Jim lived a number of years , 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 . He was as comfortable as he could be ; and , when he was gone , it was n't no great matter , for there was only me , and I do n't mind roughin ' it . '' `` But Lucindy , where was she ? '' I asked very naturally . `` Oh ! she married another man long ago . Could n't expect her to take me and my misfortins . 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 XXXXX , 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 .
Jim Joe Lucindy Wal almshouse left livin right roughin winters