Race knew that Irish always went up on the rooftop every morning, and this morning he wanted to talk with her before any of the other newsies woke up. He quietly got dressed and tip-toed out of the bunk room. He reached the rooftop and saw Irish leaning against the edge.

"Hey Irish."

The girl turned at the sound of her name and smiled. "Hello Racetrack."

He joined her and looked out at the sunrise. "So how's Spot?"

Irish's smile faded. She turned and started to walk away when Race stopped her.

"Somethin's wrong and I want ta know what it is."

Irish turned to him. "We don't know where Spot is."

Racetrack was taken aback. He knew Spot never went anywhere without telling Irish or taking her along.

"What'd I hear ‘bout Spot?"

The two turned and saw Mush standing in the doorway.

"Spot's missin'." answered Racetrack.

Mush looked over at Irish and asked, "For how long?"

"Swindler said since yesterday morning."

Race put an arm around Irish and took her inside, followed by Mush. They walked downstairs and waited for the other newsies. When Jack came down and saw the trio, he knew something was wrong.

"What's goin' on?" he asked.

"Brooklyn's missin' der leadah." answered Mush.

Jack glanced over at Irish and saw the pain in her eyes, so he left the lodging house without a word. The others followed him, Race walked with Irish.

"Der's somethin' I wanna ask ya." he said in a low voice.

"What is it?"

Race looked around to make sure none of the newsies were listening. "Do ya think a goil would be interested in me?"

Irish stopped and looked at Race. "Why do you ask that?"

"What made ya like Spot?"

Irish thought for a moment before answering, "I have to admit his looks were the first thing that got my attention."

Racetrack hung his head as he walked to the World distribution center. He once again convinced Weasel to buy his papers, and as he started to leave, a hand grabbed his.

"Race, could I sell with you?" asked Irish.

The newsie nodded as the two left to find a selling spot.

"Ya think you'll start sellin' a hundred papes soon?"

Irish laughed. "The same day you do."

When they were done selling papers Race and Irish decided to walk around Manhattan.

"Why did you ask me about girls this morning?" asked Irish.

I kinda envy Spot ‘cause he's got you'se ta call his goil."

Irish took her friends hand and said, "If a girl can't like you for who you are, then she's not worth it."

Race then looked in her eyes and asked, "What're ya gonna do ‘bout Spot?"

She looked away from his gaze and answered, "I thought about going today to see if he came back yet."

Racetrack took her arm and walked to Brooklyn with her. They crossed the bridge and made their way to the warehouse where the newsies stayed. Swindler was standing in the entrance.

"Hey Race, her not goin' afta Spot's goil are ya?"

"I ain't inta dyin' young."

Irish stood in front of Swindler and asked, "Has he returned?"

Swindler shook his head. "No, an' we don't know where else ta look."

She thanked him and headed back to Manhattan. When she came to the lodging house she went right to her room, not speaking to anyone. Jack pulled Race aside and said, "I hope Spot knows what he's doin'.?"

Irish closed her door and turned to see Spot Conlon sitting on her bed. She rushed to him and threw her arms around him.

"Where have you been? Swindler and the others have been worried."

"Includin' you'se?"

Irish smiled. "Especially me."

Spot wrapped his arms around her as she rested her head on his chest.

"I had somethin' important ta git." he said.

"What was that?"

Spot kneeled down next to the bed and held Irish's hand.

"Irish, we've been together fer a year an' it's been th' best year of my life."

He fumbled through his pockets and withdrew a little box.

"I was gone ‘cause I wanted ta find th' best fer ya."

Spot lifted the lid to reveal a ring with an emerald. Irish gasped when she saw it.

"I know it ain't a diamond, but dis reminded me of how her eyes sparkle," he took the ring out of the box and gave it to Irish, "would ya give me th' honor of wearin' it?"

Irish took the ring and put it on her finger. "Yes Spot, I will."

They stood up and embraced each other for a long time.

"Spot, how could you decide something like this after only a year?"

"I guess dat's true love."

Spot then held Irish close and kissed her.