he road, and springing to the
ground, took his horse by the bridle, and led him along for some rods
under the trees; then fastening him securely, opened a bundle he had
brought with him, and speedily arrayed himself in the hideous Ku Klux
disguise.

He stood a moment intently listening. The same sounds still coming from
the road; evidently many men were traveling it that night; and Snell
reflected with grave concern, though without a shadow of fear, that if
seen and recognized by any one of them his life would speedily pay the
forfeit of his temerity; for spite of his acquaintance with their secret
signs, he was not a member of the order.

He was, in fact, a detective in pursuit of evidence to convict the
perpetrators of the outrages which had been so frequent of late in that
vicinity.

Making sure that his arms were in readiness for instant use, he hastened
on his way, threading the mazes of the wood with firm, quick, but light
step.

He had proceeded but a short distance, when he came upon a sentinel who
halted him.

Snell slapped his hands together twice, quick and loud.

The sentinel answered in the same manner, and permitted him to pass; the
same thing was repeated twice, and then a few steps brought him into the
midst of the assembled Klan; for it was a general meeting of all the
camps in the county which together composed a Klan.

Snell glided, silently and unquestioned, to a place among the others,
the disguise and the fact of his having passed the sentinels, lulling
all suspicion.

Most of those present were in disguise, but some were not, and several
of these the officer recognized as men whom he knew by name and by
sight, among them Green and George Boyd.

A good deal of business was transacted; several raids were decided upon,
the victims named, the punishment to be meted out to each prescribed,
and the men to execute each order appointed.

One member after another would mention the name of some individual who
had become obnoxious to him personally, or to the Klan, saying that he
ought to be punished; and the matter would be at once taken up, and
arrangements made to carry out his suggestion.

Boyd mentioned the name of "Edward Travilla, owner of Ion," cursing him
bitterly as a scalawag, a friend of carpet-baggers, and of the
education and elevation of the negroes.

"Right! his case shall receive prompt attention!" said the chief.

"Let it be a severe whipping administered to-morrow night, b