The Runaway ~ Part 4

            That night Cordelia slept at the newsboys lodging house. She slept in the room that was reserved for sick newsboys. Only Firecracker and Smalls were brave enough to go and sleep at the Newsgirls' Lodging house. From later rumors it was said that Terry wasn't there that night, much to the relief of all the girls. The next day battle plans were still being laid. Cordelia was determined to follow through with her plans, but almost everyone doubted her abilities, even Racetrack. They were all too polite to say anything, and therefore let her do her own thing. Cordy woke early with the rest of the boys. Racetrack asked if she would sell with him, but she politely turned him down. She had other plans.

Just as the sun was cracking over the horizon, Cordy, dressed in pants, shirt and suspenders, and a borrowed hat (her form of disguise) snuck through the lower story window of the library of her 5th Avenue townhouse. The house was still dark. She knew very well that her parents slept until 8 a.m. and her father didn't leave the house until exactly 9:45 every morning for work at the bank. The servants were up, and she couldn't have them spotting her, but it was a risk she'd have to take. The library was just the room she needed, for the safe was behind Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, her father's favorites. Tiptoeing across to the bookshelf, she scanned the dusty books for the ones she was looking for. The books slid out easily, but they were heavy and slipped from her grasp. They fell to the carpeted floor with a dull thud. Cordy paused, breathless.

"Oh, please, I hope no one heard that." Not hearing anything she continued. The safe was small and hid easily behind the books. She turned the dial. She'd seen her father do it before, and had pretended to be absorbed in "The Etiquette of Being a Lady in Today's World"

"11….back to 35….and 6." With a soft click the door swung open. She'd never seen the contents of the safe and was a bit disappointed. In the dim light all she saw was just a bunch of papers. Then she saw it. A medium sized bag. Upon opening the bag she pulled out large stacks of $100 bills. Her hands shook. This was her dowry money for when she was to be married. David's face appeared in her mind and she quickly stuffed the money into a small sack she had tucked into the waistband of her pants. She wasn't going to marry him, and the act of stealing her own dowry money was in her way, getting back at David and her parents. There was a lot of money there and when she had taken nearly half of it she closed the door and replaced the books. She then swung her leg over the windowsill, careful to make sure no one would see her. Just then a noise sounded outside the library door. The handle was turning! Cordy scrambled out onto the sidewalk and shut the window just as the maid entered the room. Relieved at not being discovered she ran for dear life back to the Newsboys Lodging House to carry out the rest of her plan. 

*~~~~~~~~~~~*

            The newsboys returned to the lodging house after a morning of selling papers to find Cordelia dressed to the nine. Racetrack stopped dead in his tracks and stared wide-mouthed as he stepped in the front door. The boys following crashed into him and were likewise very astonished. They had never seen their little Knicks look so.. well grown-up. Her hair was done up with a few curls that bounced about her neck and cheeks. A beautiful velvet hat was perched on her head decorated with feathers and ribbon. She was dressed in a delicate green and white frock that fit her frame lightly. Her skirts were down to her ankles, when before she had only been allowed to wear shorter shirts. She felt quite grown up. She was just putting on her gloves when the boys had entered and now she blushed very prettily at their reaction.

"Hello, Racetrack. Boys." Bumlets was the first to find his tongue.

"Knicks you look gorgeous." All the boys nodded. Racetrack stumbled forward at Jack's prodding and he took Knicks' hand and kissed it.

"Cordy you look beautiful." He looked shyly at his feet. Knicks smiled nervously. It wasn't often that any of the newsies called her by her real name.

"Well!" She broke the silence. "I need to be off."

"Off where?" Jack asked curiously, still wondering if her plan was better than his. "Why off to the Children's Aid Society!"

"Why?" he questioned again. "Oh, I didn't explain it to you did I? I'm sorry. I – I'd rather keep it a secret for now. If it doesn't work out, it would be quite embarrassing, you know. I'll be back before supper, you can count on it." Racetrack spoke up, worried.

"Are you sure you don't want one of us to escort you? After all, Terry and dem, maybe even da Delancy's might spotcha and -" his voice trailed off. All the boys nodded in agreement.

"I'll be fine, Racetrack. I'm sure they wouldn't recognize me now." She patted his cheek and smiled encouragingly. But Jack wasn't so easily persuaded.

"Racetrack's right. I insist dat one of us goes wit' you. It's too risky. Besides, I ain't dat much of a street rat ta know dat it ain't proper fer a decent lady ta walk da city wit'out an escort." Seeing that the boys would not back down, she finally nodded her consent. Racetrack was shoved forward in a unanimous decision that he would be doing the escorting. Before they left Cordelia scribbled a note. Folding it she handed it to Mush. He had a reputation for his ability to run fast and that was what she needed.

"Mush, could you take this quickly to Firecracker? I need her to meet me at the place that I've mentioned on the paper as soon as she possibly can." Cordy winked at him. Mush blushed and took the note. Everyone knew he was especially fond of Fire, and Cordy knew he'd have no problem delivering the note. Mush ducked out the door and sped on his errand.

Racetrack took Cordy's arm proudly and guided her out the door. Cordy waved good-bye. The couple did not see the rest of the newsies standing at the door grinning mischeiviously.

