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Denton walked into Tibby's. As he walked in, Spot turned and walked out.
"Where are you going?" Denton asked him. "I need to talk with all of you."
"I'se is worried 'bout Horseshoe. I'se wanna go an' find 'im." Spot said as he walked through the door.
"Why didn't the Sun print the story?" David asked as soon as he saw Denton.
Denton shook his head. "The owners said that it wasn't an important enough story."
"What do you mean it wasn't important?!" half the newsies exclaimed.
"I think that the owners were bought off." Denton replied. "I came to tell you guys good-bye."
"Did you get fired?" David asked.
"No, but I got reassigned to the Sun's ace war correspondent. They only want me to cover the really important stories." Denton replied.
"But wasn't the rally important?" Specs asked.
"Yes, I think so." Denton replied. "Unfortunately, that's not what the bosses thought."
The newsies looked at him.
"So now yer gonna leave us." Pie Eater said.
Denton sighed. "I don't want to, but I write for newspapers. I have to leave."
"Fine." David said coldly. "Go then."
Denton nodded as walked over to the owner and handed him some money. "Here this should cover it."
After Denton payed the man, he walked out of the restaurant. The newsies watched him go.
"What are we gonna do now?" Mush asked when Denton was gone.
"I say we get Jack outta the Refuge, and he'll tell us what tah do." Kid Blink said.
"Yeah!" the newsies exclaimed.
"But how?" Racetrack asked.
"I know." David said. "I'll need some help, but I know how we can get him out."
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Spot walked down the streets. He had to find Horseshoe.
As he rounded a corner, he heard some voices. Spot stayed in the shadows to see who it was.
D**n, it's those Delanceys, Spot though. He was about to turn and go the other name when he heard one of them mention Horseshoe's name.
"Yeah, that Horseshoe got payed big for that one." Morris said.
"Yeah and all because he led them to where Jacky-boy was." Oscar said. "Those stupid newsies don't even know that they have a traitor among them."
They both laughed, but Spot got really angry.
They'd betta be jokin' or I'se is gonna kill Horseshoe. Spot thought as he turned and walked the other way.
I'se is gonna kill 'im. I'se saw Horseshoe bein' protected by the bulls at the rally. I'se saw 'im shackin' hands with one a them. I'se was wonderin' why. Spot thought as he walked.
He rounded a corner when he saw some of the newsies playing around by the statue.
"Hey Spot! There ya are!" Skittery called.
"Yeah, where ya been at?" Bumlets asked.
"Lookin' for Horseshoe." Spot answered.
"Didja find 'im?" Snipeshooter asked.
"No, but he's gonna wish I'se didn't when I'se do find 'im." Spot replied.
"Why?" Pie Eater asked.
"I heard the Delancey's talkin' 'bout 'im gettin' payed for leadin' the bulls to Jack." Spot replied.
"They were proly lyin'." Snoddy said.
"I thought that at foist, but it seemed awfully convenient for 'im when started leavin' just before the bulls showed up and they were protectin' 'im when the rest of us was gettin' beatin' up. I'se also saw 'im shackin' hands with one of them." Spot replied.
"But when could they have bought 'im off? Not when he was in the Refuge, he was with Blink almost the whole time." Jake said.
"No he wasn't." Kid Blink replied. "He was in solitary confinement the whole time."
Spot sighed. "That's proly when they got 'im. He doesn't like bein' alone like that."
"Well, he did say somethin' about our escape being to easy." Ten-Pin pointed out.
"Yeah. He kept tellin' Blink that." Crutchy added.
Spot looked at him. "Well, he's gonna wish he never accepted that money when I'se find 'im."
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
Later that night- Kid Blink, Boots, Mush, Racetrack, Les, and David sneaked inside the gates of the Refuge.
"That's where Crutchy was." David said as he pointed out the window.
"I don't see anyone." Racetrack replied.
They were about to go forward when they saw Jack being led into a carriage.
"It's Jack. But where are they takin' 'im?" Mush asked.
"Only one way to find out." David said. "You guys watch Les. I'll meet you back at the square."
"Alright, but be careful!" Kid Blink warned.
"I will." David said as he ran after the carriage.
Kid Blink, Boots, Mush, Racetrack, and Les began to walk back to the square.
"I hope he gets Jack." Les said.
"We all do." Racetrack replied.
The five headed toward the Lodging House.
As they walked into the bunkroom, they were surrounded by tons of newsies.
"Where's Jack?" Bumlets asked.
"And Dave?" Dutchy asked.
Kid Blink held up his hands. "Jack was taken somewheres and Dave followed."
The newsies began to murmur amongst themselves.
Racetrack looked down at Les.
"When yer brother gets back, he can take ya home. Fer now, what don'tcha try tah go tah sleep?"
"Okay." Les replied as he crawled into Racetrack's bunk and fell asleep.
Racetrack walked over to where some of the older newsies were gathered and talking quietly.
"I hope Dave can get Jack outta there." Pie Eater remarked.
"Don't worry. Dave's smart. He'll get Cowboy out." Mush remarked.
"Does anyone know where Spot went tah?" Racetrack asked.
The newsies looked at him.
"I t'ink he went tah find Horseshoe." Crutchy replied.
Suddenly, the newsies heard footsteps. They turned toward the stairs and saw Horseshoe coming up.
"What are you doin' here?" Snitch asked.
Horseshoe looked at him, puzzled. "Um, I'se is lookin' for Spot."
"I'd be careful. He ain't happy wit' ya." Jake remarked.
"Why?" Horseshoe asked.
"We know all about yer secret." Skittery replied.
