A tall man with gray hair and beard , one arm , and a blue army-coat . I always salute , figuratively at least , when I see that familiar blue , especially if one sleeve of the coat is empty ; so I watched the messenger with interest as he trudged away on some new errand , wishing he had a better day and a thicker pair of boots . He was an unusually large , well-made man , and reminded me of a fine building going to ruin before its time ; for the broad shoulders were bent , there was a stiffness about the long legs suggestive of wounds or rheumatism , and the curly hair looked as if snow had fallen on it too soon . Sitting at work in my window , I fell into the way of watching my Red Cap , as I called him , with more interest than I did the fat doves on the roof opposite , or the pert sparrows hopping in the mud below . I liked the steady way in which he plodded on through fair weather or foul , as if intent on doing well the one small service he had found to do . I liked his cheerful whistle as he stood waiting for a job under the porch of the public building where his slate hung , watching the luxurious carriages roll by , and the well-to-do gentlemen who daily passed him to their comfortable homes , with a steady , patient sort of face , as if wondering at the inequalities of fortune , yet neither melancholy nor morose over the small share of prosperity which had fallen to his lot . I often planned to give him a job , that I might see him nearer ; but I had few errands , and little Bob , the hall-boy , depended on doing those : so the winter was nearly over before I found out that my Red Cap was an old friend . A parcel came for me one day , and bidding the man wait for an answer , I sat down to write it , while the messenger stood just inside the door like a sentinel on duty . When I looked up to give my note and directions , I found the man staring at me with a beaming yet bashful face , as he nodded , saying heartily , -- `` I mistrusted it was you , ma'am , soon 's I see the name on the bundle , and I guess I ai n't wrong . It 's a number of years sence we met , and you do n't remember Joe Collins as well as he does you , I reckon ? '' `` Why , how you have changed ! I 've been seeing you every day all winter , and never knew you , '' I said , shaking hands with my old patient , and very glad to see him . `` Nigh on to twenty years makes consid ` able of a change in folks , ` specially if they have a pretty hard row to hoe . '' `` Sit down and warm yourself while you tell me all about it ; there is no hurry for this answer , and I 'll pay for your time . '' Joe laughed as if that was a good joke , and sat down as if the fire was quite as welcome as the friend . `` How are they all at home ? '' I asked , as he sat turning his cap round , not quite knowing where to begin . `` I have n't got any home nor any folks neither ; '' and the melancholy words banished the brightness from his rough face like a cloud . `` Mother died soon after I got back . Suddin ' , but she was ready , and I was there , so she was happy .
Jim lived a number of XXXXX , and was a sight of care , poor feller ; but we managed to rub along , though we had to sell the farm : for I could n't do much with one arm , and doctor 's bills right along stiddy take a heap of money .
Bob Cap Joe Mother army-coat day fire inequalities sparrows years