                                                *~~~~~~~~~~~*

"Would you hold this for me, Racetrack?" She handed him a small heavy sack that he hadn't noticed her carrying before.

"What's in it?" He wondered curiously, but figured it out on his own pretty quickly. Any newsy had a keen sense of smell especially when it came to money. Cordelia walked calmly, her arm in her friend's.

"It's our freedom, Racetrack." His face had turned white and his eyes darted about, swearing that everyone knew what was in the sack and were plotting to take it from them. At last they reached their destination. Racetrack insisted on waiting outside, but Cordelia, having a sudden idea wouldn't hear of it.

"Racetrack, you are the perfect person to help me. You must come inside!" Very reluctantly, he gave in.

"All right." Deep down Cordelia knew that Racetrack didn't feel good enough to be by her side and it bothered her that he felt this way. She'd have to remember to talk to him about it later.

They entered the tall brick building that had a small sign outside stating that it was indeed the Children's Aid Society. The front hall was dim, with a high ceiling and a staircase leading up to the floors above. A desk sat next to the staircase. At the desk a stern looking lady was perched on a stool writing something. Seeing Cordelia and Racetrack approach she stopped writing.

"Can I help you?" she asked, noting Cordelia's fine appearance next to Racetrack's more humble clothing.

"Yes. I'd like to speak with the President Whitman of the Children's Aid Society."

"Have you made an appointment?"

"No, but -" The woman interrupted.

"I'm sorry, but you cannot see him without an appointment." Racetrack eyed Cordy to see what she would do next.

"I'm sure that he would be glad to see his good friend Mr. VanCamp's daughter." This seemed to change everything and the woman bustled to find the President.

"Does he really know your father?" Racetrack wondered curiously.

"Oh yes. They're quite good friends. Father's donated to the Society a number of times, not to mention they have their account at Father's bank." The woman returned and showed them up the stairs to the second floor. She knocked softly on a door at the end of the hall and hearing a gruff answer opened it.

"You may go in," she replied with a stiff smile. A tall man in a very nice suit stood from his desk and walked forward to shake Cordelia's hand.

"Miss VanCamp, it's so wonderful to see you again. How's your father?"

"He's doing fine Mr. Whitman. Thank you so much for seeing me at such short notice."

"Not at all! It's always a pleasure. And who is this young man?"

"This is my good friend Racetrack Higgins. He's a lodger at your Newsboys' Lodging House on Duane St." Cordelia could see the question written all over the man's face as to why a proper young lady would be friends with such a person as a newsy, but he didn't ask any questions. Racetrack shook the man's hand nervously. He motioned them to sit down. Racetrack sank into one of the large velvet seats in amazement. This man's office was twice the size of the bunkroom back at the lodging house. The office was decorated modestly, not too lavish at all, but it was very pleasant to sit and admire. Cordelia started off right away.

"Mr. Whitman, you're probably wondering as to why I've come to see you. I have been investigating your wonderful lodging houses. I have an intense interest as to what the Society does and what I have seen so far has pleased me."

"Why, thank you Miss VanCamp."

"I am sorry to say, though, that one lodging house is in sad disrepair with a very abusive charge." The man looked startled.

"Miss VanCamp, I assure you that we keep a close eye on all our lodging houses."

"I know you do, sir, but I believe one has escaped your eye? It's a newsgirl's lodging house a few blocks from the Newsboys' Lodging House that this young man stays at." Mr. Whitman looked confused.

"I'm sure I don't know which lodging house you're referring to. We have several places that lodge girls, but none within the vicinity of the house on Duane St." For the first time Cordelia looked confused.

"But, the building. On the outside. It has a sign that states it is an official Lodging House for girls."

"I'm sorry we have no such building there."

"Please forgive me, Mr. Whitman. I was sure that -" Racetrack spoke up meekly.

"Cordy, did it occur ta you dat the Society don't know dat the goil's lodging house exists?"

"Oh no!" Cordelia was cried out. "This makes things worse than I thought. Mr. Whitman, it appears that a man has used a building with one of your signs to lodge innocent girls!" Mr. Whitman placed his hands on his desk and leaned forward in astonishment.

"What's that you say?"

"Mr. Whitman, this man has used these girls for his own pleasure, charging them outrageous prices, and all of those girls don't have anywhere else to stay. If they stay there any longer I'm afraid of what more might happen to them." Mr. Whitman's face was white.

"This is terrible. I had no idea. If I had known I would have gone there myself with the authorities. You know very well that our Society does not support such riffraff."

"Yes, I do know. I came here to offer to fund the building of a new lodging house, with a new charge, preferable a woman and I believe we have just the woman in mind. Mr. Kloppman, a dear man who is in charge at Racetrack's lodging house has a sister. I believe if we extended the position to her she would be more than willing to help." The President looked very upset, but smiled at Cordelia's offer.

"I know your father has made generous contributions in the past, but why didn't he come to me himself?"

"Because it is I that would like to fund the building." She placed the sack on his desk. "If you could start immediately I would be very appreciative. Those girls need a place to stay despereately and staying at the newsboys' lodging house would be inappropriate." The man looked in the sack and gulped.

