
GER with ingratiating pleasant
ness. I'm mighty glad it's all
right. Goodnight. Don't bother
to come down with us. noticed
it was a spring lock. We can
let ourselves out"
When the two policemen were
out Of the room, Mrs. De Peyster
and Matilda collapsed into each
others arms.
Then suddenly they sat upright.
Steps were sounding below
growing nearer-what sounded
] like more than two pairs of foot
steps. There in the doorway were
the two policemen. And with
them was a gentleman in a cap
and tan summer overcoat button
ed to the chin. The gentleman
was the Reverend Mr.. Pyecroft.
MET him goin' down the SER
wants steps as we were goin' out
and he asked US" the officer
was beginning.
i But Mr.. Pyecroft was already
crossing toward Matilda, smiling
affectionately.
my dear Matilda" he kissed
her upon the cheek. 81 arrived in
New York very Unexpectedly less
than half an hour ago, and could
not delay coming to see you. How
are you, sister,"
"wha-what?" stammered Ma
tilda.
Mr.. Pyeeroft crossed to Mrs.
De Peyster and kissed her veil
somewhere about the forehead.
"And how are you, dear sister,"
he inquired.
Mrs. De Peyster gasped and
stiffened.
You ladies don't seem very
glad to see him." put in the Off
Ger. when we told him about
you two bein' sisters, he said he
was your brother. Is he?"
"Of course I am" Mr.. Pyecroft
answered pleasantly. "Of course,
I am your brother. am / not?"-
patting Mrs. De Peyster's arm
with the appearance of affection,
and then closing on 1t warningly.
| Mrs. De Peyster nodded her
head.
WELL" said the officer, "since