The Detroit tribune. (Detroit, Mich.) 1935-1966, 1940-10-12
By LaJr-NE RODGERS


Both tents were packed that night as they had
been during the entire week OF the revival opened
my note hook found pen knife In out pocket
sharpened several pencils and looked around keenly
searching the multitude Of faces. Most OF them were
indistinguishable blurs There were over thousand
people present perhaps two at this statewide meet
ing
Little did realize that l. Charles Lewis. would
be able 10 find the story for which had been search
ing so long the story that would bring tears 10 the
editor that could write Audrey was could
She had faith in me. Right now times winged pas
sage was tremendously important TO them-time
and money.
What fool had bee to think I could disre-
gard law old as humanity itself had convinc-
ed Audrey that marriage was as obsolete as hitch
ing posts and candlt lights Sweet little nit-wit she
was eager 10 believe anything said but for the past
month had grown less certain that free love was
the glorious adventure | had advocated.
That night | left the house her trusting eyes
had been clouded with doubt and fear, which must
eradicate at any cost We must marry Immediately.
But could aspire TO hold the love Of girl
like Audrey with nothing to offer upon Loves altar
but bunch of rejected manuscripts and the prospects
II the WPA job or less
| had conceived the idea for my story while
had been walking down Long street searching for
material a week before and had passed where they
adding second tent. TO the that stood
there all summer. Workingmen had been busy
bringing electric wires from the nearest poles.
bearded gent who seemed to have taken
fancy TO watching the job OF erecting explained that
the crowds attending the revival had become
enormous that II was necessary 10 raise another
tent "Ya been round before he ventured.
mo. haven't. how did you know? asked His white
burly hair showing from under cap which lay
loosely on his head,
"Oh know just about everybody round here Been
Twin cross the street with my granddaughter since
took down sick ten years ago Befor~ that I lived
couple flocks up the way-for Is years reckon.
So ought 10 be able to tell knew face when see
one He grinned broadly "These meetins red
hot. ought 10 come around young fea.'
I sanction his believe with smile and walked
on. That night did come back and stayed until the
meeting over-almost two O'Clock in the
ing When went home had the general theme for
my story and lingering impression OF all | had
seen. But not until few DAYS later when met my
Dreaded friend again did / realize the significance
that night had on so many lives and that had found
related and the scenes OF that night come back as
clearly II we're seated there under the canvas
shelter now.
Around the hastily erected tents stood ancient
trucks vending barbecue, hot fish, soda pop. lemon
ade, peanuts and five and ten cents slices OF water
melon. To my right sat an old woman her withered
lids covering age blurred eyes. wrinkled lips NUT
tering nsistant prayer. For the past two years.
since the death OF her friend and contemporary,
Rose Harris Sarah Ann Jones had prayed. She would
be next, her days numbered and she was not
ready. She had lived wicked life. breaking the
laws OF God and man and now she was afraid TO die
her two sisters she had buried without feeling the
nearness OF death hut she had watched the coffin
lid screwed down all that remained OF Rosie.
she heard grim voice whisper, "You next Sarah
Ami"
Her sins passed before her like pictures flashed
upon O screen She had committed adutry Her two
Oldest children had been the Offspring OF Bob Love-
son OF the owner OF the plantation upon which she
born. Ben Rodgers her first husband. she had
taken from her sister. whom he was counting He
had died young. and she married a twenty years
her senior. not for love- hut for money. For ten
years she had been n cantankerous bed ridden in
valid until she administered him overdose Of
opiate prescribed TO alleviate his suffering His death
had been ascrbed TO natural causes but she and God
knew her guilt.
She had been partial to her two elder children
who resembled their father and the younger ones
knew H. God took them all with impartality. She had
been glad when her Melee died. leaving her little
daughter. to Sarah Ann TO raise. The old woman
chuckled noiselessly. There was girl for you.
more like her In her youth than any OF her own chill
dren had been except her color. Fanny was proud
Lucfer and a. beautiful as that santed devil Vain
too and full Of air a. any great lady But she could
be- companion 10 her. Sh reached out and took
hold OF her neice's firm hands In hergnarled on
and patted Il striving to absorb some OF the youth
and vitality the young girl exuded
Francis born plain, Fanny Beck wanted 10
she restrained herself. Oh snatch her hand away but
age was a terrible thing 70 her How long could