Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-12-29
TIE CLMANsMAN.
An Historical Romance of the
Ku Klux Klan.
BY THOMAS DIXON, JR.
Author and Published by Doubleday. Page g Co.
CHAPTER VII.
THE SNARE OF THE FOWLER.

CHAPTER VII.
THE SNARE OF THE FOWLER.
Sweet was the secret Joy Of old
Stoneman over the fate Of Ben Came
ron. His death sentence would strike
terror to his party, and his prompt
execution, on the morning of the elec-
ton but two days of, would turn the
tide, save the state, and rescue his
daughter from a hated alliance.
He determined 20 bar the last way
of escape He knew the Khan would
attempt q rescue, and stop at no means
fair or foul short Of civil war. Afraid
of the loyalty Of the white battalions
quartered in Piedmont. he determined
to leave Immediately for Spartanburg
order an exchange Of garrtsons, ana
when the death warrant was returned
from headquarters, place its execution
in the hands Of a stranger. to whom
appeal would be vain. He knew such
an officer In the Spartanburg post
man Of fierce, vindictive nature. once
court martialed for cruelty, who hated
every southern white man with mortal
venom. He would put him in COM
mand Of the death-watch.
He hired a fast team and drove
across the country with all speed, douo-
ly anxious to get out Of town before
Elsie discovered the tragedy and ap-
pealed to him for mercy. Her tears
and agony would be more than ne
could endure. She would stay indoors
on account OF the crowds. and he would
not be. missed until evening, when
safely beyond her reach.
When Phil arrived at Charlotte he
found an immense crowd at the bulle-
tin board In front Of the Observer Of
flee reading the account Of the Pied
mont tragedy. To his horror he learn
ed Of the arrest, trial, and sentence OF
Ben for the deed which he had done.
He rushed to the Office Of the Di-
vision Superintendent Of the Pied
mont Air Line Railroad, revealed his
identity, told him the true story Of the
tragedy, and begged for special to
carry him back. The superintendent
who was a clansman, not only agreed
but within an hour had the special
ready and two cars filled with stern
looking men to accompany him. Phil
asked no questions. He knew what II
meant. The train stopped at Gastonia
and Kings Mountain and took on
hundred more men.
The special pulled into Piedmont at
dusk. Phil ran to the Commandant and
asked for an interview with Ben alone.
For what purpose, sir?" the officer
asked.
Phil resorted to a ruse, knowing the
Commandant to be unaware Of any
difference of opinion between him and
his father.
"I hold a commission to obtain
confession from the prisoner which
may save his life by destroying the Ku
Klux Klan."
He was admitted at once and the
guard ordered to withdraw until the
interview ended.
Phil took Ben Cameron's place, ex-
changing hat and coat, and wrote
note to his father, telling in detail the
truth, and asked for his immediate in
reference.
Deliver that, and I'll be out Of here
in two hours" he said. as he placed
the note in Ben's hand.
"rn go straight to the house" was
the quick reply.
The exchange of the southerner's
slouch hat and Prince Albert for PhiPs
derby and short coat completely fooled
the guard in the dim light. The mer
were as much alike as twins except the
shade Of difference in the color Of theil
hair. He passed the sentinel without
a challenge, and walked rapidly toward
Stoneman's house.
On the way he was astonished tc
meet FIVE hundred soldiers just arrived
on a special from Spartanburg. Amaz-
ed at the unexpected movement, ne
turned and followed them back to the
jail.
They halted in front of the building
he had just vacated, and their com
mander handed an official document
to the officer in charge. The guard
was changed and a Gordon of soldier:
encircled the prison.
The Piedmont garrison had received
notice by wire to move to Spartanburg
and Ben heard the beat of their drum:
already marching to board the spe'
cial.
He pressed forward and asked a.
interview with the captain in com
mand.
The answer came with a bruta
oath:
'I have been warned against all TIT
tricks and lies this town can hatch
The commander Of the death-watci
will permit no interview, receive m
visitors, hear no appeal. and allow M
communication with the prisoner unit
after the execution. You can announc
this to whom it may concern"
But you've got the wrong man. Yo'
have no right to execute him." sait
Ben, excitedly.
"Tn risk it," he answered, with ;
sneer.
Great Cod" Ben cried. beneath hi
breath. THE old fool has entrappe'
his son in the net he spread for me-"
CHAPTER VIII.
A RIDE For LIFE.
When Ben Cameron failed to fin