"This is all in cash, Miss VanCamp. You mean to tell me you walked uptown with a sack full of cash?"

"Mr. Whitman, if you would please consider my offer I -"

"Miss VanCamp, I am more than willing to accept your offer, but is there any witness to the injustice you speak of? You do realize we need to send someone to investigate." Just then a breathless Firecracker appeared at the door to his office, with the secretary from downstairs in pursuit.

"You can't go in there!" the secretary bellowed. Cordelia stood up. "Fire! I'm so glad you made it!"

"I ran as fast as I could as soon as Mush delivered your note. Did I make it in time?"

"Yes, Fire, your timing couldn't have been more perfect. Mr. Whitman, may I introduce you to Firecracker. She is one of the lodgers at the lodging house I told you about. Fire is here to tell you of the conditions in which she lives." Fire looked a bit surprise, but with Cordy's gentle prodding she proceeded to tell every detail from the peeling wallpaper and rats, to Scary Terry himself and to the discomfort of Mr. Whitman, everything Terry had done. Racetrack leaned over to Cordy and whispered,

"Why didn't you tell him what happened to you when you stayed there?"

"Oh, Racetrack, if I told him that I had stayed there, he would wonder why and eventually go to my father. I would not only be forced to go home, I would lose any respect in society that I have." Racetrack leaned back and mulled over this thought. He never really had thought of Cordy as having a "reputation", and the idea of it astounded him.

As soon as Firecracker had finished her brief but very vivid description Mr. Whitman sat back, face red and speechless. After a few minutes he finally spoke quietly.

"Miss VanCamp, I accept your gracious donation with a large thanks. I had no idea that such terrible things were happening to those poor girls. I only wish we could have spotted it sooner. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. This is truly a blessing to the Society. The houses we did have for the girls were nearly full and we have been at a loss as to what to do. Now that you have provided us a way we will act quickly I assure you." He stood up. Cordy stood as well and shook his hand.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Whitman. I don't know how to thank you. In the mean time is there a place you could recommend that the girls stay while the new lodging house is being built?" The tall man furrowed his brow in thought.

"That is the only worry. I'm afraid the only solution is to keep the girls where they are with a new charge until we can get the new lodging house built. I'll send a few of our volunteers over to help clean and fix it up though. Is that satisfactory?" Cordelia sighed. She had hoped for a better solution, but this seemed to be the only way.

"It is, Mr. Whitman. Thank you so much for your help. The girls will be so happy."

"If there is ever anything I can personally do for you, Miss VanCamp, please do not hesitate to ask. And once again I thank you very very much for your gracious donation." Cordy smiled as the tall man shook her hand again, this time much more enthusiastically. He showed them to the door and they left the building with the secretary glaring after them. Cordy took Racetrack's arm, a happy feeling in her heart. Fire skipped along next to them, humming. Racetrack stole a glance at the happy girl's face, her arm in his and was amazed at how beautiful she looked. It wasn't the fancy clothes, it wasn't the bouncing curls, but it was what she had just done for a few lousy street rats. Never had Racetrack imagined that such people existed that could care for him or his friends like she did. All of a sudden a feeling overcame him and at that moment he knew that he loved her. Not a silly boyish crush, but a sincere love. It felt so wonderful, even better than the time that he won his first horserace and that was saying something! Then right there in the middle of the sidewalk he stopped, took Cordelia VanCamp's soft face in his hands and kissed her. Firecracker stumbled to a stop and burst out laughing. Then she cheered.

 "Racetrack! You finally did it!" Cordy gasped.

"What was that for?" she cried, her face bright red. Racetrack's deep brown eyes burned into her own and he didn't have to say anything, she knew. Without another word they started along again, arm in arm, with Firecracker skipping along, her humming being interrupted by her mirth.

           *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

While the three friends were en route to the boys' lodging house a foul plan was afoot. Well Jack didn't think so. He actually thought that his plan would work out better than Cordelia's before he had even heard how it had turned out.

"Alright, men," Jack said seriously, every single newsboy surrounding him in the bunkroom. There were even a few newsboys from around Manhattan than had gotten wind of the coming events and wanted a piece of it. "Dis is war we're talkin' about. Some of us might get hurt, even…killed." He paused dramatically and the boys gasped right on cue. Most wore solemn but determined expressions. "Here's the plan so far." Jack pulled out a grimy piece of paper with squiggly lines drawn all over it. A big square representing the Newsgirls Lodging House dominated the paper. "I hear dat Terry and his bums have retoined to da lodgin' house. Dis is da poifect opportunity. We can't pass dis up. Awl of da goils have decided ta cooperate." As if on cue Smalls, the leader of the newsgirls entered the room with a few other girls from the lodging house. The boys noticed that these girls were ones that even the bravest of them wouldn't want to cross in a dark alley. Smalls, nevertheless lit her face with a smile, which was quite pretty when she wasn't scowling, probably thinking about her worst enemy, Spot Conlon.

"Am I late, Jack?"

"Nah, we was just startin' ta go ovah da plans."

