The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1877-06-01
Miscellaneous.
JOSEPH'S BROTHER.
BY BRET HARTE.

They didn't call him Tom, or Jack, OF
Harry, but always spoke ofhim 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.
The two had a wagon in the band, drag
ging itself towards the Black Hills, day by
day and mile by mile. They messed by them
selves, scarcely spoke except to each other,
and their lives and their actions were sort
of mystery to the rest who were a jolly set,
drinking, carousing, fishing, playing cards,
and wishing for brush with the Indians.
Some said that Joseph was a fugitive from
justice, and that he wouldn't fraternze with
them for fear of betraying himself when in
terrogated Others thought he felt too proud
to mix with such society, and between the
two theories he had nearly all the men think
ing 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 twi-
| light
"Perhaps he thinks our language isn't
high toned enough-blast his eyes p' ex-
| claimed another.
"Ain't we all bound to the same place
all sharing the same dangers-one as good as
another ?" demanded broadshouldered
fellow from San Antonio.
eyes, yes !" they shouted.
"Then don't it look low-down mean in
this 'ere man Joseph to edge away from us
as if we were pizen If he's so mighty re-
fined and high-toned, why didn't he come
out here in balloon ?"
There was laugh from the circle and the
Texan went on.
II don't purtend to be an angel, but
know manners as well as the next. / be-
lieve that man Joseph is reg lar starch ready
to wilt right down as soon as pint my nm
ger at him, and Pm goin' over to his Wagon
to pull his nose"
"That's the game, Jack Go in, old fel
low "Rah for the man from Texasp yelled
the gold hunters, as they sprang to thei
feet.
"Come right along and see the fun, con
tinued the Texan, as he led the way towar(
Joseph's wagon.
The vehicle formed one in the circle anC
at small fire a few feet from the hinC
wheels sat Joseph and his brother, eating
their frugal supper. As the crowd came nea
the boy sprsng up and climbed into tn,
covered wagon, and Joseph slowly rose VI
and looked at them anxiously and inquiring
ly.
"See here, Mister Joseph what's your 9th
er name ?" began the Texan, as he halteC
before the lone man, 1--WE have come to tn
conclusion that you and that BOBBY brothe
of yours don't like our style Are W
kerect 2'
81 have nothing against any of you,
vuietly replied Joseph. 'The journey thu
far has been very pleasant and agreeable +
u.s."
"But you hang off-you don't speak t
us =" persisted Jack.
81 am sorry if have incurred any man
ill-will. i feel friendly towards you ALL"
"Oh, you do, eh p sneered the Texar
feeling that he was losing ground. "Wel
it's my opinion that you're a sneak"
Joseph's face turned white, and the me
saw dangerous CLEAN in his eyes. II
seemed about to speak or make some NOV,
ment when a soft voice from the wago
called out
Joseph, Joseph
A soft light came into the mans fac
The Texan noticed itand slapping Joseph
J face. blurted outs