As Helen said this firmly, John stood so that he was hidden from sight, while he removed his false beard, saying:
“Look at me closely and, maybe, you will know.”
“My God! it is John Pierson!”
“Yes; John Pierson, and that boy’s father.”
“Then I am his mother. Touch him if you dare!”
“Don’t let him take me! Don’t let him! It was that man that killed the man in New York and tried to kill me!” screamed Loney, clinging to Helen wildly.
“Don’t fear, my child! for he shall not harm one hair of your head!”
“And what will you do? What can you do to prevent it?”
“Do? Stand here and fight for him until you’ve hacked me to pieces with that murderous knife! And I bid you beware, for I am his mother!”
“Onto her, Dopey! We’ll settle this right now!”