The Findlay Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio) 1870-1881, 1877-04-20
Sslerf Story.
JOSEPH'S BROTHER.

They didn't call him Tom, or Jack, or
Harry, but always spoke of him as 80
seph's Brother" And it was just as sin.
gular that they didn't say "Joe," instead
of Joseph when speaking of or to the
man.
The two had wagon in the band,
dragging itself toward the Black Hills,
day by day and mile by mile. They
messed by themselves, scarcely spoke ex-
cept to each other, and their lives and
their actions were sort ofmystery to the
rest, who were jolly set, drinking, ca
rousing, fighting, playing cards, and wish
ing.for a brush with the Indians Some
said that Joseph was fugitive from JUS
tice, and that he wouldn't fraternize with
them for fear OF betraying himself when
interrogated. 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 avayin
the wagon as if little sunshine would
kill the boy" growled one of dozen
gold hunters sitting around the 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 as
good as another" demanded broad
shouldered fellow from San Antonio.
"Yes, yes," they shouted.
Then don't it look low down mean fol
this man ere Joseph 10 edge away from
us as if we were pizen? II heisso mighty
refined and high toned. why didn't he
come out here in a baloonf"
There was laugh from the circle. and
the Texan went on:
Il don't pretend 10 be an angel, but
know manners as well rs the next.
believe that man Joseph is reg lar starch
ready TO wilt right down as soon as
pint my finger at him, and I'm goin over
to his wagon 10 pull his nose
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.
"Come right along and see ths fun
continued the Texan, is he led the way
toward Josephis wagon.
The vehicle formed one in the circle
and at small fire few feet away from
the hind wheels sat Joseph and mis- broth
er, eating their frugal supper. As the
crowd came near, the boy sprang up and
climbed into the covered wagon. while
Joseph slowly rose and looked at them
anxiously and inquiringly.
See here, Mister Joseph what's-your-
other-name," began the Texan, as he
halted before the lone man, we have
come to the conclusion that you and that
BOBBY brother o yours don't like our
style. Are We kerect?
Il have nothing against any of you,
Equiedy replied Joseph. The journey
thus far has been cry pleasant and
agreeable to u.s.
But YOU hang ofl-vou don't speak tc
us persisted Jack.
Il am sorry if | have incurred any
mans i'll will. I feel kindly toward you
alt"
.-Oh, YOU do. ehs" sneered the Texan
feeling that he was loosing ground
We'll. its my opinion that you are ;
sneak,
Joseph's face turned White, and th'
men saw dangerous gleam IN his eyes
He seemed about to speak or make som'
movement, when a soft voice from tn
wagon called out;
"Joseph, Joseph
\ soft light came into the mans face
The Texan noticed it, and, slappin!
Joseph's face, he blurted out:
If We amt coward yell resent that
sure"
Aboyish figure sprang from the Wagon
and stood beside the lone man, Asmal
hand was laid on his shoulder, and
4 voice whispered in his ear
Bear the insult for my sake
There was full minute IN which NJ
one moved. Joseph STAGE looked ghosti!
white IN the gloom, and they could se'
him tremble. ..