Chapter 13: At first, Johnny helps Katie with the janitorial work in the new building, but soon he begins to slack off, leaving her to do most of the work. Like the other children who live in this area, the Nolan children spend their days on the streets. Even very young children play in the streets, which, the narrator notes, is a sign that there is sadness in this neighborhood, where children take care of themselves while their parents work at menial jobs.
Chapter 14: Sissy is the source of two scandals that force the family to once again move. She borrows a tricycle that she sees and uses it to give Francie and Neeley rides, but the tricycle belongs to another family. Sissy is accused of stealing, and the police are called. When the policeman arrives, Sissy works her usual charm on him, and he allows her to continue to use the tricycle. On another visit, Sissy leaves a cigarette box that was in her handbag. The children open the box and discover that it is filled with "balloons" from the rubber factory where Sissy works. The children tie the balloons together and string them from their window, where they hang outside, embarrassing the family.
These scandals force Katie to move her family once again. Both Katie and Evy decide that Sissy will not be allowed in their homes again. The family moves to a new apartment in Williamsburg, where they live on the top floor but have the use of the roof, which is a great benefit in the summer. Francie is six and could start school, but she will wait a year for Neeley so that they can go together. Francie's age reminds Johnny that he has been married for seven years and has already lived in three houses. He says this will be his last move.
