Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/75

 going to carry this order into execution here and now."

"Let's see you do it!" was the defiant answer.

"I will," he continued. "Boys!"

There was the ring of conscious authority in his tones and the men responded with sharp attention.

"You have each sworn to obey your superior officer on the penalty of your life?"

"Yes!"

"You are men of your word. As the Grand Dragon of the State I command you to deliver to me immediately your helmets and robes."

With the precision of soldiers they deposited them in the open grave. Steve Hoyle surrendered his last.

When all had been placed in the grave, John Graham removed his own, reverently placed it swith the others, tied two pieces of pine into the form of the fiery cross, lighted its ends, drew the ritual of the Klan from his pocket, set it on fire and held it over the grave while the ashes slowly fell on the folds of the white and scarlet regalia which he also ignited. Some of the men were sobbing. While the regalia rapidly burned he turned and said:

"Boys, I thank you. You have helped me do a painful thing. But it is best. Our work is done. We have rescued our state from Negro