The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-10-04

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Here was a crisis that had to
be faced at once. Up in Their
room they discussed finance, 60
ing over and over their predica,
ment, for two hours. There
seemed no practical solution.
Suddenly Mrs. De PeysteI
looked up. Matilda, l think
have it."
What is it, ma'am"-with
family reviving hope.
you have the keys to my
house. You slip back there to-
night, find my purse, or bring
something that you might sell. "
But, ma 'am," quaveringly
protested Matilda. Suppose a
policeman should see mel"
Nonsense, Matilda! We have
simply got to have money!"
Matilda was beginning to
whimper yieldingly, when
knock sounded at their door.
"It's the landlady come to
throw us out" quaked Matilda.
"Open the door," ordered Mrs
De Peyster, land tell her she
shall have her money in the
morning"
Matilda unlocked the door
There entered the Rev. Mr.. Pye-
croft.
please leave this Instant
commanded Mrs. De Peyster.
at is not my nature" he re-
turned, Ito go and leave behind
me fellow creatures In Distress
Fellow creatures in distress?'
repeated Mrs. De Peyster.
II was passing" said he, "and
CHANGED to overhear you say a
moment since that you simply
had to have money"
Mrs. De Peyster's face filled
with suspicion. You have been
listening all the while?"
Possibly" said Mr.. Pyecroft
with bland smile. 81 suppose
Miss Thompson, you are not
aware how much you look like q
certain great lady, famous So
cial leader? To be explicit, like
Mrs. De Peyster?"
She sank back, mere jelly with
human contour. So she was
discovered! She rolled her eyes
wildly toward Matilda; Matilda
rolled wild eyes toward her.
1T Is really a remarkable like
ness" went ON the low voice OF
the Rev. Mr.. Pyecroft. GIVE
seen Mrs. De Peyster, not more
than six yards away; and the
likeness struck me the very mo-
ment / saw you. You could pass
anywhere as Mrs. De Peyster
That likeness is the foundation OF
my proposition"
Mrs. De Peyster stared at him
and began to clutch at conscious
ness. After all, was 1t possible
that he hadn't recognized her as
Mrs. De Peyster? But il he
hadn't recognized her, then what
was he driving at?
Friend" the Rev. Pyecroft
remarked. whats you two la.
dies gamer"
"Our gamer" Mrs. De Peyster
repeated blankly.
Now, don't try to come Miss
Innonce over me-" he said easily
II sized you two up from the first
minute, and I've been watching
you ever since. What are the
bulls after you for?"
"The-the what?"
"Oh, come - you're lodging
the police, or why the disguise?'
he queried pleasantly. ."What
are you? ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
thieves-confidence gamer"
Mrs. De Peyster gaped at him
IL don't understand"
''It's really a pretty fair front
you're putting up" he comment
ed with a dry, indulgent smile
But you might as we'll drop 1t
for you see I'm on. But l think
| understand" He nodded. "You
don't want to admit anything
until you feel you can trust me
Well, sisters, you're not the only
people the police are after
That's why I am temporarily in
the ministry"
who are your" demanded
Mrs. De Peyster.
well, you don't hesitate to
ask, do your" He laughed
lightly. Ever heard of the
American Historical society's col.
lection Of recently discovered let.
tiers Of gentleman named Thorn.
as Jefferson?"
Mrs. De Peyster started
Eyes"
And perhaps you have heard
that authorities now agree that
said Thomas jefferson was dead
almost a hundred years when
said letters were penned and
that he must have been favored
with the assistance of all aman-
uensis Of, SO to say, the present
generation7"
yes"
"That being the case, you may
have heard Of one Thomas Pres
ton. alleged to be said amanuen-
sis?"
yes"
He put his hand across his
clerical vest, and bowed first to
Mrs. De Peyster, then to Matilda
1T gives Mr.. Preston very
great pleasure to meet you. la
dies. Only for the present he
humbly petitions to be known as
Mr.. Pyecroft.
Mrs. De Peyster was quite I'M