"What secret?" Horseshoe asked, confused.
"Spot told us 'bout you acceptin' that money from Snyda." Kid Blink said putting his hands on his hips.
"What are you talkin' about? What money?" Horseshoe asked.
"Don't be stupid, Horseshoe!" came a voice that all the newsies knew too well. Spot.
Horseshoe turned to Spot as he came up the steps. "Sounds like ya been spreadin' rumors 'bout me, Spot."
"Rumors?" Spot repeated. "That's what you call 'em? I'd call you a traitor."
"Traitor!" Horseshoe exclaimed. "How dare ya call me that!"
"That's what ya is." Spot replied, raising his fists.
"No I ain't!" Horseshoe yelled.
"Horseshoe, Spot! Be quiet! Yer wakin' everyone up!" Ten-Pin called from his bunk.
But the two ignored him.
"How come I'se saw ya shakin' hands wit' da bulls?" Spot asked.
"I'se dunno why they did dat!" Horseshoe exclaimed.
"C'mon, you two. Knock it off!" Kid Blink exclaimed.
"Shaddup!" Spot snapped at him.
"Spot, I don't know why ya think I'se is a traitor, but lemme tell you I ain't." Horseshoe replied.
"Shoa ya ain't." Spot replied.
Horseshoe have an angry sigh and turned and walked toward the doorway.
"Where are you goin'?" Spot exclaimed angrily.
"I'se is leavin'. If ya guys want tah call me a traitor, I'll jus' leave." Horseshoe replied.
"I'se don't think so." Spot muttered as he went after Horseshoe.
Just as Spot was about to cuff Horseshoe in the back of the head, Horseshoe turned around and punched Spot in the jaw, knocking him over.
Soon, Spot was beating the tar out of Horseshoe, but Horseshoe somehow managed to avoid getting the worst of it.
The newsies tried to separate them, only to have to dodge out of the way of a fist or foot.
"What's going on up here?" came Kloppman's voice.
"Horseshoe's a traitor!" Spot spat.
"I ain't!" Horseshoe replied, some blood running out of the corner of his mouth.
Kloppman shook his head. "What about sticking together? What about Jack? You two are acting selfish, do you realize that?"
"I ain't! He's a traitor!" Spot exclaimed.
"No I ain't!" Horseshoe replied. He turned to the newsies. "You guys believe me, right?"
No one said anything.
"Fine! No one believe me! I'll jus' go!" Horseshoe exclaimed as he stomped down the stairs.
Kloppman looked over the newsies, then his gaze rested on Spot, but he said nothing as he turned and walked down the stairs. Spot had a strange feeling that Kloppman knew something he didn't.
"Spot," Kid Blink started. "Didn't you say that Horseshoe was one a yer most trusted person of the Brooklyn newsies?"
"Yeah. So?" Spot said, but Kid Blink just looked at him. "That was before." Spot continued. "Before he became a traitor."
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"Stop the 'World', no more papes! Stop the 'World', no more papes!" the newsies chanted the next morning outside that distribution center, but no one seemed to notice or care.
"Ya wanna know what?" Mush asked suddenly.
"Not really." Spot remarked, but Mush ignored him.
"I haven't seen Dave or Jack at all." Mush replied.
"Ya know, neither have I, Mush." Kid Blink replied.
"I wonder what happened tah 'im and Cowboy." Racetrack said. "An' Horseshoe."
"Yeah." the newsies said.
Just as if to answer part of that question, the newsies heard some commotion. They turned and saw Horseshoe being led out. He had on a new suit and a stack of papers under his arm. Jack was behind him, but somehow managed not to get noticed.
"Horseshoe!" Kid Blink called.
"I knew it!" Spot called. "Horseshoe is a traitor!"
"I wasn't 'fore, Spot." Horseshoe called back. "You guys called me a traitor, so I figured dat I'se might as well become one!"
"I'll soak ya!" Spot called.
Horseshoe looked at him. "Shoa ya will."
Spot glared at him for a moment. The only thing that separated Horseshoe and Spot was the row of police officers that stood there. Spot's gaze went behind Horseshoe over to Jack. "And what is this, Cowboy?"
The newsies craned their necks to see Jack standing behind Horseshoe. Jack, however, said nothing.
"I can't believe it! Jack, the one who told us that we had tah stick togedder is a traitor!" Snoddy called.
Les, being as small as he was, squeezed in between the police and ran up to Jack. Jack looked down at him and saw heartbreak in Les's eyes.
"How could you do this Cowboy?" Les asked as he fought back the tears.
"Les, I-" Jack started, but was cut short by Weasel grabbing Les by the collar and roughly dragging him back toward the newsies.
"Stop!" Jack told him, but Weasel roughly shoved Les into the newsies. Les fell over, but continued to lay there. At first Jack thought Weasel had hurt him, but slowly Les stood, wiping his face to clear the tears away. He looked up at Jack and at the top of his lungs yelled: "Who needs you, you scab!?"
Jack was heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Horseshoe looked down at his cloths, then at the stack of papers he held in his hands. He looked out and saw the anxious faces of the newsies. Horseshoe threw down his papers and walked toward the newsies.
Before he got there, Weasel stood in his path.
"Going somewhere, Horseshoe?" he asked.
"Yeah. I don't like bein' a scabba. I'se is goin'." Horseshoe replied as he pushed past Weasel. He turned to Jack. "C'mon Cowboy."
Jack looked at him, then put his hand into his pockets and felt the money in them. He had more on the way.
"Jack!" Horseshoe said as he walked up to him and grabbed his arm.
