Evening star., 1931-12-20


n What did you say his name was?
I orimes?" St. Peter asked.
Yes. Jim Grimes, though he
might have registered here as Red or Sailor
jim"
There a pause the silence of infinity
disturbed only by the tedious hum of spinning
planets and the rustic of leaves in a gold
embossed book the knees Of the saint.
The lad shifted impatiently from one
foot to the other. Finally "G-r-i-m-e-s, it's
spelled" he prompted.
The man shook his head. I'm sorry ne
said. Hes not here"
The youngster tilted back torn cap, dis
closing tangle Of flaming hair. Determinedly
he thrust forward frecklea jaw Say, you'd
better look again!" he said. "He-why he's
gotta be here! We was together not a minute
ago He was gonna shoot his last haf-buck
on Christmas present for me. see? We was
crossin' tn street. an then it all happened
sudden-like. dizzy guy in a great, big
lmousine-Well, Jim he seen what gonna
happen, an he give me- shove. Course,
he slipped same as me- But we wasn't 2
feet apart when we went down He couldn't
agot morn q block away by now.
The mans expression softened I'm sorry,"
he said. Come with me, though Some
may help you"
He stretched out his hand skeptcal of
this person who tried to tell him that his
father had not stuck by him, the boy thrust
his hands into his pockets and looked away.
AS he did so, he discovered muddy track
across his chest He grinned sheepishly at
his companion.
Looks like won't-skid tire messed me-
don't it?" he asked. He raised his hand to
wipe away the mark then looked about him
bewildered. AS his hand touched the fabric,
the rough basketweave turned to softly woven
silk and the mud from the tire track was
no longer there. At the same moment, a
pain which he had brought with him in his
chest disappeared
IE felt hand on his shoulder and realized
that he was being drawn gently along
Come with me-" his companion was saying
The lad drew away. mot on your life!" he
said. Il don't savvy this place, see?" He
studied himself full-length. This amt my
shirt-an'-an'-say, want my own pants
They used to belong to my old mar, an'-an'
that's why want to keep EN-"
"Timothy-"
"My name amt Timothy. It's Chinny"
'You are Timothy, the Loyal One Come,
Timothy!"
The lad started to protest. AS he stared de-
family into the eyes of his companion, how
ever mysterious change came over him He
felt less unfriendly toward the man "You-
you look like my dad!' he exclaimed
The stranger smiled. "Take my hard" he
said.
Chimmy complied hesitantly He locked
about him. Clouds rolled past more swiftly as
the pathway ahead became clearer.
"Giyin' tn place tn once-over seems almost
as if was back home" he remarked Guess
it's tn noise O. them dizzy stars. Sounds a
lot like tn Third avenue L.
eft is home, son."
"Well, then Dad oughtta be here somewheres
He never stayed away longer'n three days in
his life"
1T may be that"
'Say, I'll bet know what my old mans went
and DONE" the boy interrupted excitedly. Hes
picked hisself out place an got comfortable.
That'd be just like Dad!'
Suddenly, cry bursting from his lips, he
STATED running. Ahead a familiar, low-hang-
ing doorway beckoned. On its threshold he
paused till his eyes accustomed themselves to
the gloom within. Then, darting across the
room, he began burrowing in heap Of straw
Here's home, all right" he cried. Dad
oughta be under this pile O. straw! He al
ways dug hisself in when he had anythin' t.
sleep off,"
THAT Is not straw" his companion COM
mented.
The lad looked again and saw that he was
threading his fingers through the fringe Of O
golden rug He glanced up inquiringly. To
hide his surprise, he remarked with grin,
well, it's cinch Dad wouldn't be havin'
nothin' t. do with glad rags like this Guess
better hunt somewheres else"
"The Master is waiting his companion said.
-"Sorry but gotta find Sailor Jim first the
lad declared
THE man paused irresolute. An indulgent
smile slowly crossed his face. "The Mas
ter will understand" he said to himself He
too had son." Quietly he turned and left
the youngster who darted from room to room
calling Jim! Jim! What's tn bad news?
Where yuh hidin'?"