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 Collins was taken up and safely landed in the Home he so much needed and so well deserved . A happier man or a more grateful one it would be hard to find , and if a visitor wants an enthusiastic guide about the place , Joe is the one to take , for all is comfort , sunshine , and good-will to him ; and he unconsciously shows how great the need of this refuge is , as he hobbles about on his lame feet , pointing out its beauties , conveniences , and delights with his one arm , while his face shines , and his voice quavers a little as he says gratefully , -- `` The State do n't forget us , you see , and this is a Home wuth havin ' . Long life to it ! '' WHAT THE BELLS SAW AND SAID -LSB- Written in 1867 . -RSB- `` Bells ring others to church , but go not in themselves . '' No one saw the spirits of the bells up there in the old steeple at midnight on Christmas Eve . Six quaint figures , each wrapped in a shadowy cloak and wearing a bell-shaped cap .
All were gray-headed , for they were among the oldest bell-spirits of the city , and `` the light of other XXXXX '' shone in their thoughtful eyes .
Collins Flanagin Hall Joe bed-cover days havin scarecrow stoppin vittles