Jack shook his arm free of Horseshoe's grasp. "I'se can't." he whispered. Horseshoe got into Jack's face and really quietly said:
"An' yer gonna leave the newsies here. You know as well as I do what's gonna happen!"
Jack looked away. Horseshoe spit as his feet.
"Fine. I will." Horseshoe turned to the newsies. For a moment, no one moved, then Horseshoe yelled as loud as he could: "Get outta here! Dis is a trap!"
The newsies didn't know what he meant, but they began to leave.
Oscar and Morris tackled Horseshoe before he could say more. Then, a whistle blew.
The newsies began to panic and run. All got away, though because of Horseshoe's warning.
Horseshoe, however, wasn't as fortunate. Morris grabbed him roughly and pulled him to his feet. Horseshoe tried to fight his way free, but Oscar gave him a punch in the face, sending fierce pain through his head.
Jack turned toward him. "Leave 'im alone."
"Don't think so, Cowboy." Weasel said with an evil smirk. "He's goin' back to the Refuge."
Jack saw fear flash through Horseshoe's eyes as he was dragged away.
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"I don't know how much more a this I can take!" Racetrack complained when the newsies regrouped at the Newsies Square.
"Yeah. An' where's Dave?" Crutchy asked.
"Will ya guys stop complainin'?" Kid Blink called. "Listen, we gotta find Dave an' we gotta get Horseshoe outta da Refuge."
"Why should we get that traitor outta there?" Spot asked, still upset.
"I really don't think he was a traitor. I'se mean, why did he warn us?" Kid Blink asked.
Spot seemed to consider that. "I dunno." he admitted. "Ya know, I think yer right 'bout him not bein' a traitor."
"So, what are we gonna do?" Boots asked. "How are we gonna find Dave and get Horseshoe outta the Refuge?"
Kid Blink shrugged, then looked out over the newsies. "Anybody got any ideas?"
The newsies tried to come up with something, but couldn't.
"Jack an' Dave coulda come up wit' somethin'." Ten-Pin said.
"I'se know." Mush agreed. "How can we?"
"We can . . . somehow." Kid Blink replied. "Anyone come up wit' any ideas yet?"
"No." the newsies responded.
"Wait!" Crutchy exclaimed. "What 'bout that rope dat yous guys took? What were ya plannin' wit' that?"
Kid Blink and the others who went with David to get Jack out never seemed to consider that.
"Why didn't we think a dat?" Racetrack asked.
Kid Blink shook his head. "I dunno." he looked at the newsies. "Okay, 'ere's what we're gonna do . . ."
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Kid Blink, Racetrack, Skittery, Mush, and a few others were once again outside the Refuge. Kid Blink turned to Racetrack and Skittery.
"You two ready?"
Skittery and Race both nodded. Kid Blink turned to the others.
"How 'bout you guys? You ready?"
"Yup." the others replied.
"Good." Kid Blink replied. "Get to yer places."
The others nodded and scattered to various places. Racetrack and Skittery sneaked back to the other side of the gates.
Kid Blink gave a few low whistles, and their plan began.
Skittery and Racetrack started yelling loudly, like they were arguing with each other.
Kid Blink and the others watched as some of Snyder's men came out to see what the commotion was all about.
Skittery and Racetrack then pretended to fight.
Snyder himself then came out to see what all the noise was, and that's when Kid Blink, Mush, Snitch, and Itey ran into the Refuge.
"Where is he at?" Mush asked, meaning Horseshoe, once they were inside.
"Let's go up 'ere." Kid Blink said. "That's where they held me, and he was in a room not to far from dere."
Mush nodded. The four went up the stairs quickly, but quietly. When they got to the door of the room that they had held Horseshoe in before, Kid Blink lifted the flap up.
And gasped.
Sitting there was David.
"Dave?" Kid Blink whispered loudly (if that's possible).
David turned toward him. "Blink? What are you doing here?"
"We thought Horseshoe'd be 'ere." Kid Blink said. "What're you doin' 'ere?"
"Well, I caught a ride on the back of the carriage that was taking Jack away, and when we got to wherever it was they were taking Jack, one of the guys spotted me. I tried to make a run for it, but couldn't get out fast enough." David explained. "We waited until Jack came out, and acted different. Later I found out that Pulitzer had made a deal with him and he wanted to make one with me as well, but I said no. That's why I'm here."
Kid Blink looked at him through the slit in the door. "Well, we're gonna get you outta 'ere too. But we gotta hurry. I dunno how much longer Race an' Skit can keep Snyda an' his men busy."
David nodded. Kid Blink turned to Mush, Snitch, and Itey.
"Snitch, Itey, you guys think you can get da keys?" Kid Blink asked.
They nodded.
"Shoa." Itey said.
"Good. Mush can you stay 'ere wit' Dave while I go an' try tah find Horseshoe?" Kid Blink asked.
"Yeah." Mush replied.
"Good. Now hurry!" Kid Blink exclaimed. He walked down the hall. There weren't too many doors around here, so Kid Blink knew Horseshoe had to be in one of them.
"Horseshoe." he whispered in one of the doors at the end of the hallway.
"Who is it?" came a voice. Kid Blink lifted the flap and saw Horseshoe sitting in the shadows.
"It's me, Blink." Kid Blink whispered back. Horseshoe turned toward the door and walked out of the shadows.
Then Kid Blink saw how bruised he was.
"What happened?" Kid Blink asked.
"They didn't like dat I'se warned ya guys." Horseshoe said, then stayed silent. Kid Blink didn't even need anymore of an explanation. He had a general idea of what happened.
