Marguerite ate dinner with the young man, and surprisingly she had a good time. Jason, who told her that his friends call him Skittery or Skits, had wonderful stories to tell about him and his fellow newsies who also had nicknames of their own. Marguerite couldn't remember a time when she had this much fun. After the meal Jason showed her to the lodging house.
"So, Skit-tery, could you tell me who is in charge here?" asked Marguerite.
"Kloppman." Skittery said as he points to the old man at the desk, attending to the newsies paying for the night.
"Thank you." Marguerite turned her attention to the old man, for she didn't have the job yet. "Excuse me, Mr. Kloppman, my name is Marguerite Hamnpshire and I was wondering about the job position that was in the paper."
"Well hello Ms. Hampshire, you do realize the job means long hours and little pay?" Mr. Kloppman said trying to make sure this young lady what she was getting in to. He was just trying to be honest.
"Yes, sir."
"Your room is located downstairs, next to the kitchen. You may either join me for meals or use your wages to go eat at a local restaurant. Speaking of your wage, you will be paid every other week. 3 dollars."
Marguerite couldn't be any happier, she had a job! And a new friend! Wow, life seemed to be turning around for her. "Oh thank you, sir! Thank you!" Marguerite jumped up and down for joy.
"Skittery, why don't you take Ms. Hampshire up to meet the rest of the boys. And their mess she gets to clean," commanded Kloppman.
"Yes, sir!" Skittery saluted Kloppman, and turned to Marguerite "Come this way, I know you're going to love everyone," he said excitedly as he pulled Marguerite up the stairs. He pulled her right into the dormitory where the newsies slept and hung out. The room was filled with life. There were boys playing cards, jacks or just talking in groups. There were a few people actually sleeping, Marguerite was amazed. She didn't know if she could sleep in this noise.
"Hey, guys, look!" Skittery yelled trying to get everyone's attention. "This is Marguerite Hampshire, the new maid."
Marguerite did a little curtsy, the boys were just staring at her, she didn't know what to do.
Finally Skittery nudged her, "Say hi."
"Hello." Marguerite squeaked out. A young man finally stepped out of the crowd. He wore a striped shirt with a black vest and black slacks that were held by a roped belt; he completed the ensemble with a red bandana and interestingly enough a black cowboy hat that hung off his neck. Marguerite looked at Skittery for comfort, for this cowboy newsie was giving her the most scrutinizing look. Skittery smiled at Marguerite, trying to give her comfort. He knew Jack, the cowboy newsie, was trying to scare her but was never going to hurt her. Jack scared Marguerite even more when he started to circle around her still with that glare in his eyes. Finally he spoke: "Ms. Hampshire, I'm the leader here, Jack Kelly or known as Cowboy. If you have any problems with these lovely boys tell me and I'll handle it." He bowed slightly to Marguerite before turning around to the Newsies. "Now as for you dirt bags, I want all of you to treat Marguerite with all the manners you have-" and aside to Marguerite "-I'm sorry they don't have many." Jack stood there until all of the newsies gave him a sign of agreement. "Shouldn't she have a nickname?" A voice shouted from the back. The owner started their way up to where Jack was standing; they were in a normal newsie outfit including the hat and the suspenders. However as the person came closer to Marguerite, her jaw dropped, standing in front of her was Susan. "I..um..I.I-I thought you were dead!" Marguerite screamed and gave Susan a hug. "Uh, Cheet? Do you know this girl?" Jack asked, raising his eyebrows.