The Negro backed cautiously away muttering. “He got ‘em sho!” and darted down the steps. The fact that he was being kept in solitary confinement and refused communication of any kind with friend or counsel, roused every force of John Graham’s character. When the Attorney General who had come down from Washington called at ten o’clock he greeted him with a laugh through the bars of his door: “Excuse my lack of hospitality, General Champion,” he said; “I’d offer you a chair, but the hotel is crowded and we’re short of chairs just now.” “Haven’t you a chair or a bed in your cell?” he enquired, peering in. “It’s an outrage. Bring two chairs here at once!” he thundered to the attendant. “Mr. Graham,” said the General cordially, “I’ve hastened to you as a friend. I was a member of Congress with your uncle. We were warm personal friends. I’ve known several of your people, and always found them the salt of the earth.” “Thanks,” John interrupted, a smile playing about the corners of his eyes. “I wish to be of help to you if you will let me. It has long been known to the Department of Justice that you are the Chief of the Klan in North Carolina.” “I congratulate the Department of Justice on the attainment of such interesting knowledge,” John broke in. “Do you deny it?” “I’m not discussing it.” “You must know, Mr. Graham, that the organisation is doomed, and that you are in an extremely dangerous position. I trust you realise this?” “Quite warm last night, General!” “Come, come, young man, I’m your friend----” “It’s a pleasure to meet a friend; do you think it will rain?” “You are to be put on trial for your life----” “My idea is that we are in for a long dry spell, General.” “Tut, tut, my boy, come now, don’t try my temper with such nonsense. President Grant is not hostile to the South. He grieves over the necessity of the severe laws which he is now enforcing. His only desire is to pacify these disorders. The Klan must be stamped out. You have realised this--I know that you have led parties who have inflicted summary justice on some of the scoundrels who are operating in its disguises. Is not this a fact?” John laughed. “I know it,” affirmed the General. “Then why ask me?” “I know that you have tried to stamp out the disorders,” the General repeated. “Whatever the impulses which led a man of your high character into this lawless conspiracy, you have realised at last its dangerous character. You are in a position to render the South and the Nation an enormous service. Help me to restore law and order in the South and the Government will show its gratitude.” “You mean exactly?” “That you give me the information needed to wipe the Invisible Empire out of existence----” “And in return?” The General placed his hands on the bars and leaned close. “The President has promised me to immediately appoint you an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, and in six months promote you to the high honour of a United States Circuit Judgeship.”