"Well, as soon as Skittery an' Race find the keys, we'se gonna get ya outta 'ere." Kid Blink told Horseshoe.
Horseshoe looked at Kid Blink with his brown eyes full of hopelessness. "Ya know, we'se gettin' too old for this sort a thing, Blink. Maybe the strike was a bad idea."
Kid Blink couldn't believe what he was hearing. Horseshoe was giving up!
"No it ain't!" Kid Blink argued. "We need tah fight this or soon Hearst and Pulitzer will be chargin' us so much for our papes that we'll hafta stop."
Horseshoe looked at him. "I dunno know, Blink . . ."
"What's not tah know? Well, even if ya don't strike wit' us, I'se is gonna get ya outta here." Kid Blink said.
"Yeah so they can catch me again, den send me tah the Brooklyn Refuge? I'se don't t'ink so." Horseshoe replied angrily and hopeless.
"Dey won't catch ya." Kid Blink assured him. Mush ran over with the keys in his hand.
"I got 'em, Kid." Mush said.
Kid Blink looked into the slot again. "Ya comin' wit' us, Horseshoe?" he asked.
Horseshoe gave an angry sigh. "No." he said. Mush gave him a look like Horseshoe had lost his mind.
"Why?" Mush asked.
"I don't wanna. If I'se get caught again, I'se will go tah the Brooklyn Refuge and, believe me, this Refuge ain't as bad as the Brooklyn one." Horseshoe replied.
Kid Blink turned and listened as he heard Race's warning whistle. Then he turned back to Horseshoe. "Listen, they's is comin'. Are ya comin' or not?"
"No." Horseshoe replied.
Mush turned to Kid Blink. "C'mon, let's go."
Kid Blink looked at Horseshoe, but knew that he couldn't convince him to come with them. He turned to Mush, Snitch, Itey, and David. "Hurry."
"But what about Horseshoe?" David asked. He hadn't heard Kid Blink and Horseshoe's conversation.
"He don't wanna come wit' us." Kid Blink replied as he and the others ran out.
Once outside, Kid Blink had to be very careful to lead the rest - especially David - out of the Refuge without getting seen. Kid Blink quickly motioned for the others to run swiftly - but silently - into the bushes.
Kid Blink knew that Racetrack and Skittery had returned to the Lodging House because he had told them to as soon as Kid Blink gave a return whistle once he and the others had gotten safely outside. And he had already done that.
"Stay down until I'se tell you guys it's safe." Kid Blink said as he watched Snyder and his men walk inside, and many of the men seemed like they had just ran a while.
Kid Blink figured that they had given chase to Racetrack and Skittery. Once Snyder and the others had gone inside he made a motion for them to run. David, Snitch, Itey, and Mush followed closely behind.
Once they were almost through the gates, Snyder walked back outside and saw them.
"Stop right there!" he called, seeing David, but of course they didn't and ran faster now that they didn't need to be quiet longer.
Once through the gates, Kid Blink led them through the alleys. As he was running he said:
"We's can't go tah the Lodgin' House. That'll be the foist place they'd look!"
"Where can we go?" Mush asked.
"To my place!" David said.
"I'se dunno. I'se don't think that yer folks would be too happy." Snitch said.
"They wouldn't mind. Beside, I'm sure they've been worried about me. Come on!" David replied as he took up the lead and led the others through the streets and keeping in the shadows.
Finally they got to their destination. David walked into the apartment.
"Mama? Papa? It's me. I'm here!" David called. "Les? Sarah?"
Ester emerged from another room. "David!" she called when she saw him. "Where have you been? We were so worried! You're father is out looking for you right this moment!" Ester then kissed his cheek and hugged him like she was afraid that she was going to lose him again.
"It's alright, Mama. I'm alright." David said, pulling out of her embrace. "I just got caught and sent to the Refuge. Kid Blink, Mush, Snitch, and Itey got me out." David looked in the doorway where they were standing. "Come in."
Ester looked at them. "Thank you so much for rescuing him."
Kid Blink shrugged. "It was nottin', ma'am."
"Is it alright that they stay here? Snyder's out looking for us." David asked.
Ester nodded. "Yes, yes. It's the least I could do." She then looked at them. "Are you hungry?"
The boys shook their heads. "No, ma'am." Mush said.
Ester smiled. "Of course you are. Sit down. I'll fix us all something."
Ester went into the kitchen part of the apartment and began to cook.
"Mama?" David asked. "Where's Sarah and Les?"
"Sarah and Les are out with your father, looking for you. They should be back soon." Ester replied. Then as if to prove her point, the three came walking in.
"No sign of him, Ester." Mayer said as he walked in not even looking in David's direction.
"Yeah, we can't find him anywhere!" Les exclaimed.
"Then why don't you look over here?" David asked.
"David!" Les exclaimed as he ran over to him and hugged him.
"I'm alright, Les." David replied.
Then Les, Sarah, and Mayer all started asking questions at once.
"Let him and his friends eat." Ester said. "Dinner's ready and he can tell you what happened."
Then everyone sat down and had the meal. David told the same thing he had told Kid Blink and the rest only with a little more detail.
"Well, I'm glad you're safe." Mayer said.
Kid Blink looked at Mush, then at Snitch and Itey. "I think dat we's can go back now. Race and Skit an' da rest are proly worried 'bout us."
"Alright." David said as the four thanked Ester and Mayer for the dinner and the safe haven. The turned and walked out the door.
"Carrying the banner." David said just before Kid Blink had gotten through.
Kid Blink turned and grinned. "Carryin' da banna."
