"Well, if they want to put themselves right before the public let them publish a list of their members."
"That would destroy the value of the organization as a law enforcement body. How would it do, Mr. Stover, for the secret service men of the government to publish their names when they come into a community and let everyone know just who they are?"
"We don't need the Klan to enforce the laws. We have officers for that purpose. The Klan has no right to take the law into its own hands."
"The Klan does not take the law into its own hands. The Klan assists the officers in enforcing the law by furnishing evidence. If the officers refuse to act it is the purpose of the Klan to have them recalled or voted out at the election and others put in who will act. It is the duty of all good citizens to help enforce the laws."
"Our officers enforce the laws—we don't need the Klan."
"Our officers enforce the laws in Wilford Springs against the uninfluential violator, but fellows like Hennesy are permitted to operate."
"Well, young man, you had better not line up with a bunch who are in disfavor with the public. The last election showed what the people of Wilford Springs thinks of your Klan organization. Now to get down to business. It's of a great deal of importance to you that you get this city building job. If you will follow my suggestions I will get it for you. You know that, don't you?" Ruth had finished her typewriting and the men were speaking so loudly that she could not help but hear now.
"I have every reason to believe that you can."
"Very well." The banker began to rub his hands together. "What I have to propose is this, you withdraw from the Klan and make a public statement that you have done so because it is a lawless organization, and I will see that you get the city job."
"Would you have me make this statement in spite of the fact that all I personally know of the Klan is to the contrary?"