"I mean—just suppose some Klansmen would take Mayor Krouse out and whip him, what would the public say?" asked McBryan.
"The public would say that it was a damned outrage," said Springer.
"Can it be arranged? Would Krouse stand for it?"
"Of course he will. He is a Catholic and a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. I can arrange it with him all right," assured McBryan.
"It will not be necessary to actually whip him," said Hennesy. "A few stripes made with a little paint across his back and a photograph made by Croskey and the witness of a few of the boys whom we can trust, is all that we need."
"Fine! Hennesy, your head is working," said Springer.
"That's a fine idea. Krouse being a foreigner and a Catholic, the public will never question that the Klan did it. Mac, you make the arrangements with Krouse. When this thing has been pulled off, Springer, you will have a chance to tell the public of the outrage. I will ask Governor Slydell to make a speaking trip through this part of the state. Hennesy, you must look after the dealers in 'wet goods.'" As Stover spoke his skinny hands were busy with each other and his most assuring smile played about his mouth.
"I'll have no trouble with the liquor fraternity. They know that if the Klan candidates are elected their 'cake is dough,'" Hennesy remarked.
Hennesy ordered whiskey and all but Stover drank to the success of the campaign, before separating.