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Denton walked into Tibby's. As he walked in, Spot turned and walked out.
"Where are you going?" Denton asked him. "I need to talk with all of you."
"I'se is worried 'bout Horseshoe. I'se wanna go an' find 'im." Spot said as he walked through the door.
"Why didn't the Sun print the story?" David asked as soon as he saw Denton.
Denton shook his head. "The owners said that it wasn't an important enough story."
"What do you mean it wasn't important?!" half the newsies exclaimed.
"I think that the owners were bought off." Denton replied. "I came to tell you guys good-bye."
"Did you get fired?" David asked.
"No, but I got reassigned to the Sun's ace war correspondent. They only want me to cover the really important stories." Denton replied.
"But wasn't the rally important?" Specs asked.
"Yes, I think so." Denton replied. "Unfortunately, that's not what the bosses thought."
The newsies looked at him.
"So now yer gonna leave us." Pie Eater said.
Denton sighed. "I don't want to, but I write for newspapers. I have to leave."
"Fine." David said coldly. "Go then."
Denton nodded as walked over to the owner and handed him some money. "Here this should cover it."
After Denton payed the man, he walked out of the restaurant. The newsies watched him go.
"What are we gonna do now?" Mush asked when Denton was gone.
"I say we get Jack outta the Refuge, and he'll tell us what tah do." Kid Blink said.
"Yeah!" the newsies exclaimed.
"But how?" Racetrack asked.
"I know." David said. "I'll need some help, but I know how we can get him out."
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Spot walked down the streets. He had to find Horseshoe.
As he rounded a corner, he heard some voices. Spot stayed in the shadows to see who it was.
D**n, it's those Delanceys, Spot though. He was about to turn and go the other name when he heard one of them mention Horseshoe's name.
"Yeah, that Horseshoe got payed big for that one." Morris said.
"Yeah and all because he led them to where Jacky-boy was." Oscar said. "Those stupid newsies don't even know that they have a traitor among them."
They both laughed, but Spot got really angry.
They'd betta be jokin' or I'se is gonna kill Horseshoe. Spot thought as he turned and walked the other way.
I'se is gonna kill 'im. I'se saw Horseshoe bein' protected by the bulls at the rally. I'se saw 'im shackin' hands with one a them. I'se was wonderin' why. Spot thought as he walked.
He rounded a corner when he saw some of the newsies playing around by the statue.
"Hey Spot! There ya are!" Skittery called.
"Yeah, where ya been at?" Bumlets asked.
"Lookin' for Horseshoe." Spot answered.
"Didja find 'im?" Snipeshooter asked.
"No, but he's gonna wish I'se didn't when I'se do find 'im." Spot replied.
"Why?" Pie Eater asked.
"I heard the Delancey's talkin' 'bout 'im gettin' payed for leadin' the bulls to Jack." Spot replied.
"They were proly lyin'." Snoddy said.
"I thought that at foist, but it seemed awfully convenient for 'im when started leavin' just before the bulls showed up and they were protectin' 'im when the rest of us was gettin' beatin' up. I'se also saw 'im shackin' hands with one of them." Spot replied.
"But when could they have bought 'im off? Not when he was in the Refuge, he was with Blink almost the whole time." Jake said.
"No he wasn't." Kid Blink replied. "He was in solitary confinement the whole time."
Spot sighed. "That's proly when they got 'im. He doesn't like bein' alone like that."
"Well, he did say somethin' about our escape being to easy." Ten-Pin pointed out.
"Yeah. He kept tellin' Blink that." Crutchy added.
Spot looked at him. "Well, he's gonna wish he never accepted that money when I'se find 'im."
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Later that night- Kid Blink, Boots, Mush, Racetrack, Les, and David sneaked inside the gates of the Refuge.
"That's where Crutchy was." David said as he pointed out the window.
"I don't see anyone." Racetrack replied.
They were about to go forward when they saw Jack being led into a carriage.
"It's Jack. But where are they takin' 'im?" Mush asked.
"Only one way to find out." David said. "You guys watch Les. I'll meet you back at the square."
"Alright, but be careful!" Kid Blink warned.
"I will." David said as he ran after the carriage.
Kid Blink, Boots, Mush, Racetrack, and Les began to walk back to the square.
"I hope he gets Jack." Les said.
"We all do." Racetrack replied.
The five headed toward the Lodging House.
As they walked into the bunkroom, they were surrounded by tons of newsies.
"Where's Jack?" Bumlets asked.
"And Dave?" Dutchy asked.
Kid Blink held up his hands. "Jack was taken somewheres and Dave followed."
The newsies began to murmur amongst themselves.
Racetrack looked down at Les.
"When yer brother gets back, he can take ya home. Fer now, what don'tcha try tah go tah sleep?"
"Okay." Les replied as he crawled into Racetrack's bunk and fell asleep.
Racetrack walked over to where some of the older newsies were gathered and talking quietly.
"I hope Dave can get Jack outta there." Pie Eater remarked.
"Don't worry. Dave's smart. He'll get Cowboy out." Mush remarked.
"Does anyone know where Spot went tah?" Racetrack asked.
The newsies looked at him.
"I t'ink he went tah find Horseshoe." Crutchy replied.
Suddenly, the newsies heard footsteps. They turned toward the stairs and saw Horseshoe coming up.
"What are you doin' here?" Snitch asked.
Horseshoe looked at him, puzzled. "Um, I'se is lookin' for Spot."
"I'd be careful. He ain't happy wit' ya." Jake remarked.
"Why?" Horseshoe asked.
"We know all about yer secret." Skittery replied.
