When the three arrived at Tibby's, they were greeted first by familiar
"hello"s to Martie, then astonishment at Ben's return, and finally
interrogation about T.
Jack laughed and swigged his beer. "Ben, I can't believe you're back."
"Yeah, well, neither can I." Ben looked at the newsies. They, like himself, had grown over the years. They showed it in their faces and their statures. Snipeshooter was showing a little peach fuzz, and Race had actually grown an inch.
Itey ran his hands through his curly black hair. "I wish I
could go with you to get Anita. You know I'd fight beside you, but..."
"Yeah, I know." Itey had been stabbed in the side during a brawl with an East Side gang. Martie grinned. "You can come with us tomorrow, though. We're goin' to Midtown, to talk with Goosey."
"Oh yeah!" Itey laughed, then winced. "Ow..."
Snoddy spoke up. "I don't mean to be rude in any way, but I'm rather anxious on the part of my sister..."
"Oh, right. We'd better go..." T stood up. "Is it alright if we come back here tonight? After we've gone ta Harlem?"
"Well," Race said, "Kloppy don't like people comin' in too late, but I t'ink I can get him ta go easy on ya, undah da circumstances."
"Thanks, Race!" Martie grinned and danced out the door.