The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1936-06-20
Chapter XII

weeks had played havoc with the
nerves of the genteel Mr.. Jones,
while the Rev. Edward Thomas was
plainly worried. DR.. Browns cor
pulent figure dropped with fatigue
as he surveyed the Reverend's ner-
vous pacings, back and forth across
the soft rug.
Better take it easy, Rev. Thorn
as he warned.
"Oh I'm all right, said the pas
tor, but the dark circles under his
eyes belied his woes.
II wonder why Jason changed
his mind about taking the case,
asked Mrs. Jones, looking at Rev
Thomas.
Our prayers maybe"
But the time is so short" she
said and shook her head.
Jason works better under stress
anyway, smiled the doctor.
The door to the private office
opened and Jason babe them enter
AS they filed into the room Jason
stood quietly waiting.
Rev. Thomas gazed at Jason ear
nestly.
Il somehow felt you'd not throw
us down, JASON.
Jason bowed and smiled into the
kindly eyes of Carsilie's best known
colored preacher. They shook
hands silently and understandingly
An hour later, found the COM
mittee still seated at the long table
in Jason's office.
Jason with a pile of papers be-
fore him was writing rapidly, fin
ally he stood up, put away his pen
and addressed them.
you understand l must have
cooperation from this committee. "
You will get that in unstinted
measure, Jason, said Rev. Thomas
while the rest of the committee
nodded in unison.
Jason eyed them quietly, as he
waved towards the papers. Yet
each of you have side-stepped the
main thing upon which We must
plan our legal battle"
Chances were exchanged.
What do you mean" asked
Mrs. Jones.
why is it that you've not men
toned what took place in Rev.
Thomas study the night of the at
tempted lynching"?
when he said he killed Jim
Streeter?" said DR.. Brown hesita-
tingly. And that he was glad?''
Jason finished for them.
Mother Clark begged us not to
mention it. She thought it would
injure his case" Mrs. Jones inter-
posed.
Smith and Davis thought it bet
ter to base our fight on temporary
insanity, caused by injuries re-
ceived during the war;, replied
Rev. Thomas.
Jason smiled.
That's too frail a craft for us
to embark upon, especially when
we have something better"
What's that" they asked?
Joe has never admitted know
ing Streeter prior to the murder?
They shook their heads negative
ly.
That is not to tn general pub
lic,' said JASON" But there was
something behind Joe's sudden an.
ger against Streeter. Temporary
insanity is all right for an extra
weapon" Jason walked back and
forth talking meditatively as il a.
lone.
Joe hated Clark with a cold
deadly hatred. He had nursed this
bitter hatred for years. Streeter
had struck him a foul blow,-may-
be while they were in the south
didn't have to be a physical one,
could have been mental. Maybe
some one Clark dearly loved"
Mrs. Jones cried out eagerly.
Joe did say he did it for Mable,
said it was a debt he'd paid for
her"
Jason whirled.
Got it," he exclaimed, There's
secret-and We'll use it,. He
looked at his watch, this is We'd
nesday. Two weeks from today
we go to trial"
I'VE could ask for an extension
of time" said Rev. Thomas.
Don't need it," replied Jason
sharply, "it will be point in our
favor to be ready to proceed with
our case. They're expecting us to
ask for an extension. Well fool
them and be ready to fight"
They rallied around Jason. His
cool confidence bolstered their
courage, their failing spirits.
II must see Mother Clark" he
said.
"When?" asked Mrs. Jones quick
ly, 81 can bring her this afternoon.
Tomorrow morning will do"
said Jason. Must see Joe this
afternoon"
The committee started to leave,
as Mrs. Jones and DR.. Brown walk
ed out into the waiting room, Rev.
Thomas fingered.
Jason I'm sorry Nancy inter-
fered, I'll take the blame. |
should have seen you myself as !
had planned to do. But Nancy
wanted to ask you. Thought you'd
fell more like doing it for her.
Jason patted the pastors shout
der gently, although his voice was
tinged with bitterness as he spoke.
Maybe 1t was for the best.