A sad case , and in your line ; I wish you 'd look into it . '' `` That sounds like my Joe , one arm and all . I 'll go and see him ; I 've a weakness for soldiers , sick or well . '' I went , and never shall forget the pathetic little tableau I saw as I opened Mrs. Flanagin 's dingy door ; for she was out , and no one heard my tap . The room was redolent of suds , and in a grove of damp clothes hung on lines sat a man with a crying baby laid across his lap , while he fed three small children standing at his knee with bread and molasses . How he managed with one arm to keep the baby from squirming on to the floor , the plate from upsetting , and to feed the hungry urchins who stood in a row with open mouths , like young birds , was past my comprehension . But he did , trotting baby gently , dealing out sweet morsels patiently , and whistling to himself , as if to beguile his labors cheerfully . The broad back , the long legs , the faded coat , the low whistle were all familiar ; and , dodging a wet sheet , I faced the man to find it was indeed my Joe ! A mere shadow of his former self , after months of suffering that had crippled him for life , but brave and patient still ; trying to help himself , and not ask aid though brought so low . For an instant I could not speak to him , and , encumbered with baby , dish , spoon , and children , he could only stare at me with a sudden brightening of the altered face that made it full of welcome before a word was uttered . `` They told me you were dead , and I only heard of you by accident , not knowing I should find my old friend alive , but not well , I 'm afraid ? '' `` There ai n't much left of me but bones and pain , ma'am . I 'm powerful glad to see you all the same . Dust off a chair , Patsey , and let the lady set down . You go in the corner , and take turns lickin ' the dish , while I see company , '' said Joe , disbanding his small troop , and shouldering the baby as if presenting arms in honor of his guest . `` Why did n't you let me know how sick you were ? And how came they to think you dead ? '' I asked , as he festooned the wet linen out of the way , and prepared to enjoy himself as best he could . `` I did send once , when things was at the wust ; but you had n't got back , and then somehow I thought I was goin ' to be mustered out for good , and so would n't trouble nobody . But my orders ai n't come yet , and I am doing the fust thing that come along .
It ai n't much , but the good soul XXXXX by me , and I ai n't ashamed to pay my debts this way , sence I ca n't do it in no other ; '' and Joe cradled the chubby baby in his one arm as tenderly as if it had been his own , though little Biddy was not an inviting infant .
ai brave came dealing faded forget mustered stood thought went