"What secret?" Horseshoe asked, confused.
"Spot told us 'bout you acceptin' that money from Snyda." Kid Blink said putting his hands on his hips.
"What are you talkin' about? What money?" Horseshoe asked.
"Don't be stupid, Horseshoe!" came a voice that all the newsies knew too well. Spot.
Horseshoe turned to Spot as he came up the steps. "Sounds like ya been spreadin' rumors 'bout me, Spot."
"Rumors?" Spot repeated. "That's what you call 'em? I'd call you a traitor."
"Traitor!" Horseshoe exclaimed. "How dare ya call me that!"
"That's what ya is." Spot replied, raising his fists.
"No I ain't!" Horseshoe yelled.
"Horseshoe, Spot! Be quiet! Yer wakin' everyone up!" Ten-Pin called from his bunk.
But the two ignored him.
"How come I'se saw ya shakin' hands wit' da bulls?" Spot asked.
"I'se dunno why they did dat!" Horseshoe exclaimed.
"C'mon, you two. Knock it off!" Kid Blink exclaimed.
"Shaddup!" Spot snapped at him.
"Spot, I don't know why ya think I'se is a traitor, but lemme tell you I ain't." Horseshoe replied.
"Shoa ya ain't." Spot replied.
Horseshoe have an angry sigh and turned and walked toward the doorway.
"Where are you goin'?" Spot exclaimed angrily.
"I'se is leavin'. If ya guys want tah call me a traitor, I'll jus' leave." Horseshoe replied.
"I'se don't think so." Spot muttered as he went after Horseshoe.
Just as Spot was about to cuff Horseshoe in the back of the head, Horseshoe turned around and punched Spot in the jaw, knocking him over.
Soon, Spot was beating the tar out of Horseshoe, but Horseshoe somehow managed to avoid getting the worst of it.
The newsies tried to separate them, only to have to dodge out of the way of a fist or foot.
"What's going on up here?" came Kloppman's voice.
"Horseshoe's a traitor!" Spot spat.
"I ain't!" Horseshoe replied, some blood running out of the corner of his mouth.
Kloppman shook his head. "What about sticking together? What about Jack? You two are acting selfish, do you realize that?"
"I ain't! He's a traitor!" Spot exclaimed.
"No I ain't!" Horseshoe replied. He turned to the newsies. "You guys believe me, right?"
No one said anything.
"Fine! No one believe me! I'll jus' go!" Horseshoe exclaimed as he stomped down the stairs.
Kloppman looked over the newsies, then his gaze rested on Spot, but he said nothing as he turned and walked down the stairs. Spot had a strange feeling that Kloppman knew something he didn't.
"Spot," Kid Blink started. "Didn't you say that Horseshoe was one a yer most trusted person of the Brooklyn newsies?"
"Yeah. So?" Spot said, but Kid Blink just looked at him. "That was before." Spot continued. "Before he became a traitor."
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"Stop the 'World', no more papes! Stop the 'World', no more papes!" the newsies chanted the next morning outside that distribution center, but no one seemed to notice or care.
"Ya wanna know what?" Mush asked suddenly.
"Not really." Spot remarked, but Mush ignored him.
"I haven't seen Dave or Jack at all." Mush replied.
"Ya know, neither have I, Mush." Kid Blink replied.
"I wonder what happened tah 'im and Cowboy." Racetrack said. "An' Horseshoe."
"Yeah." the newsies said.
Just as if to answer part of that question, the newsies heard some commotion. They turned and saw Horseshoe being led out. He had on a new suit and a stack of papers under his arm. Jack was behind him, but somehow managed not to get noticed.
"Horseshoe!" Kid Blink called.
"I knew it!" Spot called. "Horseshoe is a traitor!"
"I wasn't 'fore, Spot." Horseshoe called back. "You guys called me a traitor, so I figured dat I'se might as well become one!"
"I'll soak ya!" Spot called.
Horseshoe looked at him. "Shoa ya will."
Spot glared at him for a moment. The only thing that separated Horseshoe and Spot was the row of police officers that stood there. Spot's gaze went behind Horseshoe over to Jack. "And what is this, Cowboy?"
The newsies craned their necks to see Jack standing behind Horseshoe. Jack, however, said nothing.
"I can't believe it! Jack, the one who told us that we had tah stick togedder is a traitor!" Snoddy called.
Les, being as small as he was, squeezed in between the police and ran up to Jack. Jack looked down at him and saw heartbreak in Les's eyes.
"How could you do this Cowboy?" Les asked as he fought back the tears.
"Les, I-" Jack started, but was cut short by Weasel grabbing Les by the collar and roughly dragging him back toward the newsies.
"Stop!" Jack told him, but Weasel roughly shoved Les into the newsies. Les fell over, but continued to lay there. At first Jack thought Weasel had hurt him, but slowly Les stood, wiping his face to clear the tears away. He looked up at Jack and at the top of his lungs yelled: "Who needs you, you scab!?"
Jack was heartbroken.
Meanwhile, Horseshoe looked down at his cloths, then at the stack of papers he held in his hands. He looked out and saw the anxious faces of the newsies. Horseshoe threw down his papers and walked toward the newsies.
Before he got there, Weasel stood in his path.
"Going somewhere, Horseshoe?" he asked.
"Yeah. I don't like bein' a scabba. I'se is goin'." Horseshoe replied as he pushed past Weasel. He turned to Jack. "C'mon Cowboy."
Jack looked at him, then put his hand into his pockets and felt the money in them. He had more on the way.
"Jack!" Horseshoe said as he walked up to him and grabbed his arm.
