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 Tom 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 ! '' came rolling down the ranks , and the talk was over . Fearing Tom would miss our man in the confusion , I kept my eye on him till the boy came rushing up with a packet of tobacco in one hand and a good supply of cigars in the other . Not a romantic offering , certainly , but a very acceptable one , as Joe 's face proved , as we scrambled these treasures into his pockets , all laughing at the flurry , while less fortunate comrades helped us , with an eye to a share of these fragrant luxuries by and by . There was just time for this , a hearty shake of the big hand , and a grateful `` Good-by , ma'am ; '' then the word was given , and they were off . Bent on seeing the last of them , Tom and I took a short cut , and came out on the wide street down which so many troops marched that year ; and , mounting some high steps , we watched for our man , as we already called him . As the inspiring music , the grand tramp , drew near , the old thrill went through the crowd , the old cheer broke out . But it was a different scene now than in the first enthusiastic , hopeful days . Young men and ardent boys filled the ranks then , brave by instinct , burning with loyal zeal , and blissfully unconscious of all that lay before them . Now the blue coats were worn by mature men , some gray , all grave and resolute : husbands and fathers , with the memory of wives and children tugging at their heart-strings ; homes left desolate behind them , and before them the grim certainty of danger , hardship , and perhaps the lifelong helplessness worse than death . Little of the glamour of romance about the war now : they saw it as it was , a long , hard task ; and here were the men to do it well . Even the lookers-on were different now . Once all was wild enthusiasm and glad uproar ; now men 's lips were set , and women 's smileless as they cheered ; fewer handkerchiefs whitened the air , for wet eyes needed them ; and sudden lulls , almost solemn in their stillness , followed the acclamations of the crowd . All watched with quickened breath and brave souls that living wave , blue below , and bright with a steely glitter above , as it flowed down the street and away to distant battle-fields already stained with precious blood . `` There he is ! The outside man , and tallest of the lot .
XXXXX him a cheer , auntie : he sees us , and remembers ! ''
Give called filled found gone mounting reporting told whitened worn