"Oh good!" Smalls sat near Jack, folding her legs, and glanced happily at the paper. She seemed to be rather enjoying this. The other girls however leaned against the wall and stared darkly out from underneath their hats which shadowed their faces. "Oh by the way," Smalls jerked her thumb over her shoulder at the girls. "Dat's Crumbs, Lady Fingahs, and the Doc." Snipeshooter looked startled that the girls even had names and he scooted as far away from them as possible. Jack nodded and the three of them nodded back. Smalls looked again at the paper and raised an eyebrow. "You know Jack, it's not gonna be dat complicated. Awl we'se gonna do is hide in da attic and awl through da house. You'se guys are gonna ambush from de outside as soon as Terry and his bozo's come runnin' out. Oh!" Smalls face lit up again. "I fergot ta tell ya dere's a secret passage dat only us goils know about. Terry won't know what hit him!" Jack's face fell. He had been looking forward to telling everyone the plans. He shrugged.

"Well dere you have it, boys," he said a little sorely. "It's just like she said." Mush spoke up, a little confused.

"But how are we gonna make Terry run outta da buildin'?" Smalls glanced at him, surprised he hadn't caught on.

"You aren't gonna be getting' him ta run outta dere. Us goils is da ones dat are gonna have dat job." Mush insisted on arguing.

"But how in da heck are ya gonna DO IT?" his voice rose a notch. Jack took over sensing the tension. One of the menacing girls had taken a step forward, her fists balled.

"Mush, Terry's got dis weakness. A fear of somethin'." Mush looked to Smalls who was smiling slightly at him.

"Ghosts, Mush. Terry is terrified of ghosts."  Cries of disappointment rose from the boys.

"We're goin' ta get even wit' Terry by scarin' him wit' ghosts?" Kid Blink yelled in anger. "What about da fightin'? We wanna piece of Scary Terry and his cronies!" Shouts of agreement issued from the crowd. Smalls looked unaffected by this uproar. She glanced back at Crumbs, Lady Fingers, and the Doc and the girls cracked their knuckles, stepping forward. This seemed to do the trick and everyone shut up.

"Look, Blink, I'm sure dis don't seem like da best plan, but you haven't lived wit' Terry in da house. We've lived in fear wit' dis guy for years. YEARS. I t'ink by now I'd be an expert at what scares da crap outta him. Believe me we've tried everythin'. One night dere really was some unexplained noises and rattlin' of chains and Terry went NUTS. It didn't happen again, so he stayed. But tonight. We're awl gonna get our piece of Terry. Dat's where you boys come in. Us goils is gonna be hidin' in da lodgin' house, an' in da secret passage and we'se gonna scare da wits outta him. He's playin' poker tonight wit' his pals and dere gonna be a bit of a problem cause we don't know if dere scared of ghosts or not. BUT as soon as Terry comes runnin' out you guys are gonna be waitin' outside and you can do whatever da heck you want wit' him. But ya gotta stay hidden at foist. We don't want ta be attractin' da bulls before Terry even comes out screamin' his head off." The boys looked at each other, astonished at how good the plan sounded. As long as they got their fight, they were happy. Their happiness showed in their faces and they started applauding. Smalls grinned happily. Snipeshooter even noticed the girl called Crumb's lip twitching, trying to smile. It didn't look like she ever smiled. Mush spoke up excited.

"Well what are we waitin' for? Let's get down ta business!!" He lept to his feet, but Jack stopped him.

"Mush, ya can't just run outta here and expect awl of dis ta happen. It takes time. We got a lotta t'ings ta do. Now boys, we gotta collect our weapons, foist of awl, den when it gets dark and we know fer sure dat Terry is in da lodgin' house playin' poker, we'll move inter position. Dress in dark clothes, minda ya. Like Smalls said we don't wanna be attractin' da bulls ta dis one if we can help it. In da mean time Smalls will be getting' da goils ready. Awl right, let's scattah and we'll awl meet at da goils lodgin' house at 6 tanight." Suddenly Bumlets spoke up from the corner where he had remained relatively silent during the proceedings.

"What about Knicks and Racetrack? Dey ain't back yet. Dere not gonna know da plans." Jack looked impatient.

"Bumlets, we can't help it if dere in a back alley smoochin'." Half the room snickered. "We gots plans and we need ta get ready now. Dere's no time ta wait fer dem." Bumlets scowled, but eventually shrugged and left the room with the rest of the newsboys. Smalls stopped him before he went down the stairs. She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I'll look fer dem, Bumlets. Da goils don't need much time ta get ready. Alright?" She smiled. Bumlets nodded, smiling back and clamored down the stairs. Smalls went downstairs as well and after telling the three newsgirls she'd be over later, headed uptown to look for the much belated Racetrack and Knicks.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

In the meantime the afore spoken of Racetrack and Knicks, with Firecracker as well had all stopped for ice cream, Cordy's treat. They sat at the little outdoor tables with ice cream cones in their hands, chatting happily. The weather had turned out to be beautiful. Sunny and cool with a slight breeze. Racetrack however kept looking at his pocket watch with a worried expression. Knicks saw this and was curious.

"Racetrack what's the matter?" His face wore a puzzled expression.

