The third cause of action is based upon a separate and distinct tort in the nature of abuse of process, and hence could not be properly joined with the other causes of action constituting a counterclaim. R. R. v. Nichols, 187 N. C., 153, 120 S. E., 819; Sasser v. Bullard, 199 N. C., 562, 155 S. E., 248; Williams v. Gooch, 206 N. C., 330; Lucas and Lewis v. North Carolina Bank and Trust Co., 206 N. C., 909.

Affirmed.