The broad back , the long legs , the faded coat , the low whistle were all familiar ; and , dodging a wet sheet , I faced the man to find it was indeed my Joe ! A mere shadow of his former self , after months of suffering that had crippled him for life , but brave and patient still ; trying to help himself , and not ask aid though brought so low . For an instant I could not speak to him , and , encumbered with baby , dish , spoon , and children , he could only stare at me with a sudden brightening of the altered face that made it full of welcome before a word was uttered . `` They told me you were dead , and I only heard of you by accident , not knowing I should find my old friend alive , but not well , I 'm afraid ? '' `` There ai n't much left of me but bones and pain , ma'am . I 'm powerful glad to see you all the same . Dust off a chair , Patsey , and let the lady set down . You go in the corner , and take turns lickin ' the dish , while I see company , '' said Joe , disbanding his small troop , and shouldering the baby as if presenting arms in honor of his guest . `` Why did n't you let me know how sick you were ? And how came they to think you dead ? '' I asked , as he festooned the wet linen out of the way , and prepared to enjoy himself as best he could . `` I did send once , when things was at the wust ; but you had n't got back , and then somehow I thought I was goin ' to be mustered out for good , and so would n't trouble nobody . But my orders ai n't come yet , and I am doing the fust thing that come along . It ai n't much , but the good soul stood by me , and I ai n't ashamed to pay my debts this way , sence I ca n't do it in no other ; '' and Joe cradled the chubby baby in his one arm as tenderly as if it had been his own , though little Biddy was not an inviting infant . `` That is very beautiful and right , Joe , and I honor you for it ; but you were not meant to tend babies , so sing your last lullabies , and be ready to go to the Home as soon as I can get you there . '' `` Really , ma'am ? I used to lay and kind of dream about it when I could n't stir without yellin ' out ; but I never thought it would ever come to happen . I see a piece in the paper describing it , and it sounded dreadful nice . Should n't wonder if I found some of my mates there . They were a good lot , and deservin ' of all that could be done for 'em , '' said Joe , trotting the baby briskly , as if the prospect excited him , as well it might , for the change from that damp nursery to the comfortable quarters prepared for him would be like going from Purgatory to Paradise .
`` I do n't wonder you do n't get well living in such a place , XXXXX .
Biddy Joe Patsey accident deservin left lullabies months sence wust