Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1877-06-21
A STORY BY BRET HARTE.

They didn't call him Tom, or Jack, or Har.
ry, but always spoke of him as "Joseph's
brother" And it was just as singular that
they didn't say "Joe" instead of Joseph,
when speaking of or to the man.
ging itself toward the Black Hills day by
day, and mile by mile. They messed by
themselves, scarcely spoke except to each 9th
er, ard their lives and their actions were a
sort of mystery to the rest, who were jolly
set, drinking, carousing. fighting, playing
cards, and wishing for brush with the In.
dians. Some said that Joseph was fugitive
from justice, and that he wouldn't fraternize
with them for fear of betraying himself when
interrogated. Others thought he was too
proud to mix with such society, and between
the two theories he had nearly all the men
thinking i'll of him before the wagon train
was four days travel from Cheyenne.
HE keeps his brother hidden away in the
wagon as if little sunshine would kill the
boy" growled one of dozen gold hunters
sitting around their camp fire in the twilight.
"Perhsps he thinks our language isn't high
toned enough-blast his eyes !" exclaimed an
other.
"Ain't we all bound to the same place-all
sharing the same dangers-one as good as an
other!" demanded q broad shouldered indi-
vdual from San Antonio.
Eyes, yes!" they shouted.
"Then don't it look low.down mean for this
ere man Joseph to edge away from US as if
we were pizen ? If he's so mighty refined
and hightoned, why didn't he come out here
in balloon?'
There was a laugh from the circle, and the
Texan went on
II don't pertend to be an angel, but know
manners as we'll as the next. | believe that
man is reg'lar starch, ready to wilt right
down as soon as pint my finger at him, and
I'm goin' over to bis wagon to pull his nose p
"Tbat's the game, Jack Go in, old fellow.
'Rah for the man from Texas r. yelled the
gold hunters as they sprang to their feet.
"Come right along and see the fun," con-
tinued the Texan, as he led the way toward
Joseph's wagon.
The vehicle formed one in the circle, aud
at small fire few feet from the hind wheels
sat Joseph and his brother, eating their fru.
gal supper. As the crowd came near, the
boy sprang up and climbed into the covered
wagon, while Joseph slowly rose up and look
ed at them anxiously and inquiriugly.
"See here, Mister Joseph what's your other
name?" began the Texan, as he halted before
the lone man, 1--WE have come to the conclu-
sion that you and that BOBBY brother of yours
don't like our style! Are we kerect?
II have nothing against any of you" quiet.
" replied Joseph. "The Journey thus far has
been very pleasant and agreeable to u.s.
But you hang off-you don't speak to
us!" persisted Jack.
Il am sorry if have incurred any mans
i'll will. I feel friendly towards you ALL"
"Oh you do, eh p sneered the Texan, feel
ing that he was losing ground. "Well it's
my opinion that you are sneak2"
Joseph's face turned white, and the men saw
a dangerous gleam in his eye. He seemed
about to speak or make some movement when
a soft voice from the wagon called out
"Joseph, Joseph p
A soft light came into the mans face. The
Texan noticed it, and, slapping Joseph's face.
he blurted out
"Ifye amt coward yell resent that, sure p
A boyish figure sprang from the wagon aud
StOOu DCSluc LILO lOuC Iudu. n Studll li1uu
was laid on his shoulder, aud voice whisper.
ed in his ear-"Bear the insult for my sake =
There was full minute in which no one
moved. Joseph's face looked ghostly white
in the gloom, and they could see him tremble.
"He's a coward just as 1 thought" said
the Texan as he turned away. The others
followed him, some feeling ashamed and 9th
ers surprised or gratifed, and by and by the
word had reached every wagon that Joseph
and Joseph's brother were towards.
Next morning, when the wagon train was
ready to move, the captain passed near Jo-
seph's wagon on purpose to say
"If there are any towards in this train,
they needn't travel with US any further"
1t was cruel thrust. Joseph was har-
Messing his horses, and the brother was stow
ing away the cooking utensils. The strange
mans face grew very white again, and his
hand went down for his revolver, but just
then voice called out
"Don't mind it, Joseph we'll 60 on alone. y