"I keep t'inkin' dat I fergot somethin'." The happiness of the day had sunk in making him forget the important meeting Jack had made him promise to attend that morning. Racetrack shook his head and shrugged. "I guess I'll remember it eventually." He burst out laughing at Firecracker. Her mouth was covered in chocolate ice cream. She didn't seem to notice for she kept licking her cone in ecstasy, not remembering when she had had better. She glanced up from her cone and glared at Racetrack.

"What?" All he could do was point and laugh. Knicks tried hard to fight a rising giggle but was unsuccessful. A big glob of ice cream dripped off of Fire's chin. "What?" she yelled. Knicks brought out of her little purse a small mirror and held it up to Fire. Fire stared at it and turned red. "I was savin' dat fer later," she mumbled, grabbing a napkin and wiping her face.

After the ice cream Cordy suggested excitedly that they head to the park. Fire declined saying she had to find Mush and see about selling the eveing edition with him. So arm in arm Racetrack and Cordelia walked in the park in happy silence. They didn't really need to speak. Questions hung in the girl's mind that she knew she had answers to, but they were questions that burned, waiting to be asked anyway. She remained silent none the less enjoying the springy breeze and the company of her friend. Friend. The word was more of a question than anything. She had always been fond of Racetrack. They had always been dear friends. But what of his feelings for her? She knew the answer to that. He loved her. She just didn't know if she loved him. All of the things she had been taught, came rushing back to her rudely. "Marry someone with a good family line," her mother had said. "Make sure he has at least 10 grand in my bank before he comes to me," her father had said seriously. Cordy shook her head. She had always laughed at what her parents had said, but now they haunted her. She didn't know what she felt or thought anymore. Racetrack, she felt, had suddenly made her life very complicated. And sadly she knew that was a very selfish thing to think, but she couldn't deny it.
            "What's wrong, Cordelia?" The girl was brought abruptly back to the present with a jolt. Racetrack had used her real name. This was not a good sign. He only did this when he was feeling especially fond of her. Without thinking she turned to the young man.

"Racetrack, I know how you feel, but I -" she had almost said that she didn't feel the same way, but the look in his deep brown eyes stopped her. Bravely, she begun again. Taking his hands in hers she forced herself to look into his eyes and a shiver went down her back. "Racetrack, I don't know if I feel the same way about you that you feel about me. I'm so confused. All this time you were my dearest friend, but you know I've been going through some difficult things with my parents and marriage and I just don't want to think about things like that right now. You mean so much to me I would never hurt you. But I just need some time and space. Please, will you try and understand?" She shivered again seeing the look in his eyes and face. He hadn't said a word but he seemed broken inside. A tear slid down his cheek. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. He squeezed her hands apologetically then turned and walked away. Cordy stood in the middle of the park watching him, not believing that he had walked away. Didn't he understand? Cordy numbly sank onto a bench. When Racetrack had finally disappeared she burst into tears and cried, her heart aching.

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

            Smalls ran up the street and past the park searching for Racetrack and Knicks.

            "Where are dey?" she mumbled irritably. All of a sudden she saw a flash of a fancy green striped dress and stopped. A figure she thought was Knicks sat on the bench, her face in her hands. Smalls approached slowly, not sure if this was the person she saught, because Racetrack was nowhere to be seen. When she had come closer she head the girl sobbing. A few people in the park were staring at the girl, shaking their heads or whispering to each other, but the girl didn't seem to notice or care.

"Knicks?" Smalls asked quietly. The girl's head shot up.

"Smalls, is th-that you?" Knick's face was red and streaked with tears.

"Yeh, it's me. What's happened? Are you okay? Where's Racetrack?" Knicks burst into a fresh set of tears.

"He- he's gone! He left me!"

"He did what? Why would he do dat?" Knicks couldn't seem to stop crying.

"I told him I didn't love him and he just walked away!" The people in the park who were pretending not to listen looked at each other with their eyebrows raised. They whispered to each other again.

"Oh, gosh, Knicks, he didn't really walk away did he?" The girl nodded. Smalls scowled and pulled out a grimy handerchief. She handed this to Knicks who took it gratefully. "Well, when I find dat street scum I'se gonna have a few woids wit' him." She helped Knicks to her feet who shook her head.

"Please, don't talk to him about it. I don't want anyone talking to him about it." Smalls didn't answer, but stood there while Knicks regained her composure enough to walk down the street. They started to walk out of the park when an older well-dressed couple stopped them.

"Young lady!" the woman called. Then without stopping she continued not thinking that her eavesdropping was a bad thing. "My husband and I saw that young man who left you and if we see him, my husband will certainly have a few words with him! It's just terrible what he did." Her husband nodded in agreement. But when Knicks pressed the handkerchief to her mouth in an attempt to stop herself from crying again, Smalls steered her away from the nosy couple, glaring at them menacingly.

"Knicks, it's gonna be okay. It's gonna be okay. Listen, we've got some great plans tanight. We're gonna be getting' back at Terry tanight and I want you to help out! I've got the perfect job for you." Smalls tried sounding cheerful, but one look at Knicks' face and she knew she hadn't succeeded. Knicks shook her head sadly. Then with great effort she spoke.

