I found they belonged to a very tall man who seemed to be already asleep or dead , so white and still and utterly worn out he looked as he lay there , without a coat , a great patch on his forehead , and the right arm rudely bundled up . Stooping to cover him , I saw that he was unconscious , and , whipping out my brandy-bottle and salts , soon brought him round , for it was only exhaustion . `` Can you eat ? '' I asked , as he said , `` Thanky , ma'am , '' after a long draught of water and a dizzy stare . `` Eat ! I 'm starvin ' ! '' he answered , with such a ravenous glance at a fat nurse who happened to be passing , that I trembled for her , and hastened to take a bowl of soup from her tray . As I fed him , his gaunt , weather-beaten face had a familiar look ; but so many such faces had passed before me that winter , I did not recall this one till the ward-master came to put up the cards with the new-comers ' names above their beds . My man seemed absorbed in his food ; but I naturally glanced at the card , and there was the name `` Joseph Collins '' to give me an additional interest in my new patient . `` Why , Joe ! is it really you ? '' I exclaimed , pouring the last spoonful of soup down his throat so hastily that I choked him . `` All that 's left of me . Wal , ai n't this luck , now ? '' gasped Joe , as gratefully as if that hospital-cot was a bed of roses . `` What is the matter ? A wound in the head and arm ? '' I asked , feeling sure that no slight affliction had brought Joe there . `` Right arm gone . Shot off as slick as a whistle .
I tell you , it 's a sing ` lar kind of a feelin ' to see a piece of your own body go flyin ' away , with no prospect of ever coming back again , '' XXXXX Joe , trying to make light of one of the greatest misfortunes a man can suffer .
Eat belonged fed feeling found passed passing said trembled worn