ACKERMAN sent to Stella his letter of introduction from the Attorney
General, stating that he would call the following day and report
progress.
General Champion’s letter had raised the highest hopes by the
declaration that the young detective had developed a well defined and
intelligent theory on which to conduct the prosecution of the case.
Stella awaited his call impatiently. She had pictured the ideal
detective of romance and could not conceal her amazement at his personal
appearance when she extended her hand to greet him.
His voice was soft and low as her own, his face wreathed in smiles--and
such a face!--plump, rosy cheeked, young, fresh and boyish, save for
the slightest touch of gray in the dark hair about his temples. His eye
alone, to the close student of men, might have revealed his profession.
It looked a steady blaze of light from beneath straight intellectual
brows.
“You had better understand at once, Miss Butler,” he began, “that I am
a prosperous young business man from the North at present engaged in the
organisation of cotton mills in the South.”
Stella could not repress a smile, as she said:
“I must say you look the part.”
“I have engaged board at Mrs. Wilson’s and asked Mr. John Graham to act
as my attorney in the organisation of a company in this county.”
“I see,” she cried, for the first time catching the steady light of
Ackerman’s eye.
“I cannot be seen in conference with you. We will report to each other
by letter. But we must clearly understand each other. Am I right that
you mean to press this case to the bitter end, let the blow fall on whom
it may?”
“Certainly,” was the firm answer.
“I learn from the Attorney General’s office that you are on the track of
the man who is Commander-in-chief of the Klan in this state?”
“Yes.”
“Pardon another question. I must know if you are in dead earnest? I have
found that women have little tenacity of purpose in such cases and as a
rule cannot be depended on.”
“I’ll show you that they are not all alike!” Stella broke in angrily.
“Then may I ask that if you succeed in securing this name that you will
place it in my hands without a moment’s delay?”
“At once.”