She 's doin ' well , I hear , and that 's a comfort anyway . '' There was a look on Joe 's face , a tone in Joe 's voice as he spoke , that plainly showed how much he had needed comfort when left to bear his misfortunes all alone . But he made no complaint , uttered no reproach , and loyally excused Lucindy 's desertion with a simple sort of dignity that made it impossible to express pity or condemnation . `` How came you here , Joe ? '' I asked , making a sudden leap from past to present . `` I had to scratch for a livin ' , and ca n't do much : so , after tryin ' a number of things , I found this . My old wounds pester me a good deal , and rheumatism is bad winters ; but , while my legs hold out , I can git on . A man ca n't set down and starve ; so I keep waggin ' as long as I can . When I ca n't do no more , I s ` pose there 's almshouse and hospital ready for me . '' `` That is a dismal prospect , Joe . There ought to be a comfortable place for such as you to spend your last days in . I am sure you have earned it . '' `` Wal , it does seem ruther hard on us when we 've give all we had , and give it free and hearty , to be left to knock about in our old age . But there 's so many poor folks to be took care of , we do n't get much of a chance , for we ai n't the beggin ' sort , '' said Joe , with a wistful look at the wintry world outside , as if it would be better to lie quiet under the snow , than to drag out his last painful years , friendless and forgotten , in some refuge of the poor . `` Some kind people have been talking of a home for soldiers , and I hope the plan will be carried out . It will take time ; but , if it comes to pass , you shall be one of the first men to enter that home , Joe , if I can get you there . '' `` That sounds mighty cheerin ' and comfortable , thanky , ma'am . Idleness is dreadful tryin ' to me , and I 'd rather wear out than rust out ; so I guess I can weather it a spell longer . But it will be pleasant to look forrard to a snug harbor bymeby . I feel a sight better just hearin ' tell about it . ''
He certainly looked so , faint as the hope was ; for the melancholy eyes brightened as if they already saw a happier refuge in the future than XXXXX , hospital , or grave , and , when he trudged away upon my errand , he went as briskly as if every step took him nearer to the promised home .
Joe Lucindy Wal almshouse beggin bymeby cheerin hearin livin years