"They seem to think I am Thomas Preston." "Thomas Preston!" cried the Judge.
"Yes, the man that forged those Jefferson letters you bought." Mr.Pyecroft saw the puzzled semi-recognition that he had observed in the Judge's face the night before flash into amazed, full recognition.
Quickly but without appearance of haste, he stepped forward diverting attention from the Judge's face, and made himself the center of the party's eyes.
"You see, lieutenant and officers," he said easily, filling in time to give Judge Harvey opportunity to recover and think--and still aiming his meaning at the Judge, "you see, I have here summoned before you the best possible witness to my identity.

You threaten to arrest and expose me and two other persons in this house.

Judge Harvey knows, as well as I know, how unfortunate it would be for these parties, and how displeasing to Mrs.De Peyster, if you should make the very great blunder of arresting me as Thomas Preston.

Now, Judge Harvey,"-- with a joking smile,--"you know who I am.

Will you please inform the lieutenant whether I am the man you wish to have arrested ?" Judge Harvey stared, silent, his face twitching.
"Is what he says O.K., Judge ?" queried Lieutenant Sullivan.