Los Angeles herald., 1909-06-27
JIMMY'S BIRTHDAY
AND ITS HAPPY ENDING

more stray dogs or cats IN mere
~ demanded Jimmys father, look
ing with strong displeasure on the di-
lapidated little beast that formed part
of the group around the base burner.
"Well, father, it's Jimmy's birthday"
explained Jimmy's mother. you see,
Billy Boyle couldn't come over be-
cause he had to go on an errand, and
Jimmy wouldn't stay at home from
school for a treat, so 1 let him bring
in the little dog"
you take that dog out where you
got him." commanded Larkin.
Indeed. he'll keep the dog right
here" said Mrs. Larkin, asserting her
self as she seldom did. Il knew well
enough he'd never get the roller skates
you partly promised him, but the child
thought that maybe by miracle he
would; he doesn't know you as we'll as
l do. And when Billy couldn't come
thought the poor little fellow ought to
have some pleasure on his birthday"
"Who tied the pup up?" asked Lar
kin, somewhat better natured after his
supper.
Il found him in the alley" explained
Jimmy, ''and he was nearly dead, and
ma washed his eye with some medicine,
because it was my birthday, and L
didn't have any present, and that new
doctor over the grocery tied up his leg.
I wanted to pay him ten cents, but he
said he'd do it for my birthday pres
ent.''
"Well, amt going to have that ugly
dog around here. Dogs eat as much as
kids, so take him out and get 1t over
with"
Jimmy held the dog closer and looked
imploringly at his mother.
''You never mind about that dog,
said she. Jimmy and L will see that
he gets out of your sight; it's pity
you can't get glimpse of Yourself at
times, since you are so opposed to ugly
things. It's pity, too, that the child
can't have little peace and comfort
on his birthday. Don't cry, Jimmy
The dog stays in the house until your
birthday is over, anyway"
The bell rang and Jimmy, carrying
his protege, went to the door. Soon
he ushered in the new doctor.
81 thought I'd come in to see how
nv patient was" he said, laughing.
He's nv first and only one in this
neighborhood. so / must take care of
him. I'll take off the banadge and
watch you dress the dogs leg, Jimmy.
See how gently he does it?" he re-
marked to the father, who had so far
unbent from his first attitude of lofty
contempt as to watch the proceedings
curiously.
No one could resist the good nature
of the Young doctor THAT boy of
yours is a born surgeon" he said.
II had q bit of turn that way my
self when | was a kid said the father.
Indeed, you're a born nurse said
Mrs. Larkin, affectionately.
"Oh" said the young doctor there's
a pair of old roller skates l tinkered
up for you to learn on, Jimmy, so you
won't damage your new ones.
The boys face was eloquent, but he
said nothing until his mother reminded
him of his manners.
"And [ forget the important part of
my visit" said the doctor. BILLY told
me to be sure and tell you that he was
coming in and you were not to go TO
bed early"
AS the doctor went out Billy burst in
and breathlessly undid a package con-
tanning a collar for the new little dog.
He had found it in the alley and his
father had cut it down till he thought
it would fit
Earkin watched the two boys a while
from behind his paper and then asked
carelessly: Jimmy. which would you
rather have, new pair of roller skates
or a license for your dog?"
"Well, after all, you had nice birth
day." said Mrs. Larkin, as she put the
big clothes basket containing the little
dog on two chairs close to Jimmy's bed.
Nobody in this hull world is as
happy as 1 am" he said, sleeplly.
"And I'm going to be the best kid in
the hull school. You see if don't"
"Your father says he's going to
make a doctor of you. He told me to
tell you not to tie up the dogs leg
until he gets home tomorrow evening.
He wants to see you do il"