`` I do n't wonder you do n't get well living in such a place , Joe . You should have gone home to Woolwich , and let your friends help you , '' I said , feeling provoked with him for hiding himself . `` No , ma'am ! '' he answered , with a look I never shall forget , it was so full of mingled patience , pride , and pain . `` I have n't a relation in the world but a couple of poor old aunts , and they could n't do anything for me . As for asking help of folks I used to know , I could n't do it ; and if you think I 'd go to Lucindy , though she is wal off , you do n't know Joe Collins . I 'd die fust ! If she was poor and I rich , I 'd do for her like a brother ; but I could n't ask no favors of her , not if I begged my vittles in the street , or starved . I forgive , but I do n't forgit in a hurry ; and the woman that stood by me when I was down is the woman I believe in , and can take my bread from without shame . Hooray for Biddy Flanagin ! God bless her ! '' and , as if to find a vent for the emotion that filled his eyes with grateful tears , Joe led off the cheer , which the children shrilly echoed , and I joined heartily . `` I shall come for you in a few days ; so cuddle the baby and make much of the children before you part . It wo n't take you long to pack up , will it ? '' I asked , as we subsided with a general laugh . `` I reckon not as I do n't own any clothes but what I set in , except a couple of old shirts and them socks . My hat 's stoppin ' up the winder , and my old coat is my bed-cover . I 'm awful shabby , ma'am , and that 's one reason I do n't go out more . I can hobble some , but I ai n't got used to bein ' a scarecrow yet , '' and Joe glanced from the hose without heels that hung on the line to the ragged suit he wore , with a resigned expression that made me long to rush out and buy up half the contents of Oak Hall on the spot . Curbing this wild impulse I presently departed with promises of speedy transportation for Joe , and unlimited oranges to assuage the pangs of parting for the young Flanagins , who escorted me to the door , while Joe waved the baby like a triumphal banner till I got round the corner .
There was such a beautiful absence of red tape about the new institution that it only needed a word in the right ear to set things going ; and then , with a long pull , a strong pull , and a pull all together , Joe XXXXX was taken up and safely landed in the Home he so much needed and so well deserved .
Collins Flanagin Flanagins Lucindy Woolwich bed-cover fust scarecrow stoppin vittles