Jack shook his arm free of Horseshoe's grasp. "I'se can't." he whispered. Horseshoe got into Jack's face and really quietly said:
"An' yer gonna leave the newsies here. You know as well as I do what's gonna happen!"
Jack looked away. Horseshoe spit as his feet.
"Fine. I will." Horseshoe turned to the newsies. For a moment, no one moved, then Horseshoe yelled as loud as he could: "Get outta here! Dis is a trap!"
The newsies didn't know what he meant, but they began to leave.
Oscar and Morris tackled Horseshoe before he could say more. Then, a whistle blew.
The newsies began to panic and run. All got away, though because of Horseshoe's warning.
Horseshoe, however, wasn't as fortunate. Morris grabbed him roughly and pulled him to his feet. Horseshoe tried to fight his way free, but Oscar gave him a punch in the face, sending fierce pain through his head.
Jack turned toward him. "Leave 'im alone."
"Don't think so, Cowboy." Weasel said with an evil smirk. "He's goin' back to the Refuge."
Jack saw fear flash through Horseshoe's eyes as he was dragged away.
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"I don't know how much more a this I can take!" Racetrack complained when the newsies regrouped at the Newsies Square.
"Yeah. An' where's Dave?" Crutchy asked.
"Will ya guys stop complainin'?" Kid Blink called. "Listen, we gotta find Dave an' we gotta get Horseshoe outta da Refuge."
"Why should we get that traitor outta there?" Spot asked, still upset.
"I really don't think he was a traitor. I'se mean, why did he warn us?" Kid Blink asked.
Spot seemed to consider that. "I dunno." he admitted. "Ya know, I think yer right 'bout him not bein' a traitor."
"So, what are we gonna do?" Boots asked. "How are we gonna find Dave and get Horseshoe outta the Refuge?"
Kid Blink shrugged, then looked out over the newsies. "Anybody got any ideas?"
The newsies tried to come up with something, but couldn't.
"Jack an' Dave coulda come up wit' somethin'." Ten-Pin said.
"I'se know." Mush agreed. "How can we?"
"We can . . . somehow." Kid Blink replied. "Anyone come up wit' any ideas yet?"
"No." the newsies responded.
"Wait!" Crutchy exclaimed. "What 'bout that rope dat yous guys took? What were ya plannin' wit' that?"
Kid Blink and the others who went with David to get Jack out never seemed to consider that.
"Why didn't we think a dat?" Racetrack asked.
Kid Blink shook his head. "I dunno." he looked at the newsies. "Okay, 'ere's what we're gonna do . . ."
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Kid Blink, Racetrack, Skittery, Mush, and a few others were once again outside the Refuge. Kid Blink turned to Racetrack and Skittery.
"You two ready?"
Skittery and Race both nodded. Kid Blink turned to the others.
"How 'bout you guys? You ready?"
"Yup." the others replied.
"Good." Kid Blink replied. "Get to yer places."
The others nodded and scattered to various places. Racetrack and Skittery sneaked back to the other side of the gates.
Kid Blink gave a few low whistles, and their plan began.
Skittery and Racetrack started yelling loudly, like they were arguing with each other.
Kid Blink and the others watched as some of Snyder's men came out to see what the commotion was all about.
Skittery and Racetrack then pretended to fight.
Snyder himself then came out to see what all the noise was, and that's when Kid Blink, Mush, Snitch, and Itey ran into the Refuge.
"Where is he at?" Mush asked, meaning Horseshoe, once they were inside.
"Let's go up 'ere." Kid Blink said. "That's where they held me, and he was in a room not to far from dere."
Mush nodded. The four went up the stairs quickly, but quietly. When they got to the door of the room that they had held Horseshoe in before, Kid Blink lifted the flap up.
And gasped.
Sitting there was David.
"Dave?" Kid Blink whispered loudly (if that's possible).
David turned toward him. "Blink? What are you doing here?"
"We thought Horseshoe'd be 'ere." Kid Blink said. "What're you doin' 'ere?"
"Well, I caught a ride on the back of the carriage that was taking Jack away, and when we got to wherever it was they were taking Jack, one of the guys spotted me. I tried to make a run for it, but couldn't get out fast enough." David explained. "We waited until Jack came out, and acted different. Later I found out that Pulitzer had made a deal with him and he wanted to make one with me as well, but I said no. That's why I'm here."
Kid Blink looked at him through the slit in the door. "Well, we're gonna get you outta 'ere too. But we gotta hurry. I dunno how much longer Race an' Skit can keep Snyda an' his men busy."
David nodded. Kid Blink turned to Mush, Snitch, and Itey.
"Snitch, Itey, you guys think you can get da keys?" Kid Blink asked.
They nodded.
"Shoa." Itey said.
"Good. Mush can you stay 'ere wit' Dave while I go an' try tah find Horseshoe?" Kid Blink asked.
"Yeah." Mush replied.
"Good. Now hurry!" Kid Blink exclaimed. He walked down the hall. There weren't too many doors around here, so Kid Blink knew Horseshoe had to be in one of them.
"Horseshoe." he whispered in one of the doors at the end of the hallway.
"Who is it?" came a voice. Kid Blink lifted the flap and saw Horseshoe sitting in the shadows.
"It's me, Blink." Kid Blink whispered back. Horseshoe turned toward the door and walked out of the shadows.
Then Kid Blink saw how bruised he was.
"What happened?" Kid Blink asked.
"They didn't like dat I'se warned ya guys." Horseshoe said, then stayed silent. Kid Blink didn't even need anymore of an explanation. He had a general idea of what happened.
