The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-10-05

the officers come out without you
/ knew you had successfully en-
tertained them with some sort OF
plausible explanation"
His gaze fixed on Matilda. $50
my dear sister, you're really the
housekeeper here" He shook his
head childlessly. "And the usual
crook Of a housekeeper, eh-try-
ing to make a safe cleanup while
her mistress is away. You and our
sister Angelica had already been
planning some kind of a game
similar to the one suggested. |
just happened to think of the
same thing. l don't blame you a
lot for not wanting to take ME
into the game; but, of course
apologetically-"you could hard
ly expect me to give up a rich
thing like this, could your"
His easy, familiar, ironic talk
had brought Mrs. De Peyster one
large item of relief. Evidently
he didn't suspect who she was
yet.
What are you going to do?'
she managed to ask.
Stay right here with you, my
sisters, and In due time we'll &c
ahead with our game as per pre-.
vious specifications"
Mrs. De Peyster stared at Ma.
tilda. Matilda stared at Mrs. De
Peyster.
He nodded at the two with an
air of deep fraternal affection.
And now, Matilda, my DEAR
he resumed, lin the event OF
neighbors or police dropping in
you know, l ought to be prepared
with a correct history Of myself
To begin with, might | inquire
what our name ISL"
Simpson"
Simpson. Ali, yes; very good
Matilda Simpson-AngelicaS imp.
son-and, let us say, Archibald
Simpson. And how many are
there in our familH" a.
Mr.. oyecroft pursued his gen.
ealogical inquiries into all posi-.
bly, useful details. And then he
sat meditative for a while, gaz.
ing amiably about his famiiy,cir.
Gle. And 1t was while theyewere
all thus sitting silent that Jack
who had slipped cautiously down
stairs, walked in, behind him
Mary. II
Matilda. what's this mean ?"
he demanded. 4s855s.f :
Mrs. De Peyster turned in her
chair, and held her breath. Ma
tllda arose, shaking. 80
Who's this man, Matilda? ?"
Jack continued.
And pray, Matilda, who is
this" politely inquired the arisen
Mr.. Pyecroft, blandly assuming
command of the situation.
Who am 1? Well, you certain
ly have nerve" the astonished
Jack was beginning.
Hes Mr.. Jack" Matilda put
in. Jack De Peyster."
"Ah, young Mr.. De Peyster,"
Mr.. Pyecroft's eyebrows went up
and shrewd light flashed
into his eyes. And, pray, who is
this?" with a suave gesture to-
ward Mary.
THAT, sir, is my wife," Jack
announced, stiff with anger.
Again Mr.. Pyecroft's eyes
flashed shrewdly.
My dear sir, that is, indeed,
l have seen no public
notice of your marriage"
See here, who are your" de-
manded Jack.
Matilda seemed about to choke.
"He's-he's my-my brother"
Your brother!" exclaimed
Jack. Il didn't know you had a
brother. You never spoke of
one."
Which was entirely natural, i"
said Mr.. Pyecroft. with an air of
pious remorse. ITO be utterly
frank--for many years | was the
black sheep of the family, my
name unmentioned. But l am
now striving by my devotion to
make some amends for my pre-
vious shortcomings"
Jack turned away with a shrug,
and pointed at the dark figure of
Mrs. DE Peyster.
And who is that, Matilda?"
That, sir" put in Mr.. Pyecroft
quickly, lis our sister,"
The one who lives in SYRIA
cuse?"
Yes; and she is indisposed, +"
said Mr.. Pyecroft.
And might / ask, Matilda,
without intending discourtesy, i"
said Jack, cycling Mr.. Pyecroft
with disfavor, how long your
brother and sister intend to re-
main?"
Matilda invited us for the
summer" said Mr.. Pyecroft apol-
ogetically.
For the summer" repeated
Jack in dismay. Then he Spoke
to Matilda, causticallt: II sup
pose it's all right, Matilda, but
has it been your fixed custom,
when we've been away for the
summer, to fill the house with
your family?"
PLEASE, Mr.. Jack, please i'm
ploringly began Matilda.
Great Scott" Jack burst out
in evaporation. mot that I'd OBJ
ject ordinarily to your relatives
being here, Matilda. But running
this place just now as a hotel,
who knows but it may let out the
fact that we're hereI" sfa -
Mr. pynnrnft,a ouohroma mani