Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/299

 "Come, come, young man, I'm your friend—"

"It's a pleasure to meet a friend; do you think it will rain?"

"You are to be put on trial for your life"

"My idea is that we are in for a long dry spell, General."

"Tut, tut, my boy, come now, don't try my temper with such nonsense. President Grant is not hostile to the South. He grieves over the necessity of the severe laws which he is now enforcing. His only desire is to pacify these disorders. The Klan must be stamped out. You have realised this—I know that you have led parties who have inflicted summary justice on some of the scoundrels who are operating in its disguises. Is not this a fact?"

John laughed.

"I know it," affirmed the General.

"Then why ask me?"

"I know that you have tried to stamp out the disorders," the General repeated. "Whatever the impulses which led a man of your high character into this lawless conspiracy, you have realised at last its dangerous character. You are in a position to render the South and the Nation an enormous service. Help me to restore law and order in the South and the Government will show its gratitude."