"I think it would be worth the effort just to expose Judge Rider and that young upstart, Harold King. If the ouster suit does not come to trial soon it will have a good effect on the public while it is pending. There are a lot of folks who won't have anything to do with an organization which is being sued." "I suggest that Stover and McMichael act as a committee to go to the capital and lay this plan before Governor Slydell." This suggestion from Hennesy met with unanimous approval. "And tell 'em to get beezy to vonce," said Goldberg, "for ve have no need of Kluxers, the B'nai B'rith and Knights of Columbus can take care of everytings. Ain't that right, McBryan?" "Sure, it is right," affirmed the Irish politician. McMichael and Stover left on the early morning train for the capital city. Governor Slydell, smarting under the defeat of his candidate for governor, was only too glad to act on the suggestion of Stover and McMichael. An ouster suit was filed in the Supreme Court and an inquisition, the first of a series, was arranged to be held in Wilford Springs the following week. When the day for the inquisition at Wilford Springs came, a large crowd packed the court room. The interest was like to that of the old Roman populace when they assembled at the arena to witness the throwing of some Christian or enemy of Caesar to the wild beasts. On this occasion there were those present who hoped to see some prominent Klansman devoured. Judge Rider was the first witness called. The examination was conducted by the attorney-general, who was assisted by the governor. "You may state your name," directed the attorney. "Clarence C. Rider." "What is your vocation?" "Attorney-at-law. At present I am judge of the district court." "Are you a member of the Ku Klux Klan?" There was a death-like stillness in the room as the eager listeners waited for the judge's reply. "Yes, I am," came his reply in a firm voice. There was applause from the Klan supporters, and the attorney rapped for order. "Do you hold any official position in the Klan?" "Yes." "You may state what that position is." "I am the Exalted Cyclops of Wilford Springs Klan." "How many Klansmen belong to the Wilford Springs Klan?" "Thirteen hundred fifty." "Thirteen hundred fifty! No wonder this county turned up a big majority against Perdue!" the governor exclaimed. Uproarious laughter greeted this outburst of Governor Slydell. The attorney-general again pounded for silence. "Is not this organization of which you have testified that you are the head given to acts of lawlessness?" "No, sir." "Isn't one of its purposes to take the law into its own hands?" "No, sir; just the opposite is true. One of its aims is to prevent lynchings, whippings, tar and feather parties and all such unlawful acts." "You know that members have committed acts of violence." "I know nothing of the kind." "The members of the Klan wear masks."