Twelve-year-old Joseph Connors ran up.
"Go away," said Mink straight at him.
"I wanna play," said Joseph.
"Can't!" said Mink.
"Why not?"
"You'd just make fun of us."
"Honest, I wouldn't."
"No. We know you. Go away or we'll kick you."
Another twelve-year-old boy whirred by on little motor-skates. "Aye, Joe! Come on! Let them sissies play!"
Joseph showed reluctance and a certain wistfulness. "I want to play," he said.