"I can tell you something else that perhaps you do not know. The Klan oath is in direct violation of the Constitution of the United States. The Klan members are obligated to support the Klan regardless of how the interests of the Klan may clash with the government of the United States." "How do you know, Springer, did you ever take this oath?" "No." "Did you ever see it?" "No." "How do you know, then?" "I am in the newspaper business, and I have ways of getting information that the ordinary person does not have," declared Springer with an air and tone of great importance. Two Klansmen, standing near, heard this conversation. Each one had contributed to the funds for the colored Baptist Church and the Widow Armstrong donations; they had each paid only ten dollars initiation fee and knew that the organizer received only a small part of that; they had each taken the solemn obligation of a Klansman binding himself to support to the full extent of his ability the Constitution of the United States. As they moved away one remarked, "Springer is certainly a malicious liar or an ignoramus." "'Verily, he hath his reward,'" the other remarked. "Pray tell me what it is." "I have heard that Aesop once said that there is a compensation for everything. A friend said, 'You are wrong! What compensation hath the fool?' "Aesop replied, 'The fool has the joy of being wise in his own conceit.' If Aesop is correct, Springer should experience a great deal of joy." The two men laughed heartily. Chapter XV Harold King was walking in the clouds. He had received a letter from J.C. Welty asking him to come to the capital at once. He stated that he was going to build a large hotel, work to begin as soon as the plans were drawn, and that King had been recommended to him as an architect. Harold decided that in order to make the right kind of impression he must have some new clothes, consequently he waived his objections to going in debt for clothes and that evening visited Jackson's clothing store where he was fitted out. He had made the drawings and drawn up most of the specifications for a big hotel when he was an employee in an architect's office, and these he now got together. It was fortunate he had saved them. This done he called Ruth over the 'phone and secured her permission to call in the evening. About three o'clock in the afternoon Golter entered Ruth's office. "Miss Ruth," he said, "don't you want to take a ride?" Ruth had declined many invitations to ride with Golter and refused many requests to call. "I would prefer riding to pounding this typewriter this time in the afternoon, but the chances are I will have to continue to pound it until four o'clock." "I am going to Zala and thought you might enjoy going along for the ride." "I would like to go to Zala. I haven't been there for so long. When are you going to start?" "Right away." "I wouldn't want to ask to quit work early." "I'll ask Uncle Jim for you, if you will go."