Halstead Street, Chapter 21
by Simahoyo
AN, please go back and read the revised version of chapter 20. I had to change the date of something.
When the Chicago Tribune came out with the story by Kay Vann about the small children injured in the weaving factory, the copies flew out of the hands of the newsboys as word spread. Most readers were shocked and angry. Some thought there was nothing anyone could do, but after Kate's father read the story, the newspaper disappeared from the house in the hands of one small boy with a plan.
Hans read the story, and being older than many of the children written about, his temper flared. It was getting close to Walpurges Nacht, and Hans and his, "gang" had plans for mischief, but he decided to change their target and to do some actual good with his mischief. He went down the street, and into the carriage house of his friend, Billy.
Billy was hiding eggs in the hay, to use to egg people. They would be good and rotten by that night.
"Billy. I've got an idea. Did you read the newspaper?"
Billy looked at Hans as if he had grown another head. "I don't read the old newspaper. What idea?"
"There's a place that makes little kids work on huge machines and they lose fingers and other horrible stuff.. If anybody deserves our special attention..."
"Yeah! Besides, I can tell you are real mad about this. It takes a lot to get you all that mad. I'll help. Let's get the rest."
"Okay. Let's start with Rudy. He throws great. And his father is a painter. I wonder what we could hook from his paint supplies."
The two boys went down the alley, straight to the Shuford family shed. A quick peek inside showed Rudi reading a "Dime Novel".
"Rudi, what are you doing?"
Rudi looked up and grinned, "Reading about Dangerous Dan, the cowboy."
"Are you getting ready for Walpurgis Nacht?"
Rudi jumped up, dropping the novel as he went. "Look here." He lifted a drop cloth. " Mine Vater gave me this left over paint. He said it was because I helped with his work, but after some of the stories he told us about his exploits on Walpurgis Nacht, I think we have an ally."
"Good. Father would explode if he knew what we were planning. Did you read about that weaving factory in the Tribune?"
"Oh Yah. That is bad. Are you thinking of hitting that place for our Nacht?"
"Yah. And I can find out the location. How much paint did you get?"
Rudi opened a can, while Billy and Hans looked in. It was half full.
"Good. And the rest?", asked Hans.
"The same."
The sound of loud boots interrupted them. Mr. Shuford walked in before they could scatter.
"Ach, boys. How are you?"
Putting an innocent look on their faces, they gave non-committal replies. Mr. Shuford looked at them with a small smile.
"My son has done good work He has earned some paint. And I trust him to use my horse and wagon one night this month—perhaps Walpurgis Nacht?" He raised an eyebrow in a funny way to let them know that their mischief would not trouble him one bit.
"Danke, mine Vater.", said Rudi, and the others added their thanks. After he left, the boys put their heads together for better planning.
At Noon on Sunday, Giovanna knocked on the door of Mrs. Fraser's house. Kate opened the door and let her in. Giovanna could smell something delicious from the stove. She was unfamiliar with any cooking but her Mama's. This was going to be an adventure. Kate showed her in. The table was set, and Mrs. Fraser was gone.
"Where is Mrs. Fraser?"
"At church. Please sit down. I made noodles and cabbage, with a little corned beef on top. And there are beans cooked with onions and dill weed. I also got a little sour cream, because this is a special occasion."
Giovanna sat, looking at the spread. It was as much food as her Mama liked to serve, now that they could afford enough to fill everyone's stomach. Coffee was also on the table.
Giovanna took the pasta first, and tasted it. It was very good, buttery and meaty.
"Kate, this is good."
"Thank you, Vanna." Kate placed the noodles on her plate and added a spoonful of sour cream. She let it melt in, then ate it.
Giovanna tried some sour cream too. It make it even better. Then she tried the beans. They were herby and nicely cooked. She smiled. "I've never had anything like this. It is very good. And Mama is a wonderful cook."
Kate nodded. "I agree, your Mama is one of the best cooks I have ever met. Fortunately, the other of the best is my Mother."
Lunch went well, although both Kate and Giovanna felt slightly nervous as time went on. After lunch and dishwashing, the knock they were waiting for came at the door. Kate went to answer, opening it to Hugh and Pasquale. She let them in, and listened to their heavy boots on the floor.
"Hello Hugh. You must be Pasquale. I'm Kate and this is Giovanna."
Pasquale looked at Giovanna and blinked. "Hello. I'm glad to meet you both.", but Hugh and Kate noticed he was only looking at Giovanna.
"What have you heard about this museum?", asked Kate.
Hugh grinned. "That everyone in the Ninth Ward who knows a craft will be demonstrating it today."
"I head about a man who can make wood like anything."
Giovanna's smile could have lit up the room. "I would like to see that."
"Then let's go.", offered Hugh. And the four walked out the door and up the street.