Treasure and Our Side of Town, Their Side of Town Summary

Young Francie, who washes clothing with her mother at Miss Beach's Boarding House for Colored, has been scratched four times by Miss Beach's cat named Treasure. Gathering linens from the guests' rooms, she plays with their belongings, but becomes startled by Treasure's appearance from under the bed. Treasure scratches her again, and she shoves him into a wardrobe, closes the door and goes on about her work. Francie's father is working in Chicago as a train porter, and will send for her and the family soon. Miss Beach expresses her doubts that it will ever happen. Francie sticks her tongue out at her.

When Francie's mother learns what Francie did to the cat, she whips Francie for putting her job in jeopardy. In pain, Francie...