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 almshouse , 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 . After that day it was all up with Bob , for I told my neighbors Joe 's story , and we kept him trotting busily , adding little gifts , and taking the sort of interest in him that comforted the lonely fellow , and made him feel that he had not outlived his usefulness . I never looked out when he was at his post that he did not smile back at me ; I never passed him in the street that the red cap was not touched with a military flourish ; and , when any of us beckoned to him , no twinge of rheumatism was too sharp to keep him from hurrying to do our errands , as if he had Mercury 's winged feet . Now and then he came in for a chat , and always asked how the Soldiers ' Home was prospering ; expressing his opinion that `` Boston was the charitablest city under the sun , and he was sure he and his mates would be took care of somehow . '' When we parted in the spring , I told him things looked hopeful , bade him be ready for a good long rest as soon as the hospitable doors were open , and left him nodding cheerfully . IV But in the autumn I looked in vain for Joe . The slate was in its old place , and a messenger came and went on his beat ; but a strange face was under the red cap , and this man had two arms and one eye . I asked for Collins , but the new-comer had only a vague idea that he was dead ; and the same answer was given me at headquarters , though none of the busy people seemed to know when or where he died .
So I mourned for XXXXX , and felt that it was very hard he could not have lived to enjoy the promised refuge ; for , relying upon the charity that never fails , the Home was an actual fact now , just beginning its beneficent career .
Bob Boston Collins Joe bymeby cheerin errands first left new-comer