`` What can I do to comfort you most , Joe ? I 'll send my good Ben to help you to bed , and will be here myself when the surgeon goes his rounds . Is there anything else that would make you more easy ? '' `` If you could just drop a line to mother to let her know I 'm alive , it would be a sight of comfort to both of us . I guess I 'm in for a long spell of hospital , and I 'd lay easier if I knew mother and Lucindy war n't frettin ' about me . '' He must have been suffering terribly , but he thought of the women who loved him before himself , and , busy as I was , I snatched a moment to send a few words of hope to the old mother . Then I left him `` layin ' easy , '' though the prospect of some months of wearing pain would have daunted most men . If I had needed anything to increase my regard for Joe , it would have been the courage with which he bore a very bad quarter of an hour with the surgeons ; for his arm was in a dangerous state , the wound in the head feverish for want of care ; and a heavy cold on the lungs suggested pneumonia as an added trial to his list of ills . `` He will have a hard time of it , but I think he will pull through , as he is a temperate fellow , with a splendid constitution , '' was the doctor 's verdict , as he left us for the next man , who was past help , with a bullet through his lungs . `` I don ` no as I hanker to live , and be a burden . If Jim was able to do for mother , I feel as if I would n't mind steppin ' out now I 'm so fur along . As he ai n't , I s ` pose I must brace up , and do the best I can , '' said Joe , as I wiped the drops from his forehead , and tried to look as if his prospect was a bright one . `` You will have Lucindy to help you , you know ; and that will make things easier for all . '' `` Think so ? ` Pears to me I could n't ask her to take care of three invalids for my sake . She ai n't no folks of her own , nor much means , and ought to marry a man who can make things easy for her . Guess I 'll have to wait a spell longer before I say anything to Lucindy about marryin ' now ; '' and a look of resolute resignation settled on Joe 's haggard face as he gave up his dearest hope . `` I think Lucindy will have something to say , if she is like most women , and you will find the burdens much lighter , for sharing them between you . Do n't worry about that , but get well , and go home as soon as you can . '' `` All right , ma'am ; '' and Joe proved himself a good soldier by obeying orders , and falling asleep like a tired child , as the first step toward recovery .
For two XXXXX I saw Joe daily , and learned to like him very much , he was so honest , genuine , and kind-hearted .
Jim first frettin left marryin months pneumonia right steppin war