“It’s beyond me, sonny. The Grand Dragon of the State honours us with his presence to-night and is in command--he will no doubt explain. Have a drink.” He handed the group a flask of whiskey, and passed on. When the men had assembled beside the shallow grave, the chaplain led in prayer. The tall figure with the double scarlet cross on his breast removed his helmet and faced the men. “Boys,” began John Graham, “you have assembled here to-night for the last time as members of the Invisible Empire!” “Hell!” “What’s that?” The exclamations, half incredulous, half angry, came from every direction with suddenness and unanimity which showed the men to be utterly unprepared for such an announcement. “Yes,” the even voice went on, “I hold in my hand an official order of the Grand Wizard of the Empire, dissolving its existence for all time. Our Commander-in-chief has given the word. As loyal members of the order, we accept his message.” “Then our parade to-night was not a defiance of these soldiers who have marched into town?” sneered a voice. “No, Steve Hoyle, it was not. Our parade to-night was in accordance with this order of dissolution. It was our last formal appearance. Our work is done----” Steve saw in a flash his opportunity to defeat his enemy and make himself not only the master of his Congressional District but of the state itself. “Not by a damn sight!” snapped the big square jaw. “You refuse as the commander of this district to obey the order of the Grand Wizard?” asked the tall quiet figure. “I refuse, John Graham, to accept your word as the edict of God!” was the quick retort. “Our men can vote on this and decide for themselves.” “Yes, vote on it!” “We’ll decide for ourselves!” The quick responses which came from all sides showed the temper of the men. John Graham stepped in front of the big leader of the district. “Look here, Steve Hoyle, I want no trouble with you to-night, nor in the future--but I’m going to carry this order into execution here and now.” “Let’s see you do it!” was the defiant answer. “I will,” he continued. “Boys!” There was the ring of conscious authority in his tones and the men responded with sharp attention. “You have each sworn to obey your superior officer on the penalty of your life?” “Yes!” “You are men of your word. As the Grand Dragon of the State I command you to deliver to me immediately your helmets and robes.” With the precision of soldiers they deposited them in the open grave. Steve Hoyle surrendered his last. When all had been placed in the grave, John Graham removed his own, reverently placed it with the others, tied two pieces of pine into the form of the fiery cross, lighted its ends, drew the ritual of the Klan from his pocket, set it on fire and held it over the grave while the ashes slowly fell on the folds of the white and scarlet regalia which he also ignited. Some of the men were sobbing. While the regalia rapidly burned he turned and said: [Illustration: 0073]