Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-05-05
THE BREAKING POINT
BY MARY ROBERTS RfNEHART

One night late in October, the trap OF Bas-
sets devising began to close in. 1t had been
raining, but in spite of that they had sold
standing room to the fire limit. Having got
the treasurer's report on the nights business
and sent it to Beverlys dressing room, Greg
DRY wandered into a small, low-ceiled office
under the balcony staircase, and, closing the
door, sat down. 1t was the interval after the
second act, and above the hum of voices the
sound of the orchestra penetrated family.
He was very contented He had a supper
engagement after the show he had neat car
waiting outside to take him to 1T, and the
nights business had been extraordinary he
consulted his watch and then picked up an
evening paper A few moments later ne
found himself reading, over and over, small
notice inserted among the personals.
Personal: Jean Melis, who was in Norada'l
Wyoming during the early fall OF l9l0'
please communicate with La, this office
He got his hat and went out, forgetful OF
the neat car at the curb, of the supper engage
ment, of the nights business and wandered
down the street through the rain But his
first uneasiness passed quickly. He saw Bas-
sett in the affair, and probably CLARK himself
still living and tardily determined to clear MS
name But if the worst came to the worst,
what could they do? They could go only
so far, and then they would have TO quit.
He had only one uncertainty. Suppose
that Bassett had stumbled on Clifton Hines?
He wondered through what formalities
LIZ for instance would have to go in order
to secure a letter addressed to him? Wheth-
er he had to present card or whether he
walked in, demanded his mail and went away!
That thought brought another with it. WASN'T
it probable that Bassett was in New York, and
would call for his mail himself?
He determined finally to take the chance,
claim to be LIZ, and If Melis had seen the
advertisement and replied, get the letter. 1t
would be easy to square it with the valet by
saying that he had recognized him in the
theater and that Miss Carlysle wished to send
him a box.
He had small hope of a letter at his first
call, unless the Frenchman had himself seen
the notice, but his anxiety drove him early to
the office. There was nothing there, but he
| learned one thing.
He had to go through with no formal1tles.
The clerk merely looked in box, said Moth
! ing here" and went on about his business. AT
| IL o'clock he went back again, and after
careful scrutiny of the crowd, presented him.
self once more.
| "L-22? Here you are.
He had the letter in his hand. He had
glanced at it, and had thrust it deep in his
pocket, when he felt hand on his shoulder.
He wheeled and faced Bassett.
81 thought I recognized that back" said
the reporter, cheerfully Come over here,
old man. I want to talk to you"
But he held to Gregory's shoulder. In
corner Bassett dropped the friendliness he
| had assumed for the clerks benefit, and faced
him with cold anger.
! 'Ill have that letter now, Gregory" he
said. "And I've got damned good notion
to lodge an information against you"
Copyright, 1929
Continued Tuesday. Renew your subscrip-
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