Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/71

 The men began to whisper excitedly to one another.

"What's this?"

"What's the matter?"

"Who's dead?"

"You're too many for me!"

"What's up, Steve Hoyle?" asked one of the raiders.

"It's beyond me, sonny. The Grand Dragon of the State honours us with his presence to-night and is in command—he will no doubt explain. Have a drink." He handed the group a flask of whiskey, and passed on.

When the men had assembled beside the shallow grave, the chaplain led in prayer.

The tall figure with the double scarlet cross on his breast removed his helmet and faced the men.

"Boys," began John Graham, "you have assembled here to-night for the last time as members of the Invisible Empire!"

"Hell!"

"What's that?"

The exclamations, half incredulous, half angry, came from every direction with suddenness and unanimity which showed the men to be utterly unprepared for such an announcement.

"Yes," the even voice went on, "I hold in my hand an official order of the Grand Wizard of the