Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-07-31
:" The LeoDard'S '6DOt5"

on the mare few lifting her proud SEN
sitive head higher and higher, while her
heart beat her foa7ning tanks IKE trip
hammer. She never slackened her speed
for the ten miles. bur dashed up 20 Ma
jor Dameron's gate at shutdown. just 40
minutes from the time she started. The
preacher patted her dripping neck.
Good, Nancy! good! 1 believe you've
got soul!''
She stood with her head still high.
paving the ground.
Major Cameron, I've driven my mare
here at a killing speed to tell you that
young Mcleod and Hose Norman have
crowd of desperGdoes organized to Kill old
Rufus baltimore tonight. You must get
enough men together and get there In
time TO stop them. Sam Worth overheard
their plot, knows every one Of them, ana
tSere viii be a battle If they attempt it,"
MY Godr' exclaimed the major.
'You haven't a minute to spare. They
aro already loading up on moonshine
whisky"
Doctor Durham, this is the end of the
Ku Klux Khan in this county. I'll break
up every lodge in the next IS hours. It's
too easy for vicious men TO abuse II. Its
power is too great Besides its work Is
done"
II was just going to ask you TO take
get there I'm time tonight I'd go with you
but my mare can't stand it."
"Tll be there on time. Never fear, re-
piled the major, springing on his horse
already sad6led at the door.
The preacher drove slowly to his home,
the mare pulling steadily on her lines. She
walked proudly into her stable lot, her
head high and fine eyes flashing, reeled
and fell dead in the shafts! The preacher
couldn't keep back the tears. He called
Dick and left him and Charlie the sorrow
full task OF taking on her harness. he
hurried into the house and shut himself
up in his study.
That night wheE the crowd of young
toughs assembled at their rendezvous 1t
was barely 10 o'clock.
Suddenly pistol shot reng from behind
tho schoclhouse. and before Mcleod and
mis- crowd knew what. had happened 80
white horsemen wheeled into circle
about them. They were completely sur
prised ana cowed.
Major Dameron rode I'D to Mcleod.
Young man. you are the prisoner Of the
chief OF the Ku Klux Khan of Campbell
county. Lift your hand now and I'll hang
YOU in five minutes. You have forfeited
your life by diso5edience TO my orders.
You 60 back 20 Hambright with me under
guard. whether 1 execute you depends
on the outcome CT the next two days con-
lodges"
The major wheeled his horse and rode
home TIE next day he oroered every one
offthe II township chiefs to report in per-
son to him, at different hours the same
day. To each one his message was the
same. He dissolved the order and issued
a perpetual injunction against any divis-
ion of the khan ever going on another raid.
There were only few who could see
the wisdom OF such hasty action. The sue
cess had been so marvellous. their power
so absolute, Il seemed a pity to throw 1t
all away. Young Kline especially begged
the major to postpone his action.
Its impossible Kline. The Khan has
done its work. The carpet-baggers have
fed. The state is redeemed from the in
famies Of a negro government, and we
have a clean economical administration,
and we can keep IL so as long as the white
people are a unit without any secret So
cieties."
but, major, we may be needed again"
ct can't assume the responsibility any
longer. The thing is getting beyond my
control. The order is full Of wild young
sters and revengeful men. They try to
bring their grudges against neighbors
into the order. and when 1 refuse to au-
thorize a raid, they take their DISCUSSES
and go without authority. An archangel
couldn't command such a force"
OF the khan by its chief, every lodge had
been reorganized. Some OF the older men
had dropped out, but more young men
were Initiated to take their places. Allan
Mcleod led in this work of prompt reor-
ganization, and was elected chief Of the
county by the younger element which
now had large majority.
He at once served notice. on Major Dam
eron, the former chief, that If he dared to
interfere with his work even by opening
his mouth I'm criticism, he would order a
raid, and thrash him.
When the major found this note under
his door one morning, he read and re-read
Il with increasing wrath. Springing on
his horse he went in search of Mcleod.
He saw him leisurely crossing the street
going from the hotel to the court house.
Throwing his horses rein to passing
boy. he walked rapidly to him and, with
out word, boxed his ears as a father
would an impudent child. Mcleod was
so astonished. he hesitated for a moment
whether to strike or to run. He did Meth
er, but biushed red and stammered.
what do you mean, sirT'
Read that letter, you young whelp!'
The major thrust the letter into his
hand"
II know nothing Of this"
You're a lair. You are its author. No
other fool in this county would have con-
ceived IT. Now. let me give you a little
notice. l am prepared for you and your
crowd. Call any time. can whip a hun
bred puppies OF your breed any time by
myself with one hand tied behind me,
and never get a scratch. Dare to lift your
finger against me, or any OF the men who
refused to go with your new fools move
ment. and I'll shoot you on sight as
would a mad dog" Before Mcleod could
reply. the major turned on his heels and
left him.
Mcleod made no further attempt to mo-
lest the major. nor did he allow any raid
bent on murder. The sudden authority
placed in his hands in a measure sobered
him. He inaugurated a series Of petty dew
iltries, whipping negroes and poor white
men against whom some of his crowd
had a grudge, and annoying the school
teachers Of negro schools.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE BIRTH OF A scALAwAG.
The overwhelming defeat OF their pets in
the south, and the topping of their houses