`` How came you here , Joe ? '' I asked , making a sudden leap from past to present . `` I had to scratch for a livin ' , and ca n't do much : so , after tryin ' a number of things , I found this . My old wounds pester me a good deal , and rheumatism is bad winters ; but , while my legs hold out , I can git on . A man ca n't set down and starve ; so I keep waggin ' as long as I can . 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 XXXXX 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 . ''
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