`` 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 , '' said Joe , trying to make light of one of the greatest misfortunes a man can suffer . `` That is bad , but it might have been worse . Keep up your spirits , Joe ; and we will soon have you fitted out with a new arm almost as good as new . '' `` I guess it wo n't do much lumberin ' , so that trade is done for . I s ` pose there 's things left-handed fellers can do , and I must learn 'em as soon as possible , since my fightin ' days are over , '' and Joe looked at his one arm with a sigh that was almost a groan , helplessness is such a trial to a manly man , -- and he was eminently so . `` What can I do to comfort you most , Joe ? I 'll send my good Ben to help you to bed , and will be here myself when the surgeon goes his rounds . Is there anything else that would make you more easy ? '' `` If you could just drop a line to mother to let her know I 'm alive , it would be a sight of comfort to both of us .
I XXXXX I 'm in for a long spell of hospital , and I 'd lay easier if I knew mother and Lucindy war n't frettin ' about me . ''
Shot ai asked brought coming feeling gasped guess pouring send