Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-05-08

- about"
Forget it. was behind you when
you asked for that letter. Give it here. ]
want to show you something"
Suddenly, with the letter in his hand, Bas-
sett laughed, and then tore it open. There
was only sheet of blank paper inside.
Il wasn't sure you'd see it, and l didn't
think you'd fall for it If you did, he OBJ
served. But I was pretty sure you didn't
want me to see Melis. Now know it,
We'll, didn't" Gregory said sullenly.
Just the same, l expect to sec him. The
days early yet, and that's not common
name. But I'll take darned good care you
don't get any more letters from here"
What do you think Melis can tell you,
that you don't know"
III explain that to you some day., Bas-
sett said cheerfully. Some day when you
are in a more receptive mood than you are
now. The point at this moment seems to me
to be, what does Melis know that you don't
want me to know? 1 suppose you don't in
tend to tell me?"
Not here. You may believe it or not,
Bassett, but I was going to your town tonight
to see you
Well" Bassett said specifically, 1--WE got
your word for it. And I've got nothing to do
all day but to listen to YOU
To his proposition that they go to his hotel
Gregory assented sullenly, and they moved
out to find taxicab. On the pavement, how
ever, he held back.
i've got right to know something" he
said. considering what he's done to me and
mine. Clark's alive, suppose?'
Hes alive, all right"
"Then I'll trade you, Bassett I'll come
over with what 1 know, if you'll tell me one
thing. What sent him into hiding for ten
years, and makes him turn up now, yelling
for help?''
Bassett reflected. The offer of state
Tnnc Ill
other hand, he was anxious not to Influence
his narrative And Gregory saw his uncer-
tainty He planted himself firmly on the
pavement.
How about to" he demanded
I'll tell you this much, Gregory. He never
meant to bring the thing up again. In a
way it's me you're up against Not Clark
And you can be pretty sure 1 know what I'm
doing. I've got Clark, and I've got the re-
port of the coroner's inquest and I'll get
Melis I'm going to get to the bottom OF
this if I have to dig hole that buries me-
In a taxicab Gregory sat tense and erect
gnawing at his blonde mustache. He sur.
veyed the obscure hotel at which the taxicat
stopped with a sneering smile, and settled
his collar as he looked it over.
mot advertising to the world that you're
in town, I see.''
Wen do that, just as soon as we're ready
don't worry"
pleasantly on Bassett's ears. But inside the
building he lost some of his jauntiness
Queer place to find Judson Clark he said
once.
And again:
you'd better watch him when 1 go in
He may bite me-. ..-
To which Bassett grimly returned: He's
probably rather particular what he bites
He was uneasiIy conscious thta Gregory
while nervous and tense, carrying the sit
uat1on with a certain assurance, if he was act
ing it was very good acting And that opinion
was strengthened when he threw open the
door and Gregory advanced into the room
well, Clark he said coolly, II guess vol
didn't expect to see me, did you?"
well, your friend here did that for you.
he went on and smiled across at Bassett "He
has his own methods, and I'll say they're eff.
fectuaL"
He took off his overcoat and flung it on
the bed, and threw swift, appraising glance
at Dick.
$50 here we are, again, judi" he said ''But
with this change-thCt now it's you who are
the respectable member of the community
and I'm the-wel, We'll call it the butterfly
There was unmistakable insult in his tone
and Dick caught it.
Then [ take it you're still living off your
sister,"
The contempt in Dicks voice whipped the
color to Gregory's face and he clenched his
fist. But he relaxed in moment and laughed
Don't worry, Bassett,'' he said his eyes or
Dick. I'VE haven't any reason to like each
other but he's bigger than I am I won't hit
him." Then he hardened his voice "But
I'll remind you, Clark, that personally don't
give - whether you swing or not