Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/187

 "You had better understand at once, Miss. Butler," he began, "that I am a prosperous young business man from the North at present engaged in the organisation of cotton mills in the South."

Stella could not repress a smile, as she said:

"I must say you look the part."

"I have engaged board at Mrs. Wilson's and asked Mr. John Graham to act as my attorney in the organisation of a company in this county."

"I see," she cried, for the first time catching the steady light of Ackerman's eye.

"I cannot be seen in conference with you. We will report to each other by letter. But we must clearly understand each other. Am I right that you mean to press this case to the bitter end, let the blow fall on whom it may?"

"Certainly," was the firm answer.

"I learn from the Attorney General's office that you are on the track of the man who is Commander-in-chief of the Klan in this state?"

"Yes."

"Pardon another question. I must know if you are in dead earnest? I have found that women have little tenacity of purpose in such cases and as a rule cannot be depended on."