urselves to the last extremity."

Travilla threw his riding whip into the road a foot or two in front of
his horse's head, saying, as he looked steadily into the leader's eyes,
"The first one who passes that to come nearer to us is that instant a
dead man."

The two were well known in the community as men of undoubted courage and
determination; also as excellent marksmen.

A whisper ran along the lines of their opponents.

"He's a dead shot; and so's Dinsmore; and they're not afraid o' the
devil himself. Better let 'em go for this time."

The leader gave the word, "Forward!" and with hisses, groans and a
variety of hideous noises, they swept along the road and passed out of
sight, leaving our friends masters of the field.

"Cruelty and cowardice go hand in hand," observed Mr. Travilla, as they
resumed their homeward way.

"Yes, those brave fellows prefer waging war upon sleeping unarmed men,
and helpless women and children, to risking life and limb in fair and
open fight with such as you and I," returned his companion.

"They are Ku Klux, you think?"

"I am morally certain of it, though I could not bring proof to convict
even that rascally Dr. Savage."

They agreed not to mention the occurrence in presence of their wives:
also that it would be best for Travilla to take his family home early,
Mr. Dinsmore and Horace Jr. accompanying them as an escort.

This they could readily do without arousing the fears of the ladies, as
both were constantly coming and going between the two places.

The sun was nearing the horizon when they reached the Oaks.

Rose and Elsie were in the veranda awaiting their coming in some
anxiety.

"Oh," they cried, "we are so rejoiced to see you! so thankful that you
are safe. We feared you had met some of those dreadful Ku Klux."

"Yes, little wife, we are safe, thanks to the protecting care which is
over us all in every place," Mr. Travilla said, embracing her as though
they had been long parted.

"Ah yes," she sighed, "how I have been forgetting to-day the lessons of
faith and trust I have tried to impress upon Mrs. Leland. It is far
easier to preach than to practice."

Little feet came running in from the grounds, little voices
shouted, "Papa has come! Papa and grandpa too," and a merry scene
ensued--hugging, kissing, romping--presently interrupted by the call
to tea.

There was nothing unusual in the manner of either gentleman and the
wives had no suspicion that they had b