The Republican journal., 1877-05-31
JOSeph'S Brother

JO9tPHS y bIOultf. Ailu IL WAS as SIN
glllar that they didn't say Joe" instead
Of "Joseph," when speaking Of or to the
man.
The two had a wagon in the band,
dragging itself toward the Black Hills
day by day and mile by mile. They
messed by Themselves scarcely spoke eN-
cept to each other, and their lives and
their actions We're Il sort OF mystery to
the rest, who We're q Jolly set, drinking,
carousing. fighting, playing cards, and
wishing for brush with the Indians.
Some said that Joseph was a fugitive
from justice, and that he wouldn't trater-
nlze with them for fear of betraying him
self when mterr0glted. Others thought
he felt too proud to mix with such society,
and between the two theories he had near
IN 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 a little sunshine would
XIII the boy" groWIed one of a dozen
sold hunters sitting around their camp
fire in the twilight.
"PerhapS he thinks our language isn't
high-toned enough blast his eyes :" eN-
claimed another.
''An't we all bound to the same place
ali sharing the same dangers enc as
good IS another" demanded q broad
shouldered fellow from san Antonio
"lrs. yes" they shouted.
"Thcn don't it look down mean for
this ere man Joseph to edge away from
Us as if we We're pizen. If he's 50 mighty
refined and 'high-toned, why didn't he
come out here in balloon ;"
There was a laugh from the circle, and
the Texan went on:
II don't pcrtend to be an angel, but
know manners US we'll as the next | be
lcve that man Joseph is reg'lar starch,
ready to wilt right down rs soon as | pint
my finger at him. and I'm goin' over to
his wagon to pull his nose :"
"Thats the game, Jack, 60 in, old
fellow 'Rah for the man from Texas :"
yelled the gold hunters, us they sprang
to their feet.
'.Come right along and see the fun"
continued the Texan, as he led the way
toward Joseph's wagon.
The vehicle formed one in the circle,
and 1T a small fire few feet from the
hind wheels sat Joseph and his brother,
eating their frugal supper rs the crowd
came near, the boy sprang up and climbed
into the covered wagon. while Joseph
slowly rose up and looked ut them anN-
inusly and inqurngly.
.'Sec here, Mister Joseph what Your
other name" began the Texan, as he
halted before the lone man, eve have
come to the conclusion that YOU and that
BOBBY brother q yours don't like our
style! Are we kcrect ?"
II have nothing against amy OF YOU"
quietly replied Joseph "Thc Journey
thus far has been very pleasant and
agreeable to US"
But YOU hang off YOU don't speak to
Us !" persisted Jack
~ ;lm Sorry if | have incurred any
mans il!-Wil feel friendly toward YOU
all"
"Oh. YOU do, ch ," sncered the Texan,
feeling that he was losing ground. "Well,
it's my opinion that You are Il sneak y
InsnnI.s f,rn trrnnI white ana tho
men saw . dan~nrouS ~leom in his evrs
He seemed about to speak or make some
movement when soft voice from the
wagon called uut
..yoScph. Joseph :"
a soft light came into the mans face.
The Texan noticed it. and. slapping
J0seph's face, ne hlultcd out
'If w amt i coward ven resent that.
sure
A boyisl figure sprang from the wagon
and stood beside the lone man. \ small
voice whispered in his car
s.Bcar the insult for my sake"
There was Il full minute in which no
one moved. ,josrpis face looked ghost
" White in Tie gloom, and they could see
him trpmblr.
'.Hc'S 4 coward Just as thought "
said the Texan, as he turned away. The
others followed him, some feeling ashamed
and others surprised or gratitied, and
by and Nv the word had reached every
wagon that Joseph and JoScph's brother
We're towards.
Next morning. when the wagon train
was ready to move, the captain passed
near Joscph's wagon on purpose to say:
ar thcre arn 3ny towards in this train
thcv needn't travel with MS anv further
If was a cruel thrust .Joscnh WIS har-
nrssinu his horse. ana the brother was
away the coollino utensils 1'hc
strange mans face Grew White again, and
his hand went down for his revolver hnt
inst then "A voice called ont.
..Don't mind it, Joseph: wc1l 90 ON
alone"
The train moved Off without them
some of the cold hunters tauntino and
iokinv. ana others fearful that the two
would he butchcrrd bv the Indians he
fore thr day was over When tbr White
topprd WAGONS were SO far awav that
thrv seemed no lalurr than his hand
Joseph moved along en- the trail his face
stern and dark. ana 50 bnsy with his
tholphts that lie did NOT hear five consol-
ind words
..\cyrr mind. .Josenb We ,,a ,rvjnr
to do rjuht."
That night when the wagon train of
the gold hunters went into camp, they
could not see the lone wagon, though
many Of the men, ashamed of their con-
duet, looked long and earnestly for it.
They had seen Indians atar off. and they