"Well, as soon as Skittery an' Race find the keys, we'se gonna get ya outta 'ere." Kid Blink told Horseshoe.
Horseshoe looked at Kid Blink with his brown eyes full of hopelessness. "Ya know, we'se gettin' too old for this sort a thing, Blink. Maybe the strike was a bad idea."
Kid Blink couldn't believe what he was hearing. Horseshoe was giving up!
"No it ain't!" Kid Blink argued. "We need tah fight this or soon Hearst and Pulitzer will be chargin' us so much for our papes that we'll hafta stop."
Horseshoe looked at him. "I dunno know, Blink . . ."
"What's not tah know? Well, even if ya don't strike wit' us, I'se is gonna get ya outta here." Kid Blink said.
"Yeah so they can catch me again, den send me tah the Brooklyn Refuge? I'se don't t'ink so." Horseshoe replied angrily and hopeless.
"Dey won't catch ya." Kid Blink assured him. Mush ran over with the keys in his hand.
"I got 'em, Kid." Mush said.
Kid Blink looked into the slot again. "Ya comin' wit' us, Horseshoe?" he asked.
Horseshoe gave an angry sigh. "No." he said. Mush gave him a look like Horseshoe had lost his mind.
"Why?" Mush asked.
"I don't wanna. If I'se get caught again, I'se will go tah the Brooklyn Refuge and, believe me, this Refuge ain't as bad as the Brooklyn one." Horseshoe replied.
Kid Blink turned and listened as he heard Race's warning whistle. Then he turned back to Horseshoe. "Listen, they's is comin'. Are ya comin' or not?"
"No." Horseshoe replied.
Mush turned to Kid Blink. "C'mon, let's go."
Kid Blink looked at Horseshoe, but knew that he couldn't convince him to come with them. He turned to Mush, Snitch, Itey, and David. "Hurry."
"But what about Horseshoe?" David asked. He hadn't heard Kid Blink and Horseshoe's conversation.
"He don't wanna come wit' us." Kid Blink replied as he and the others ran out.
Once outside, Kid Blink had to be very careful to lead the rest - especially David - out of the Refuge without getting seen. Kid Blink quickly motioned for the others to run swiftly - but silently - into the bushes.
Kid Blink knew that Racetrack and Skittery had returned to the Lodging House because he had told them to as soon as Kid Blink gave a return whistle once he and the others had gotten safely outside. And he had already done that.
"Stay down until I'se tell you guys it's safe." Kid Blink said as he watched Snyder and his men walk inside, and many of the men seemed like they had just ran a while.
Kid Blink figured that they had given chase to Racetrack and Skittery. Once Snyder and the others had gone inside he made a motion for them to run. David, Snitch, Itey, and Mush followed closely behind.
Once they were almost through the gates, Snyder walked back outside and saw them.
"Stop right there!" he called, seeing David, but of course they didn't and ran faster now that they didn't need to be quiet longer.
Once through the gates, Kid Blink led them through the alleys. As he was running he said:
"We's can't go tah the Lodgin' House. That'll be the foist place they'd look!"
"Where can we go?" Mush asked.
"To my place!" David said.
"I'se dunno. I'se don't think that yer folks would be too happy." Snitch said.
"They wouldn't mind. Beside, I'm sure they've been worried about me. Come on!" David replied as he took up the lead and led the others through the streets and keeping in the shadows.
Finally they got to their destination. David walked into the apartment.
"Mama? Papa? It's me. I'm here!" David called. "Les? Sarah?"
Ester emerged from another room. "David!" she called when she saw him. "Where have you been? We were so worried! You're father is out looking for you right this moment!" Ester then kissed his cheek and hugged him like she was afraid that she was going to lose him again.
"It's alright, Mama. I'm alright." David said, pulling out of her embrace. "I just got caught and sent to the Refuge. Kid Blink, Mush, Snitch, and Itey got me out." David looked in the doorway where they were standing. "Come in."
Ester looked at them. "Thank you so much for rescuing him."
Kid Blink shrugged. "It was nottin', ma'am."
"Is it alright that they stay here? Snyder's out looking for us." David asked.
Ester nodded. "Yes, yes. It's the least I could do." She then looked at them. "Are you hungry?"
The boys shook their heads. "No, ma'am." Mush said.
Ester smiled. "Of course you are. Sit down. I'll fix us all something."
Ester went into the kitchen part of the apartment and began to cook.
"Mama?" David asked. "Where's Sarah and Les?"
"Sarah and Les are out with your father, looking for you. They should be back soon." Ester replied. Then as if to prove her point, the three came walking in.
"No sign of him, Ester." Mayer said as he walked in not even looking in David's direction.
"Yeah, we can't find him anywhere!" Les exclaimed.
"Then why don't you look over here?" David asked.
"David!" Les exclaimed as he ran over to him and hugged him.
"I'm alright, Les." David replied.
Then Les, Sarah, and Mayer all started asking questions at once.
"Let him and his friends eat." Ester said. "Dinner's ready and he can tell you what happened."
Then everyone sat down and had the meal. David told the same thing he had told Kid Blink and the rest only with a little more detail.
"Well, I'm glad you're safe." Mayer said.
Kid Blink looked at Mush, then at Snitch and Itey. "I think dat we's can go back now. Race and Skit an' da rest are proly worried 'bout us."
"Alright." David said as the four thanked Ester and Mayer for the dinner and the safe haven. The turned and walked out the door.
"Carrying the banner." David said just before Kid Blink had gotten through.
Kid Blink turned and grinned. "Carryin' da banna."
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