The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1936-06-06
SILENT COUNSELOR


eds OF cases he had waded through
for his own without compensation
and numerous times without even
thanks. Even his race had on many
occasions gone over to the camps
of the enemy. AS Jason stood there
it all came back. The weary nights
he had labored in their cause, onl-
to be rebuffed when 1t was over.
And now he had chance to enter
the hall of great things, his chance
to stand head and shoulders with
the mighty Of the land, and they
asked him to toss it all away on
a worthless hunk like Joe Clark. It
seemed incredible that they could
mean 1t. To take that case would
instantly server his connection with
Hayes and wilkins. He could not
do it, it was too much to expect Of
any one. His whole future was at
stake. Jason felt that he was stand
ing at the cross roads. Which road
to take. One held riches. fame and
fortune. He could picture the royal
path, the homage that would be his.
He would open doors long locked
to the Negro, he would trammel
petty prejudice under his feet, he
would mingle with men who recog-
nized brains and was willing to
accept them as credentials. The 9th
er road, lead to oblivion, just a
plodding lawyer. Negroes never
made a leader, they followed no
one, If his face was black. He
could see no future, no chance to
reach the heights. His heart was
torn with the struggle. Was he
turning his people down? Was he a
traitor? Why should they place
this on his shoulders, make an is
sue Of the case. There were many
other lawyers, he could help them
select one, why couldn't they look
at it from his view point?
Something touched his arm, he
looked down, it was Nancy, in her
eyes a pleading, in her voice
question.
Will you Jason, dear?
Jason moved away, shaking the
small hand from his arm.
II can't do it Nancy, even for
you. Please don't ask me it's impos-
sible" and he walked away. 1t hurt
to refuse the dearest person In the
world, yet he felt he was right. Be-
ing a woman she couldn't under
stand, but it was her future as
we'll as his. He must not jeopar-
die that future for a useless cause.
There was a deep silence, pain
full and prolonged. When Nancy
spoke, Jason could hardly recog-
nize the sweet melting tones that
was always Nancy's in this voice,
hurt, a trifle harsh and hysterical.
Then you don't love me Jason,
1 can't believe that you do. And I
can't marry you unless I'm sure
of your whole heart. 1 wont play
second fiddle to your pride. If 1t
means more to you than your race
or me, better not take marriage
vows. For l could never marry a
man who feels he must reach the
top of the hill no matter whose
heart ached and suffered" Her
voice broke with pitiful wall as
tears slowly gathered and rolled
down her cheeks.
Swiftly Jason turned and gath
cred her in his arms, as he plead
ed.
Nancy darling, don't talk so,
You know 1 love you, you're my
life dear, every bit of 1t. I want to
do things for you, but not this
Nancy. l can't do it."
But Nancy pushed him away.
Don't Jason, I mean 1t, can't
marry YOU" she drew her self up
proudly, the man marry must
be big and noble. He must have
not only love for me, but his race
as well. can't marry a snob and a
mercenary egotist, and be true to
the teachings of my dad. I'd rather
go penniless and win in the name
Of my race than wear diamonds
and walk with the mighty"
Jason was stunned, this couldn't
be the gentle little Nancy who a