"Thank you, Smalls, but I think I'll decline. I'm just so tired. I'd rather just go straight to bed." Smalls nodded.

"I understand. But if you change your mind -" Knicks shook her head.

"I won't be. But thank you all the same." They had reached the Newsboys' Lodging house and Knicks handed back Smalls' handkerchief. "Thank you for finding me. I'm not sure how long I would have been there by myself. Goodnight."

"Night." Smalls smiled and watched Knicks go inside, then hurried off to the girls' lodging house. She didn't have much time left to get ready.

                                             *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

Knicks lay in bed, curly hair strewn on the pillow. She didn't have anything left in her to cry anymore. She just tried to think of something other than Racetrack. His face kept coming into her mind, and his eyes. Oh, his eyes were the hardest to see. That broken look haunted her. She squeezed her eyes shut. It was dark outside, and none of the boys had returned. She knew that she wouldn't be finding sleep tonight. She got out of bed and not wanting to be noticed, dressed in the pants, shirt and suspenders that had been given to her. She then braided her hair and placed a bowler hat on her head. She pulled boots on and left her room. Kloppman sat at one of the tables a tiny lamp illuminating a book he was reading. She snuck past him and out the door. The night was pleasant and sticking her hands in her pockets she strolled down the walk enjoying the cool breeze upon her hot face. She soon found herself nearing the Newsgirls Logding house. She was surprised she had ended up here, for this was the last place on earth she wanted to be. She turned to go when someone grabbed her from behind and drug her into an alley, a hand clamped upon her mouth to keep her from screaming.

"Knicks!" Jack whispered, removing his hand. "Knicks what are you doing here? We was told awl da goils were inside!" Knicks, a little put out by being grabbed from behind, glared at Jack.

"Inside where?"

"Da goils' lodgin' house! Didn't Smalls tell ya da plan?"

"No, she didn't as a matter of fact. All she said was that all of you were going to be getting back at Terry tonight and that was all." Jacks shook his head, upset.

            "I see how it is. You just t'ought yer plan was bettah den mine and were too good ta help me out. Is dat how it is?" Knicks glared, but before she could say anything Mush spoke up from behind Jack startling her. She hadn't seen him there.

            "Jack it was really Smalls' plan, weren't it?"

"Shut up, Mush." When Knicks looked closer she saw about 2 dozen boys hidden in the alley. All had smeared coal dust on their faces and only the whites of their eyes shone out of the dark. Knicks looked to Jack, suspicious.

"Don't tell me you're doing what I think you're doing." Jack snorted.

"And what do you think dat is?"

"The girls are going to get Terry to come out and you're all going to attack him, aren't you?" Knicks was angry. She hated violence. Bumlets, though, smiled, his white teeth gleaming in the dark, lightly tapping his stick on his hand.

"She's quick!"

"Shut up, Bumlets." Jack glared at Knicks. "Don't t'ink yer gonna ruin my plan." Knicks stood up.

"You don't even know how successful my plan has been already! I just funded the building of a new lodging house for the girls and I have the president of the Children's Aid Society eating out of my hand! He's going to be bringing around the authorities to arrest Terry." A flick of fear went through Jack's eyes.

"Tanight?" he whispered. Then his voice rose. "You got da bulls comin' around when we had it under control? Yer gonna get us awl busted! Just because you got money you t'ink you can solve awl our problems? Well dat ain't da way we do t'ings on da street and if you knew anything about livin' on da street you'd know dat. So if yer not gonna help den go home to yer mommy and daddy and sleep real easy tanight knowing dat yer friends are fightin' dere butts off fer you! Yeah YOU. So beat it princess, we've got a war ta fight." Knicks stood there, stunned from fury. She looked back into the alley and saw Racetrack staring at her. He looked away as soon as their eyes met. Then all of a sudden the bottled up anger burst out.

"Jack Kelly, how dare you say somethin' like that to me! You don't know what I risked to do that for those girls. Yes, you can have your war, but where will those girls live after that? That building is a disgrace. No human being should have to live in a hole like that! And I'm not going to let them if I can help it."

"Dey've lived in worse I can tell ya dat," Jack growled. Mush tugged on Jack's sleeve.

"Uh, Jack. Ya bettah look." Jack turned from Knicks to see Terry's two huge buddies looking out the door of the lodging house.

"Get down!" Jack hissed and yanked Knicks back into the alley. Jack swore. "Dis wasn't supposed ta happen. Where's Terry?"

"Let go of me!" Knicks cried and pulled away from Jack, not seeing the two men approaching the alley to see what the noise was. But the excitement the boys had been keeping at bay for hours could not be kept in any longer and with a loud shout in unison they burst from the alley, pushing Knicks along in front toward the two men. The men didn't have a chance to blink before the boys were upon them, beating them with sticks and clubs and worse things like chains and brass knuckles. Not stunned for long the men threw a group of boys off of them, sending them through the air. Then seeing Knicks, the bigger of the two, Tony, grabbed her and tried dragging her inside. She screamed. The whole scene was confusing. The second story window opened and Smalls looked down at the scene. She cussed a long stream of oaths, yelling down at the fighting boys. The window snapped shut. But by that time Tony had managed to pull Knicks inside the building. The other man, Roy, beat off the boys with his massive fists and managed to close the door to the building with a slam. Inside the building was quiet except for Knicks screaming and kicking. Outside the cries of the confused boys mounted. Then all of a sudden they were hushed. Distant whistles were heard. Tony had brought the kicking Knicks to the back room, Terry sitting at the poker table calmly drinking his beer. Whispers were heard upstairs, but the whistles of the bulls were making Tony and Roy nervous.

