Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/43

 "Will you leave my house? or must I call an officer to eject you, sir?" he thundered.

"A process of law is slow and expensive, Judge," said John with a drawl. "I haven't the money at present to waste on a suit, May I ask when you will vacate this estate?"

"When ordered to do so by the last court of appeal, sir!"

John looked the Judge squarely in the eye and slowly said:

"You are before the last court of appeal now, and it's judgment day."

"I understand your threat, sir, but I want to tell you that your Ku Klux Klan has had its day. The President is aroused—Congress has acted. I'll order a regiment of troops to this town to-morrow! Dare to lift the weight of your little finger against my authority and I'll send your crazy old father ta the county poorhouse and you to the gallows—to the gallows! I warn you!"

John took a step closer to his enemy, towering over his slouchy figure menacingly, and said:

"When will you vacate this house?"

Butler grasped the back of his chair, trembling with fury.

"The possession of this estate is the fulfillment of one of the proudest ambitions of my life."

"When will you get out?"