Daily picayune., 1921-01-14
Just Jim
 ------------- By FLORA M. DUNN


1 teJ l52l by Mcclure newspaper Syhulcate1
 Nobodys boy, ten, ragged, "thin as whippet," but with all attractive look on his clean, freckled face that challenged d second glance, stood be- fore the entrance to the Greatest Show on Earth" His intent gaze was glued to the vast cloud of canvas that shut him out of the enchanted ground, the glory of glories. Like Peri before the gate of Heaven, his whole souls desire spoke from his earnest brown eyes.
 Want to go in, sonF
 The question, which needed no re- ply, came from big, kindly, jolly faced man whose hand was grippingly held by little fve-year-old chap who was making his first visit to circus.
 All right" he nodded to the lad, whose speaking eyes made other re- ply unnecessary. Come along with 1 us." The magic words were the ses- anne that opened the path to untold wonders, beside which the Arabian l Nights are tame as Mother Goose rhymes.
 Then began the journey through Zooland the little kid, and the mid ding sized kid hugging close to the big kid who had, with the flip of greenback, become a giant fairy to two adoring, happy boys. Such fierce looking animals with long. queer names, that no little boy could be expected to know printed on their gorgeous cages. Such funny, homely, wise looking monkeys that peered through the bars of their liber ty lost caged homes with bored or saucy manner. Such huge. hungry elephants that never seemed to get enough peanuts, although an army of little boys and girls kept them con stantly supplied Then such corking ice cream cones, candy and drinks out of long necked bottles, straw imbibed, ambrosial sweets to enchanted kids in an enchanted heaven of pleasure.
 "Now." said the big fairy. when the two kinds had eaten all they could possibly hold well get our seats and be ready for the circus folks" Three chairs in the second row-so little five year old could see all the fun-were bought from de guy what stood in teeny pulpit all to himself, said tie stray lad, and the big kid. with the two little kids, sat down to wait for the band
 "Who's boy are you?" asked the giant fairy, whose real name was pr. Curtis.
 "Nobodys, sir"
 What is your name?" The doctors voice was very kind.
 "Just Jim"
 Then the band began to play and there was no chance for further ques- tioning
 The big kid found its nearness rath- CT overpowering, but he looked at the happy little kids and he didn't care if the noise did make him temporarily deaf. It's immensity seemed none too great for his guests of honor.
 Finally, the music ended in loud explosion of creScendos, and the band scattered to give place to the wonder full ring shows.
 But first came the grand parade of all the circus folk in gorgeous array, that kept the two little kids dancing on their toes iii sheer delight.
 This was followed by the most amazing performances that ever spell bound the eyes of kid. Such breath less, heart thrilling acts that made l life. for the little kid and the middling- sized kid, so full of joy It was akin to pain.
 When the program was about haif over. pr. Curtis was notified by m attendant that he was wanted on the i phone.
 Jim. while I'm gone. l want you to take care of little Carl. I'm sure can trust big boy like you
 'Yes. sir you kin" very earnestly.
 But when the thrilling pony race with their monkey drivers took the sawdust tracks. little Carl became serious responsibility. Both boys were keyed to the highest pitch Of | excitement, and the five-yearold, in wave of hypnotic ecstasy, bolted into the track before the mortified Jim could hinder. Instantly he sprang after the flying little body, while at tendants rushed forward from far away distances, men shouted, women screamed and the ponies raced on. But Nobody's Jim grasped his small charge and hurled him away from the pounding feet that struck the rescuer instead.
 When Dr. Curtis returned, he found his little son crying in the arms of a motherly woman, and the unconscious Jim gently supported by an attendant.
 He saved the kids life all right" declared the circus man. And his life too shall be saved" ]"