"Terry," Tony spoke up slowly, still gripping Knicks. "Da bulls are comin'. What are we gonna do?"

"Nothin', Tony. We didn't do nothin', so dere's nothin' ta worry about." He glanced at Knicks and grinned, but turned back to his mug of beer. Tony casually grabbed a chair and tied her to it as if it was a thing he was used to doing. He sat down at the table and grabbed his hand of cards. Knicks heard some whispering and a creak of a floor board. She glanced out of the door to see Firecracker peering cautiously from the staircase which could be seen from where Knicks was sitting. Fire's head disappeared and there was more whispering. Knicks strained her ears and heard something that sounded like "We're going to carry on as planned." Wishing she knew what the plan was she waiting. Tony tied Knicks to a chair and he sat back down at the table and the three men started a fresh poker game. Knicks glanced carefully out the door again, hoping that they would hurry up with whatever plan they had. She knew enough to not yell again. She didn't want to ruin her chances of escape or being rescued. Knicks glanced nervously at Terry. He wasn't looking at her and that made her nervous. It was like he was saving her for later. She shuddered. The minutes ticked by and Terry and his buddies played on. The girl squirmed in her chair. When are they coming to get me? she thought anxiously. Suddenly Knicks heard a sound. It was chains rattling! Knicks tried to hide her grin or relief and stole a glance at Terry. He had stopped murmering to himself about his hand and stared off into space listening. The whistles of the cops had gone, but the rattling continued followed by a bone chilling moan that sent chills up even Knicks' spine. Terry's face had turned white, but he was trying to ignore the sounds. But then there was an insane shriek followed by evil echoing laughter. Terry stood up knocking over his chair. His eyes bugged out of his head. Roy spoke up.

"You okay, Terry?" He ignored Roy.

"N-no," Terry whispered. There was some pounding on the wall behind Terry and he went crazy. He started throwing chairs around at the wall trying to make the banging stop. "Noooo!" he yelled frantically. "You can't have me!" Tony and Roy had gotten to their feet, trying to calm the man down, but there wasn't any hope of that. Terry put his hands to his ears. The moaning had started again along with the chains. Terry ran past Knicks, not seeing her. Knicks crossed her fingers that the girls weren't in the front hall still. Terry, not seeing anything but the front door, yanked it open and then all hell broke loose. Newsboys poured into the building clobbering Terry with their clubs and sticks and chains. He held up his hands to defend himself but there were too many. Tony seeing the mob didn't try and help his friend, but cut Knicks' ropes and yanked her to her feet.

"Nooooo!" Knicks screamed. "Help me, please!" The scene was craziness. The screaming of Knicks could barely be heard over the shouts of triumph from the newsboys. The newsgirls came onto the scene, pouring from the stairs wielding more sticks and some their bare fists. Roy had charge into the crowd flailing his massive fists knocking boys out left and right. Tony was dragging Knicks to the back door, unnoticed by the excited crowd. "Let go of me! Help!" Knicks screamed once more, hoping that someone would see her, but no one seemed to. Tony pulled her out of the building and into the alley outside. He pinned her against the brick wall. Knicks screamed, but there didn't seem to be any hope that she would be heard now, let alone found. Tears streamed down her face. Not this nightmare again. She knew what he was going to try to do and she was losing strength from her struggle. From inside the building she heard the voice of Firecracker, raised above the shouting newsboys, shrill with fright.

"Racetrack! He's got Knicks!" Tony's face leered near hers. She turned her face away, sobbing. All of a sudden a shape flew onto Tony's back, strangling him. Tony let go of Knicks to pull off the attacker, but they wouldn't let go. In the dim lamp light from the street Knicks could see the furious face of Racetrack. Race let go of Tony, turned the gasping man around and slammed him in the face. Tony reeled and swung out blindly. Ducking, Race hooked him in the jaw and with one more swing his fist met the man's nose with a sickening crunch. Tony slumped to the ground, moaning in pain. Racetrack stepped over his body and grabbed the sobbing Knicks, holding her tightly to him. The sounds of the fighting newsboys and girls roared out into the night, but Racetrack only held Knicks closer, murmering to her.

"It's okay now, Knicks. Ya know I would nevah let anyone hurt ya. Yer okay, yer wit me now." Knicks looked up into the young man's face, tears dripping off her chin.

"I'm sorry Racetrack. I'm sorry I had to tell you that today." Race knew what she was talking about, but instead of looking away as she expected him to do, his eyes locked with hers, and she felt a peace spread over her.

"Nah, Cordy, I'm da one dat should be sorry. I know yer goin' t'rough a lot wit' being engaged and everythin' and wit' yer parents I shoulda been more understandin'. Fergive me?" Knicks smiled and nodded.

