WHEN the new officials of Rush County took their offices there was a great deal of anxiety among the law violators in Wilford Springs and not without reason. C.M. Stanton, the county attorney, and Dan Brown, the sheriff, were both Klansmen, who would now have the backing of fifteen hundred other Klansmen who would give them their loyal support in the enforcement of law. The governor's investigations for the purpose of gathering evidence against the Klan had resulted in nothing of consequence except to inform the public as to the identity of a few Klansmen and to reveal a very few irregularities committed by some misguided Klansmen who had not understood the nature of their obligations as Klansmen. After spending a great deal of time and money in making these investigations the attorney-general and governor had not produced one iota of evidence to prove that the Klan committed acts of violence or took the law into its own hands. On the contrary, they found that the organization was doing much to assist the officers in the enforcement of law.
When Governor Slydell's term of office came to a close and he again joined the ranks of private citizens the ouster suit was still pending in the Supreme Court where it continued to be carried over from term to term until finally dismissed. Meanwhile the Klan grew not only in Wilford Springs but throughout the state.
Two weeks after the new attorney and sheriff were sworn into office a raid was made on five houses where liquor was being sold. The raid was made by the sheriff's force, unbeknown to the mayor and chief of police. Much liquor was confiscated and destroyed, the proprietors arrested and the following morning given a speedy trial and a long jail sentence. When Hennesy found himself in jail he called for the county attorney and made affidavit that the mayor and chief of police patronized his place. Within two hours after this affidavit was made the mayor and chief were given a chance to resign or face ouster proceedings. They preferred to resign.
About one o'clock on this memorable day when Wilford Springs awoke to the realization of the fact that 'a clean-up' was on, Pat McBryan came to Stover's office.
"I guess we're in for it," he said.
"What's up now, Pat?" Stover asked, "nothing serious, is there? Nothing really to worry about."
"Hell's just broke loose, that's all. Of course, that's nothing to worry about."
"What do you mean?"
"I just heard that both Clark and Roberts have resigned."
"What's the matter with them?"
"Hennesy squealed."
"That's bad," said Stover, rubbing his hands together.
"Bad? It's hell."
"I'm going over to my office and write out my resignation as commissioner at once."
"Why so?"
"The chances are that there is going to be a lot of investigation going on around here. I am going to sell out and leave the country."
"Now, don't get scared and go to telling anything."
"I'm not telling, but I'm going to go while the going is good."
McBryan left the room. The sound of his footsteps had scarcely died away when the banker's office door opened and someone entered without knocking. The banker was surprised, and a cold chill ran down his spinal column, when he looked up and saw Dan Brown, the new sheriff, standing before him.
"How do you do, Mr. Stover?"
"Our new sheriff, I believe," said Stover, great drops of perspiration coming out on his forehead.
"Mr. Stover, I'll have to trouble you to come with me. I have a warrant for you."
"A warrant for me?" Stover was now rubbing his hands together violently.
"Yes, for you.&q............