“Oh, I see, you’re after a story!”
“No, that part is only incidental,” Penny said hurriedly. “What my father really wants to do is to expose the Black Hoods and drive them out of existence. You’re the one person who might be able to provide evidence which would convict the guilty parties.”
“I could tell plenty if I was a mind to do it. No one would believe me though.”
“I will, Mr. Davis.”
“I was in the notion of going to the Grand Jury at one time,” the man said slowly. “That’s what brought on all my trouble. If I’d had sense enough to have kept my mouth shut, I wouldn’t be a fugitive now.”
“What connection did you have with the Hoods? Were you a member of the organization?”
“Yes, I was,” the man admitted reluctantly. “I didn’t know much about the Hoods when I joined ’em. Then I tried to drop out, and that’s what turned ’em against me.”
“Suppose you tell me all about it. What is the real purpose of the organization?”
“Well, right now the Hoods are trying to force every truck farmer in this district to join the County Cooperative.”
“Then Hank Holloway must be the ring leader!” Penny exclaimed, startled by the information.