The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-10-07
CHAPTER XI
A Family Reunion.

A Family Reunion.
Matilda's shaking hand unlock
ed the door. Jack lunged In, be-
hind him Mr.. Pyecroft, Judge
Harvey and Mary. On Jacks face
was a look of menacing justice,
But at sight of the trembling
turnkey the invading party halt
Cd, and Jacks stern jaw almost
dropped from it's sockets.
Matilda" he exclaimed. And
from behind him, like triplicate
echo, sounded the others. Ma.
tidal"
"Good-good morning, Mr.
Jack" quavered Matilda, locking
the door again.
Then the four sighted Olivetta
"What you, Olivetta!" Jack
and Judge Harvey cried in uni.
son.
Yes, it's T, jack" she said
with an hysterical laugh. 81 just
thought I'd call in to express
it's no more than is proper, my
being her cousin, you know - to
express my sympathy to your
mother"
"Your sympathy to my moth
err"
Eyes. Toto tell her how
how sorry am that she's dead
elucidated Olivetta.
A little hand gripped jacks
arm. jack"
He turned his head and his eyes
following Mary's pointing finger
"Mother!" He walked amazed
ly up before Mrs. De Peyster'i
palsied figure. "Mother!"
In the same instant Judge
Harvey was beside her.
Caroline" he breathed, lik,
one seeing a ghost.
"Ye-yes," she mumbled.
"Then you're not dead?"
"N-ne," she mumbled.
The Judge and Jack and Mar,
gazed down at her in uttermos
astoundment. To them was addet
Mr.. Pyecroft. His bewilderment
for the moment, was the creates
of the group; for the likeness be
tween the black-garbed, fled An
gelica. and this real Mrs. De Pey'
ster I'm lavender drassing-gown
was more remarkable than he hat
ever dreamed.
"Thank Cod" quavered Judge
Harvey. "But-but how do you
come here?"
Mrs. De Peyster, with a SILVER.
ing glance at them ali, and one OF
particular terror at her recent
confederate, Mr.. Pyecroft, made
last rally to save herself.
my explanation--that is, all
know about this affairs reall,
very simple. You see-I very
unexpectedly returned home-ant
and discovered this-this stu,
alton. That is ALL" She gathered
a little more courage. 81 do no
need to inform you that / hav,
been away"
''Of course, we know you'v,
been away" said Jack. "Bu
that Mrs. De Peyster at the pie
who is she?"
She's nothing-but a base
imposter!" cried Olivetta, indig
nantly.
But we're all ready for the Ger
emonyi" exclaimed Jack. There
are a dozen reporters downstairs
and no end OF friends are coming
from out of town to be present
And that person, whoever she is
will be here"
Concern over this new, swiftly
approaching crisis for a moment
took precedence of all other emo.
tons. Judge Harvey and Mary
and Jack gazed at each other, be
wildered, helpless. Something
had to be done, quick-but what
Pardon me II I seem to In.
trude," spoke up the even voics
Of Mr.. Pyecroft.
Swiftly he stepped to Mrs. DE-
PeysteFs writing-d desk. and begar
running through the pages Of tn,
telephone book.
The telephone was now in hiI
hand. the receiver at his ear.
Central. give me Broad 400,
-. rs this the French Line
Then connect me with the man
ager of the French Liner. :.
am speaking for Mr.. Jack d
Peyster-you know. Please Civ
orders to the proper authorize
TO have Mrs. De Peyster held a
the dock. Or II she has left, stol
her at all cost. There must b
no mistakei Further orders will
follow. Understand. :. Thanl
you very much. Goodbye"
He turned about. ut will be al