Mr. Hubert.

Friday?

Mr. Branch.

Yes--after that--they closed that night, I'm sure. I'm sure they closed that night.

Mr. Hubert.

How did you know that?

Mr. Branch.

Because the band was off, because we were closed.

Mr. Hubert.

You were closed on Friday night?

Mr. Branch.

We closed that evening, you know, after it happened.

Mr. Hubert.

Friday?

Mr. Branch.

Yes.

Mr. Hubert.

But you didn't close on Saturday?

Mr. Branch.

We didn't close on Saturday.

Mr. Hubert.

When Ruby came to your place the band was playing, I think you said?

Mr. Branch.

Either the band has just started and played two or three numbers--it wasn't long.

Mr. Hubert.

Did he comment to you as to whether or not you should be open or closed on that night?

Mr. Branch.

He didn't mention that.

Mr. Hubert.

Did he seem to object to the music or the dancing?

Mr. Branch.

No, sir--he just came. There wasn't too much dancing then because we didn't have over seven or eight people in there then.

Mr. Hubert.

In any case he didn't fuss at you because you had opened your club on Saturday night?

Mr. Branch.

No; he didn't fuss.

Mr. Hubert.

Did you tell him you had closed your club on Friday night?

Mr. Branch.

I don't think I discussed that with him.

Mr. Hubert.

It was your impression that his club was open on Saturday night?

Mr. Branch.

Saturday night; yes.

Mr. Hubert.

In any case, he told you he was in a hurry because he wanted to--

Mr. Branch.

Go and see a new act at the Carousel.

Mr. Hubert.

You don't know whether that was an audition or whether it was to be played to an audience?

Mr. Branch.

No, sir; I don't. I don't know.

Mr. Hubert.

What about this rumor of his distributing $5 bills all over the Empire?

Mr. Branch.

Well, he do that all the time. You see, everybody knew him, and they said, "Give me somethin', Ruby", and he always do that.

Mr. Hubert.

Did he do it on this occasion?

Mr. Branch.

He gave away about three that night, going out the door. You see, everybody know him whenever he comes up there.

Mr. Hubert.

I think you told me that the statements you made in this document which I have identified as Exhibit No. 1 were correct, and I would like you to, if you could, see if you can clarify this point: On the second page of that document, the FBI agents report you as saying the following: "He said"--that's you--"that he did not see or hear of Ruby being in the Empire Room dancehall or any other Negro nightclub passing out $5 bills on November 23 or on any other occasion." Is that correct--he was in your place?

Mr. Branch.

He was in our place.

Mr. Hubert.

So this statement that he was not in your place is not correct?

Mr. Branch.

He was really in our place.

Mr. Hubert.

And he did give out some $5 bills?

Mr. Branch.

I said he give out one or two--yes.

Mr. Hubert.

You said "three" a while ago?

Mr. Branch.

When he started out that door, you know, all of them knew him everybody in north Dallas knew him.

Mr. Hubert.

Who did he give these $5 bills to?

Mr. Branch.

Just some of the customers the e at the door.

Mr. Hubert.

Really?

Mr. Branch.

Yes; it don't make him no difference.

Mr. Hubert.

Has he done that on previous occasions?