“It wouldn’t hurt you as it hurts them,” Raven said.
“You think about it.” He got to his feet. “I’m goin’ to the bank to get some dough. I’ll stake you guys to a roll. You’ve got to get yourselves some new clothes. Don’t forget you’re livin’ at the St. Louis from now on.
When you’re fixed you’ve got to start work.” He broke off abruptly and stood listening.
The others sat very still.
Through the closed window they could hear a lot of shouting in the street. Raven took two quick steps to the window and threw it up. He looked down and then turned away.
“It’s out,” he said briefly. His eyes were very bright. “They’re tellin’ the world that Mendetta’s dead.”
The others made a move to the window, but he stopped them. “You’ve got to work fast now,” he said. “The sooner we’re organized the quicker we make dough.”
He went out of the room hurriedly.
The three made a dash to the window. Across the road they could see a newsvendor standing busily handing out papers. When the crowd thinned a little they could read his placard: MENDETTA AND MOLL SHOT TO DEATH
Lefty heaved a big sigh. “Didn’t I tell you that guy was somethin’?” he said proudly.