"The cross was made red with the blood of the Savior, the great Sacrifice for the sins of the world. As we behold this fiery cross we see in it the symbol of the love of God for humanity and the suggestion for unselfish service. There is also another meaning attached to it. It has a militant significance. It is the signal for the assembling of the Klansmen.
"In the old days in Scotland, when any great danger threatened their nation and it became necessary for the Klans to assemble for the defense of their country, a cross was made of wood and set afire. The fiery brand was then quenched in the blood of a sacrifice. The chief commander then gave the symbol to a Klansman to carry and pass to another, who in turn should carry it, and so on, until it had been carried through the territory of every Klan. The Klansman carrying this fiery cross would shout the name of the muster-place. No true Klansman who saw the cross and heard the muster-place called would fail to be at the gathering. And he to whom the runner passed the emblem must carry it on.
"Scott in his 'Lady of the Lake' shows the loyalty of the Klansmen and the women of the Klan. He tells of this summons to the gathering being carried into a home where the master of the house lay a corpse. The Klansman, to whom the cross was to have been passed, is dead, but his son takes his place. If I can recall the lines I will repeat them for you." After a moment of silence he quoted:
'All stand aghast: unheeding all,
The henchman bursts into the hall;
Before the dead man's bier he stood;
Held forth the cross besmeared with blood;
"The muster-place is Lanrick mead;
Speed forth the signal! Klansman, speed!"
Angus, the heir of Duncan's line,
Sprung forth and seized the fatal sign.
In haste the stripling to his side
His father's dirk and broadsword tied;
But when he saw his mother's eye
Watch him in speechless agony,
Back to her open'd arms he flew,
Pressed on her lips a fond adieu—
"Alas," she sobbed, "and yet begone,
And speed thee forth, like Duncan's son."
He vanished and o'er moor and moss
Sped forward with the Fiery Cross.'
"Good," she said, "that makes this emblem mean so much to me now."
"Fred," said Aunt Clara, "it's almost eleven o'clock. Ruth should be getting home."
"She will be back before long," Mr. Babcock replied.