Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1877-05-24
JosspA's BresAer.


BY BRET HARrs.
They didn't cali him Tom, or Jack,
OF Harry, but always spoke Of him q
"Joseph's Brother" And II was Jus,
as singular that they didn't say "Joe. -
instead Of "Joseph." when speaking ol
or to the man.
The two had q wagon in the band,
dragging itself toward the Black Hilla
day BY day and mile BY mile. They
messed by themselves, scarcely spoke
except to each other, and their lives and
their actions were sort Of mystery to
the rest, who were ajolly. set, drink
- csrousing, fighting. playing cards.
and wishing for. brush with the In
dams.
Some said that Joseph was q fugitive
from justice, and that he wouldn't fra
ternize with them for fear OF betrayins
himself when INTERCEPTED. Others
thought he felt too proud to mix with
such society, and between the two the
cries he had nearly all the men think
ing i'll Of him before the wagon train
was four days travel from Cheyenne.
"He keeps his brother hidden away
in the wagon asifa little sunshine would
kill the boy" growled one of. . dozen
gold hunters sitting around their camp
FIRE IN the twilight. . :
Perhaps he thinks our language isn't
heightened enough-blast his eyes -
exclaimed another. 49,. d.
"Ain't we all bound to the esme place
all sharing the same dangers-one A
good az another" demanded brosd;
shouldered fellow from. San Autoniak
Eyes. yes!" they shouted.
- "Then don't 1t look low-downhneau
for this ere man Joseph to edge away
from US as If we were pizen' If he's
so 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:
~ don't pretend to be q angel. but
know manners as well as the next one.
l believe that man is reg lar starch. ready
to wilt right down as soon as I pint my
finger at him, and I'm going over to his
wagon to pull his nose p
That's the game, Jack! Go in, old
fellow 'Rah for the man from Texas
yelled the gold hunters. as they sprang
to their feet. 80.
"Come right along and see fhe fun, 4"
continued the Texan, as he led the way
toward Joseph, wagon.
The yehisIs formed one in tie circle,
and al ssmall hfe a feE ,teet from the
hind wheels ST Joseph and his brother,
eating their frugal lspPpe.,a the crowd
came near. the boy sPfangu e6d climbed
into the covered wagon. whils Joseph
slowly rose up and looked at them anx-
iously and inquiringly.l.
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 conclusion that you
and that BOBBY brother o. yours don't
like our style! Are we kerect ?"
81 have nothing against any Of you, -
quietly replied Joseph. "The journey
thus far has been very pleasant and
agreeable to u.s."
"But you hang of-you don't speak
to us p persisted Jack.
IL am sorry If I have incurred any
mans Ill will. ! feel friendly towards
you ALL"
"Oh, you do. eh :" sneered the Tex
an. feeling that he was losing ground.
Well. its nay opinion that you are a
sneak I"
Joseph's face turned white, and the
men saw dangerous glcam in his eyes.
He seemed about 10 speak or make some
movement, when soft voice from the
wagon called oct:
Joseph! losephr'
A soft light came into the man face.
The Texan noticed il, and. slapping Jo-
sep's face, he blurted out:
'.if he amt . coward, he'll resent
that, sure 70
A boyish figure .prang from the va.
gon and stood beside the lone man. A
small hand was laid on his shoulder. and
a voice whispered in his ear:
Bear the insult foss0g saker'
There was full m1hate in which nc
one mossd- Joseph 'sshce looked ehast.
ly white in the glo4gp. and they could
see him tremble. 4 /.
He's a coward jsssurnhousht p
said the Isxaazr1 tn1 hway.
TAu ~ ke61sh some ieel-
ine, y An1a aoAheos surprised a,
euslifsd M - &sa BY The word had
reached evesH& saigon that Joseph and
Joseph's brother we're co~ard..
Next morning. when the wagon traiu
mas ready 10 move. the csptain psssed
near JosePh's wagon on purpose 10 cav:
"If there are any ceperds in this tran
they aeednt tssvsl with - sny f1rth-
II was cruel thrust.
Joseph wass hsraearins his hov,es,
and the brother wss ssowisg sway tks
eccking utensils.