The National tribune., 1899-04-06

smash the door in, if they try to hold i
against Us. Sergeant Ramsey, deplOy you
men quietly around to the rear there, to Gu,
off retreat, but he ready to rally again and
help Sergeant Klegg out if he strikes a biz
snag. YOu make the circuit Of the house
and post yourself where you can see what.
going on, and signal your men. Everybody
keep under the shadow of the trees, anG
make no noise. Go on to the house, Cor
pOral."
Shorty left the cover of the trees, and
walked directly toward the front door. Nc
one appeared or halted him until he pushed
the front door open. Then man who
seemed more intent on what was going on
inside than the new arriy Il. bent his head
over to catch the farrago about the star, and
put out his hand for the grip.
"COme on in, but don't make noise" he
whispered. They're giyin' the obligation,
and / want to hear it."
Shorty stood beside him for moment, and
then watched his opportunity, and pressed
by him. to where he could see into the room.
1t was entirely dark except for the light Of
n single candle, shaded so that its rays fell
upon rude altar in the center of the room.
draped with n rebel flag. Upon this lay 4
naked sword, skull and crOss-bones. Behind
the altar stood q masked man, draped in a
long shrOud, who was mOuthing, in a sepul-
chral tOne the obligation to several men
kneeling in front OF the altar. The dim
light family revealed other masked and
shrOuded figures, stationed at various places
about the room, and looming above the seated
audience.
"YOu solemnly swear" droned the CHIEF
actor, " to resist to the death every attempt
to place the Niger above the white man,
and destroy the Government of our fathers "
"We d." responded those kneeling at the
altar.
Let it be so recorded" said a sepulchral
voice from the other extremity of the room.
gong sounded dislnally, ana n glare OF
lurid red light filled the room
''Regler Sons o. Malty biziniss, like |
seen in st. Looyey," commented Shorty to
himself Masks, shrOuds, red fire and
gong, all the same. But where've l heard
that croakin' voice before?"
'YOu sOlemnly promise and swear" re-
sumed the sepulchral tones Of the chief
actor, Ito do all in your power to restore
the Constitution and laws Of this country to
what were established by the fathers, and
resist the efforts of nigger-lOving Abolitionists
and evil-minded fanatics to subvert them"
"We do" responded the keeling men.
Again the grewsome gong sounded, the
red fire glared forth, and the hollow voice
announced that it was so recorded.
"Ill bet six bits to a picayune," said
Shorty to himself, THAT / know the rooster
who's doin' them High Priest antics Where'd
l hear his voice before?"
''And, finally, BRETHREN" resumed the
chief actor, "do you solemnly promise and
swear to cheerfully obey all orders given you
by officers regularly appointed over you ac-
cording to the rules and regulations of this
great order, and military discipline?"
There was little hesitation about this,
but the kneelng ones were nudged and
whispered to. and finally responded,
I'VE do"
Again it was funereally announced to the
accompaniment of flashes OF red fire and the
gong, that it was duly recorded.
"Great Jehosephat, if it amt old Bill
ings himself that's doin' that heavy
tragedy act" said Shorty, slapping himself
On the thigh. "The old dregs o. the
bottomless pit Is there any deviltry that
he won't git into?"
His decision was confirmed a minute or
two later, when, after some more fan
farronads .the initiation ended, the officers
removed their masks and shrouds, and the
candles in the sconces around the room were