"This man said, 'we'll fix this young upstart.'" Harold clenched his teeth and hands. He felt the muscles of his arms tighten. "Mr. Stover said, 'let's give him one chance.' 'What do you propose?' the other asked. I could not hear what Mr. Stover said as he dropped his voice to a whisper." "What else did they say?" "That was all I heard except the man said, 'I'll keep you informed.'" "You are sure he said that he got his information from a member of the Klan?" "Yes, positive." "So they are going to fix the 'young upstart,' are they?" "Mr. Stover did not say that; it was the other man who said it. Mr. Stover said, 'Let's give him another chance.'" "I thank you, Ruth, for this information." "Harold," she said, laying her hand gently on his arm, "I hope you can prove that you are not a member of this organization." "Didn't you say the principles were all right?" "Yes, but so many claim that a lawless element belongs." "Ruth, you know that hatred and prejudice will cause people to make bitter accusations which they cannot prove and which have no basis in fact. Enrolled as members of the Klan are ministers, lawyers, judges, congressmen, governors. Do you believe that officers who have taken an oath to support the government and enforce its laws and who have always been law-abiding citizens would become and remain members of an outlaw organization? I tell you, Ruth, the Klan is composed of many of the best citizens and its purpose is to uphold and enforce law--not to violate it." "I suppose that is true, but somehow I can't help but hope you do not belong and that if necessary you can prove that you do not. I hardly know, after what you have told me about the Klan, why I should feel this way unless it is because I am your friend and interested in you and do not want you to do anything that will injure your chances for success in the business world or subject you to worry and persecution." "I appreciate your consideration for me, but, Ruth, if the issues are as vital as I believe they are and the United States needs an organization of this character to protect our American institutions and our Christian civilization would you want me to refuse my support for fear of personal consequences?" As he asked this question, his gray eyes looked straight into her brown ones.