Significance of Cimarron Jim in "The Animal Part"

Cimarron Jim, the mythical ghost or specter Giddy wishes to catch in "The Animal Part" is a symbol of childhood. The narrator of this story seems to be a preteen, and he claims that Giddy's plan is "kid stuff" (68), something he is too mature to really take part in. But at the same time, he knows he will help Giddy, because it sounds like fun. He is torn between wishing to hold on to these childhood games, and wishing to grow and leave them behind.