Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-08-21
MIScELLAHE Gus.
JOSEPH'S BROTHER.
BY BRET HAR1E.

They didn't call him Tom, or Jack, OF
Harry. but always spoke OF him rs "Joseph's
Brother" Aud it was just as singular that
they didn't say Joe" instead of Joseph"
when speaking Of or to the man. ..|
The two had wagon in the band, drag
giug itself toward the Black Hills day by
day and mile by mile. They messed by
themselves, scarcely spoke except to each oth-
er. and their lives and their actions were sort
of q mystery to the rest, who were a jolly
set, drinking. carousing, fighting, playing
cards, aud wishing for a brush with the
Indians.
Some said that Joseph was fugitive from
justice, aud that he wouldn't fraternize with
them for fear of betrayipg himself when in
terroga,ed. Others thought he felt too
proud to mix with such society. and be-
tween 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 il little sunshine would kill
the boy" growled one of the dozen gold
hunters, sitting around their camp fire in the
twilight.
Perhaps he thinks our language isn't
high toned enough-blast his eyes !" ex-
claimed another.
"Ain't we all bound TO the same place
all sharing the same dangers-one much
another ~ demanded a broad -shouldered
fellow from San An;onia.
Yes. yes !" they shouted.
"Then don't it look low>down mean for
this ERE man Joseph to edge away from US
az if We were pizen? lf'he's SO mighty re.
fined aud high-toned, why don't he come ou.
here in balloon ?"
There was a laugh from the circle, and
the Texan went on
II don't pretend TO bo an angel, but I
know manners az we'll Ms the next one. |
believe that man is reg'lar starch, ready to
wilt right down as soon as pint my finger
at him, and I'm going over to his wagon and
pull his nose %
That's the gamo. Jack! Go in. old fell
low 'Rah for the man from Texas" yelled
the gold hunters, rs they sprang TO their feet.
"Come right along and see the fun, con
tinued the Texan, Us he led the way toward
Joseph's wagon. .g.. ...
The vehicle formed one in the circle. and
at small FIRE few feet from the hind
| wheels sat Joseph and his brother. eating
their frugal supper. As the crowd came
near, the hoy sprang up and climbed into
the covered wagon, while Joseph slowly rose
up and looked at them anxiously and incuir-
| iugly ..H Co..
.'See, here Mister Joseph, what's yonr
other name," began the Texan as he halted
before the lone man ave have come to the
conclusion that you and tkat BOBBY brother
of yours don't like our style, are We kerect ?"
'sI have nothing against any of YOU" quiet
ly replied Joseph. 1.-The journey thus far
as been very pleasant and agreeable to u.s."
"But you hang Off you don't speak to US"
persisted Jack.
II am sorry have incurred any mans i'll
will. l feel friendly toward you all"
"Oh, you do eh 2" sneered the Texan,
feeling that he was losing ground. We'll it
is my opinion that you are a sneak"
Joseph's face turned white. and the men
saw q dangerous CLEAN in his eyes. he
seemed about to speak or mske some move
ment, when . soft voice from the wagon
called out:
Joseph, Joseph -
A soft light came into the mans face. The
Texan noticed it. and, slappiug Joseph's face
he blurted out:
"If ye amt coward, yc resent that,
eure!'
A boyish figure sprang from the wagon
hand was laid on his shoulder, ard . voice
whispered in his ear:
"Bear the insult for my sake -
OAAS
moved. Joseph's face looked ghsstly white
in the gloom, and they could zee him ,rem-
BILE.
"He is coward just thought ~ said
| the Texan as he turned away.
The others followed him, some feeling
ashamed and others surprised or grati1ed
and bv and by the word reached every wagon
that Joseph and Joseph's brother were cow
ards.
Next morning, when the wagon train was
ready to move. the captain passed by Joseph's
wagon on purpose 20 say:
"Ifthers's any towards in this train they
needn't travel with US any further"
| II was a cruel thrust.
| Joseph was Harvesting his horses. and the
| brother was slowing away the cooking uten-
sils. The stranger mans face grew very
white again. and his hand went down for bis
revolver, but jus. thea voice aallad out;