doubted
the existence of the Klans, I must have been convinced, after
that ride, unimportant in itself, but memorable for the events
which lately had taken place. The remarks and manners of my
companion were peculiar. He had a furtive, scared expression as
night enclosed us. He was a native Democrat--and I was amazed at
his evident trepidation.

We were striving to reach Ruffin, a little station on the
Richmond and Danville railroad (now called the Southern Railroad)
a few miles south of Danville. Although spring was opening, there
was no foliage on the trees, except tiny leaflets bursting into
life. Night advanced and the moon shone effulgent, but her rays
were obscured by the divergent limbs of the forest, when we
sometimes plunged into its depths. The gloom was intensified by
drifting clouds, hanging low; but these momentarily lifted,
briefly restoring the cheery moonbeams and silver roadway. Many
tree-trunks were white, contrasting with the darkness within the
dense woods, glistening like spectres, as the tremulous light
glimmered through the branches. There was no sound in the
forest, except the solemn wail of the wind, and the steady tramp,
tramp--tramp, tramp of the hurrying horse. My flesh crept and
shuddered under the drastic influence of the chill night and the
doleful croakings of my companion; who talked continually of the
Kuklux, and peered through the bushes and undergrowth, as if
expecting to see rise from the ground a full cavalcade of shadowy
night-riders.

We reached Ruffin, nevertheless, in good time, and went whirling
home in a comfortable railway coach, filled not with hobgoblins,
but with civilized human beings.

Afterward I learned that the companion of my night-ride (who was
a tailor) had sewn together the diabolical garbs of the White
Brotherhood of his vicinity. Remembering this hideous livery of
the devil, it was no wonder he was afraid, even of the peaceful
moon, as she benignantly observed him through the arms of the
forest.

* * * * *

New York, Feb. 2.--The result of the election (Nov. 8) was rather
shocking, but not unexpected. I think the Republicans deserved
the drubbing. A hundred and ninety thousand of them, in New York,
did not vote; so to punish somebod