Knights Of The Open Palm

# "Knights of the Open Palm" by Carroll John Daly

Race Williams, a private detective who operates between police and criminals, is hired by wealthy farmer Earnest Thompson to find his seventeen-year-old son Willie, kidnapped by the Ku Klux Klan in Clinton, a western county seat. Willie had witnessed Klansmen tar-and-feather a woman over a liquor sale and recognized members by their voices and build. When he was set to testify at trial, he disappeared.

Williams travels to Clinton and gathers intelligence on Klan structure, passwords ("AYAK"/"AKIA"), ranks, salute, and the "Knights of the Open Palm" button from a former member. When three robed Klansmen visit his hotel room demanding he leave within twenty-four hours, Williams unmasks their leader—a bearded man—pulls his gun, and threatens violent retaliation, forcing them to flee. The narrative breaks off mid-continuation.