Re-assured, Shimph walked down the entry; Miss Fogarty beckoned with the roses, and Brennen, a little abashed, came to her. “I thought,” said she, “that you couldn’t come to-night. What’s the matter?--didn’t ye want to take me?” “Ah, say, Nell! What’s the use--” “Who did ye come with? Was it Mary Haley?” “I came alone Nell; ’pon me soul, I did!” “Eddy Brennen, if I thought you was double-faced enough to--” “Will ye cheese it! If the gang git next they’ll give me the laugh. I didn’t bring no lady, Nell. I’m dead broke and couldn’t, see! That’s the reason I give youse the song and dance about not comin’. When I take youse out, I want to do the right t’ing.” Nell’s face grew brighter at this explanation and she said: “I knowed you wasn’t workin’, didn’t I; and I didn’t expect ye’d blow your money when ye hadn’t much. You ain’t acquainted with me, I can see that right here. I ain’t no leg-puller. Got a ticket?” “No,” answered the youth awkwardly; “I’m waitin’ for a slow. Casey told me there’d be some goin’ aroun’ after the push got in.” “For Heaven’s sake!” cried Miss Fogarty: “Don’t hang around the door waitin’ for a captain; ye’ll git a hard name!” She looked down the entry where Casey was riffling a packet of tickets his shirt front and rhinestone studs gleaming under the slanting rays of light. “After I go in,” continued she, “ask Danny for one; I’ll fix it with him as I pass.” “But, say Nell! I don’t like--” “Oh bother!” She started to rejoin her escort, but stopped suddenly. “Look here,” she cautioned, “don’t you ask me for a single dance; for if ye do ye’ll get flagged! Rox Shimph sent me these flowers and put up money for a hack, and he’s me partner for all the dances.” “Say, are youse goin’ to t’row me down for that--” “Don’t call him names! He’s run the pair o’ looms next to mine for three years now, and he’s always acted like a perfect gentleman. You come to see me steady, Mr. Brennen, but I won’t play Rox for a lobster even for you.” And with this she once more started away fumbling in her purse and saying over her shoulder: “Don’t forget to ask Danny for the ticket.” Murphy had gone to the street door to speak to a friend while the above scene was enacting; now he came hurrying back to the “gate” excitedly. “McGonagle,” exclaimed he, “here comes Nobby Foley and Tim Daily wit’ a couple o’ skirts. I’ll bet we’ll have the ‘chain gang’ here!” “Gee,” murmured Goose. “If they cut loose this won’t be a ball, it’ll be a scrappin’ match. Say d’youse t’ink four cops is enough? Hadn’t we better git the loot to send two more?” Murphy looked at him, disdainfully. “We ain’t a lot o’ kids, are we?” inquired he. “I might be dead wrong but I t’ink the push kin hold their own with any of ’em. There’s only one t’ing to do; as soon as they git gay, go in an’ slam ’em; ain’t that right?”