"Of course. Sometime I'll explain it all to you. You are very dear to me. I just don't feel ready to love anyone just yet. I hope you understand. You are my closest friend. Never forget that." Racetrack nodded, and hugged her tight. Just then whistles pierced the air.

"The bulls," Racetrack mumbled and taking Cordy's hand ran back into the building. The fighting was wearing down, but Roy was still going strong, Terry, still scared out of his wits, was trying to get out the front door. "It's da bulls, ya guys!" Race shouted. "Get outta here, beat it!" It was like magic. The boys disappeared into the night in a matter of seconds. The girls followed after them very shortly. They didn't want to be caught in the building with the bloodied up men. Roy and Terry were left in shock, reeling from the fight. Terry scrambled out the door just as a cop pulled up on his horse, closely followed by 3 more policeman on foot.

"Let's go," Racetrack whispered. "We don't wanna be caught on the scene of the crime. Knicks followed Racetrack down dark alleyways and shadowy streets. Racetrack didn't let go of Cordy's hand, never letting her out of his sight. When at last they reached the Newsboys lodging house the lights were blazing upstairs and the sounds of a party were going on in the bunkroom. Race grinned and pulled Knicks into the lodging house and up the stairs. As soon as they entered the bunkroom cheers arose and Mush stood proudly.

"The man of the hour!" Boys and girls alike were crammed into the room with chipped mugs and glasses full of sasparilla. They all raised their drinks and toasted the couple. Racetrack grinned and sat down next to Jack who handed him some sasparilla. Knicks sat next to Smalls who smiled and hugged her with one arm. The other arm, holding the glass was cut and bloody.

"The drinks are courtesy of Kloppman," Jack said happily, pounding Race on the back. "To Kloppman!" Jack shouted. Everyone repeated the toast and drank. Knicks looked more carefully around to see that most of them were hurt. Everyone was talking cheerily. They didn't seem to notice their pain. She smiled happily at all of her friends. She knew she would do anything for them and they would do anything for her.

The party lasted long into the easly morning hours, finally being ended by Kloppman banging on the ceiling below with a broom to quiet them down. Knicks helped clean and bandage the wounds of the girls and boys before tucking them all into bed. The girls made their beds downstairs and a few in Knicks' own room. Turning out the lights to the boys bunkroom, Knicks climbed out the window and up the fire escape to the roof. She sat and looked into the clear night sky, the stars twinkling. She thought about going back home, about staying. She thought about Racetrack and David and Spot. She thought about what she was going to do tomorrow morning. Her eyes were drooping when there was a sound behind her. Turning around she saw Firecracker standing quietly on the roof.

"Hi," she whispered. Knicks stood up, walked over to Fire and hugged her.

"Thank you so much, Fire. You really saved me back there." Fire hugged her back, grinning.

"Ya owe me one, Knicks. You owe me big time." Cordy laughed.

"I guess I do. Come on, let's go inside. I'm about to fall asleep on my feet." They went back down into the bunkroom and off to bed. It wasn't long before they all were fast asleep.

                                           *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*

                                                   1 week later

Knicks sat at the table with Racetrack, Bumlets, Kid Blink and Mush. They were trying to explain to her the art of playing poker. In the week that had passed since the "Battle of da Goils' Lodgin' House" as the boys referred to it, quite a few things happened. Terry, Roy and Tony were all arrested for "drunken fighting", as the evidence of a mob attacking them was not to be seen. The girls had moved back into their old lodging house with Kloppman's sister in charge. She had joined the girls in scrubbing the lodging house from top to bottom so they could at least live in a decent place while their other house was being built; which the construction had been started on already. Knicks couldn't be any happier. She hadn't decided to go back home yet, but she was content to live with the girls at their lodging house until she knew which path her life was going to take. Knicks had started to sell papers on a regular basis with the patient teaching of Racetrack and Firecracker. And now she sat at the table learning poker of all things! Her mother and father would be shocked if they could only see her. Knicks laughed to herself at this thought.

"Now, Knicks," Racetrack was trying to explain. "Ya gotta make sure ya don't show nothin' on yer face even if ya get a really great hand or a really lousy one. Ya don't want da others ta know what kinda hand you got." Kid Blink scoffed.

"As if yer any good at dat! I can spot what kinda hand you got a mile away!"

"Can it, Blink!" Race yelled, Mush laughing in the background. Knicks spoke up, looking curiously at the cards in her hand. They were using the method of learning-as-you-play.

"So is it good when you have 3 queens and 2 jacks?" Race's jaw dropped in disbelief. Mush shut his laughter up, and Kid Blink and Bumlets looked disappointed.

"Yeah, dat's good," Race whispered. "Ya won again."

"Again!" Mush cried, throwing down his cards. "Dat's 4 times in a row! Race I'm not lettin' you deal the cards anymore!" Just then there was a knock on the door. Bumlets stood up and went to answer it. Knicks, Race, and Kid Blink turned to see who it was. The door was opened and a young man stepped inside. Knicks gasped, nearly choking, for staring in shock right back at her was none other than David Jacobs.

To be continued…………