Timmy's Tumble

Northern Advocate, 28 May 1940, Page 2

Timmy's Tumble

Timmy the newsboy counted the papei's under his arm. “Only four more -to sell,” he said to himself as he ran down- the street, “and then I can go home to Mummy and give her a hand. She is tired out after doing washing all day.” Timmy was a good boy; he had no Daddy, so he tried to take his Daddy’s place and help his mother earn the money to feed and clothe themselves and his three brothers and sisters. “And when I have finished helping mother,” Timmy’s thoughts ran on. “I can go along to the gym. tonight. ’’ At the big church near Timmy's home they had a boys’ dub, and Timmy was a member. He liked it very much; but best of all he liked the gymnasium. No wonder he was happy as he ran along shouting: “Paper! Paper! Football results!” A big, fat man the other side of the road beckoned to him. He had a jolly face' and was smoking a big cigar. “Good!” thought Timmy, “here is ono of the four sold.” He raced across the road to his customer, but the roadway was wet and slippery, and, just as Timmy reached the kerb, up slipped his heels and over he went, papers and all. But Timmy had not learned to tumble about in a gym. for nothing. As quick

as a wink he turned himself right over, still clutching his papers, and landed at the feet of the red-faced fat man. For a moment he stared at Timmy in astonishment, then he burst into a hearty peal of laughter. He turned to his friend and dug him in the ribs. “He is the very boy!” he said. He turned to Timmy. “Can you come with me?” he asked. “I’ve got to sell my papers,” replied Timmy. “How much ” inquired the man. “Four copies—eightpence,” said Timmy. “Here’s a shilling for the lot. Now come along.” And wondering what was going to happen. Timmy followed his new friend into a large building close by. It was big. empty, and barn-like, with great lamps all over the place and all kinds of people in funny clothes walking about. “I want you to do that tumble again,” said the big man to Timmy. Timmy did so, and the big man nodded approval. “I want you to do that for the films,” he said to Timmy. “Here are the camera men ready.” And, dressed just as he was, Timmy tumbled off chairs and tables and down flights of stairs, while the men turned the handles of their cameras and laughed at his antics.

•’That is fine,” said the big man. “Now I’m coming to see your mother.” Timmy’s mother was surprised when she saw the strange gentleman with Timmy, but she was more surprised when she heard from him that he wanted Timmy to tumble for the films. “Won’t he have to sell papers any mere, sir?” she asked. “No; I am sure he is too clever for that,” said the big man. “He will earn more money for you as a cinema artist. I can make a big name for him, I think.” And he was quite right. Timmy is now a well-known screen artist, but he is still fond of gymnastics, and runs a big one especially for newsboys.