many, but hide not thy face from us, O God, for thou art our refuge!"
As the last echoes of the prayer lingered and died in the vaulted roof, the clansmen rose and stood a moment in silence.
Again the voice of the Cyclops broke the stillness:
"Brethren, we are met to-night at the request of the Grand Dragon of the Realm, who has honoured us with his presence, to constitute a High Court for the trial of a case involving life. Are the Night Hawks ready to submit their evidence?"
"We are ready," came the answer.
"Then let the Grand Scribe read the objects of the Order on which your authority rests."
The Scribe opened his Book of Record, "The Prescript of the Order of the Invisible Empire," and solemnly read:
"To the lovers of law and order, peace and justice, and to the shades of the venerated dead, greeting:
"This is an institution of Chivalry, Humanity, Mercy, and Patriotism: embodying in its genius and principles all that is chivalric in conduct, noble in sentiment, generous in manhood, and patriotic in purpose: its peculiar objects being,
"First: To protect the weak, the innocent, and the defenseless from the indignities, wrongs and outrages of the lawless, the violent, and the brutal; to relieve the injured and the oppressed: to succour the suffering and unfortunate, and especially the widows and the orphans of Confederate Soldiers.
"Second: To protect and defend the Constitution of
