`` Woolidge , ma'am . '' `` Are you glad to go ? '' `` Wal , there 's two sides to that question . I calk ` late to do my duty , and do it hearty : but it is rough on a feller leavin ' his folks , for good , maybe . '' There was a sudden huskiness in the man 's voice that was not apple-skins , though he tried to make believe that it was . I knew a word about home would comfort him , so I went on with my questions . `` It is very hard . Do you leave a family ? '' `` My old mother , a sick brother , -- and Lucindy . '' The last word was uttered in a tone of intense regret , and his brown cheek reddened as he added hastily , to hide some embarrassment . -- `` You see , Jim went last year , and got pretty well used up ; so I felt as if I 'd ought to take my turn now . Mother was a regular old hero about it and I dropped everything , and come off . Lucindy did n't think it was my duty ; and that made it awful hard , I tell you . '' `` Wives are less patriotic than mothers , '' I began ; but he would not hear Lucindy blamed , and said quickly , -- `` She ai n't my wife yet , but we calk ` lated to be married in a month or so ; and it was wus for her than for me , women lot so on not being disappointed . I could n't shirk , and here I be . When I git to work , I shall be all right : the first wrench is the tryin ' part . '' Here he straightened his broad shoulders , and turned his face toward the flags fluttering far in front , as if no backward look should betray the longing of his heart for mother , home , and wife . I liked that little glimpse of character ; and when Tom returned with empty hands , reporting that every stall was exhausted , I told him to find out what the man would like best , then run across the street and get it . `` I know without asking . Give us your purse , and I 'll make him as happy as a king , '' said the boy , laughing , as he looked up admiringly at our tall friend , who looked down on him with an elder-brotherly air pleasant to see .
While XXXXX was gone , I found out Joe 's name and business , promised to write and tell his mother how finely the regiment went off , and was just expressing a hope that we might meet again , for I too was going to the war as nurse , when the order to `` Fall in ! ''
Jim Lucindy Mother Tom Wal Woolidge apple-skins month right wrench