`` 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 , 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 , XXXXX led off the cheer , which the children shrilly echoed , and I joined heartily .
Flanagin Joe Woolwich deservin fust lullabies quarters right sence yellin