The Rise and Fall of a Teenage Leader
...ed, Blackie’s leadership is in dispute. “’You can stand down, Blackie, if you’d rather…’” says Trevor when his ideas are challenged (119). His strong, internal, need to destroy the last remaining house of this upscale neighborhood, give Trevor the motivation to speak out at last. As the others vote in favor of Trevor’s idea, Blackie concedes the leadership role. “Driven by the pure, simple and altruistic ambition of fame for the gang” (120) is all the keeps Blackie in the adventure, even after he relinquishes control of his gang. Trevor’s vision of the destruction of No. 3 is all laid out in his mind. “’There are twelve of us […] We’d organize” (119) is Trevor’s reply to doubts expressed by his comrades. He envisions the steps to complete the task at hand and knows what will be required. Assigning duties to all members: “You,” he said to Mike, “bring some big nails, the biggest you can find, and a hammer. Anyone else who can better bring a hammer and a screwdriver. We’ll need plenty of them. Chisels too. We can’t have to many chisels. Can anybody bring a saw?” (120). Mentally going though the list of necessary equipment, Trevor issues demands like a master sergeant. Every member is to bring what they can of the required tools. Trevor, the child of an architect, knows what will be needed to bring down the structure that blatantly flaunts its existence everyday. Once tools are requisitioned, and the project commences, the boys work tirelessly, seeing the destruction to near completion. The gang stops from their mission only briefly. “Half an hour for lunch and they were at work again” (122). Needing to fulfill the plan of their new leader motivates the members to work long hours. The excitement at the thoroughness of their mission could be felt by all “as they looked down the great hollow of the house” (124). The realization that they are so close to finishing the daunting task they had under taken fills the boys with exhilaration. Near the completion of the project, Mr. Thomas is spotted returning to his home at No. 3 earlier than expected, endangering the finalization of the destruction. As the gang is ready to abort the project, Trevor’s desperation shows through. “We’ve got to finish. Don’t move. Let me think” (124) is his reply when a boy wants to leave before they are all discovered. “Just give me a minute and I’ll fix it. I swear I’ll fix it […] Please” (124). His vision of complete destruction is threatened and he is desperate to see the job to its finale. Dissention in the ranks runs rampant. ...