The Breaking Point - Page 123/275

He paused, and looked the reporter straight in the eyes. "I am laying my

cards on the table, Bassett. This 'G,' whoever he is, is clearly warning

my uncle against you. I want to know what he is warning him about."

Bassett read the note carefully, and looked up.

"I suppose you know who 'G' is?"

"I do not. Do you?"

"I'll give you another name, and maybe you'll get it. A name that I

think will mean something to you. Beverly Carlysle."

"The actress?"

Bassett had an extraordinary feeling of unreality, followed by one of

doubt. Either the fellow was a very good actor, or-"Sorry," Dick said slowly. "I don't seem to get it. I don't know that

'G' is as important as his warning. That note's a warning."

"Yes. It's a warning. And I don't think you need me to tell you what

about."

"Concerning my uncle, or myself?"

"Are you trying to put it over on me that you don't know?"

"That's what I'm trying to do," Dick said, with a sort of grave

patience.

The reporter liked courage when he saw it, and he was compelled to a

sort of reluctant admiration.

"You've got your courage with you," he observed. "How long do you

suppose it will be after you set foot on the streets of this town before

you're arrested? How do you know I won't send for the police myself?"

"I know damned well you won't," Dick said grimly. "Not before I'm

through with you. You've chosen to interest yourself in me. I suppose

you don't deny the imputation in that letter. You'll grant that I have

a right to know who and what you are, and just what you are interested

in."

"Right-o," the reporter said cheerfully, glad to get to grips; and

to stop a fencing that was getting nowhere. "I'm connected with the

Times-Republican, in your own fair city. I was in the theater the night

Gregory recognized you. Verbum sap."

"This Gregory is the 'G'?"

"Oh, quit it, Clark," Bassett said, suddenly impatient. "That letter's

the last proof I needed. Gregory wrote it after he'd seen David

Livingstone. He wouldn't have written it if he and the old man hadn't

come to an understanding. I've been to the cabin. My God, man, I've even

got the parts of your clothing that wouldn't burn! You can thank Maggie

Donaldson for that."