Ellsworth American., 1877-05-24

They didnt call him Tom or Jack, or
Harry. but always spoke ofhim a. Joseph's
Brother And 1t was lust as singular
that they didn't say joe Ins tead 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 bv
day and mile BY mile. They messed BY
themselves. scarcely spoke except 10 each
other. and their lives and actions were Il
sor; OF mystery TO the rest who were a
jolly set, drinking. carousing. fighting,
playing cards. an wishing for a brush with
the lbdlans. Some said that Joseph was
a fugitive from justice. and that he wouldn't
frateruize with with them for fear Of be-
traying himself when interroga,ed. Others
thought he felt too proud to mix with such
society. and between their two theories he
had nearly all the men thinking i'll OF him
before the wagon train was four DAYS
travel from Cheyenne.
lie keeps his brother hidden away In
the wagon as If q 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
high-loned enough-blast his eyes, ex-
claimed another.
Amt we all bound to the same place
all sharing the same dansers-one as good
as anotherT demanded broad-shoulder-
ed follow from San Antonio.
Yes. yes. they shouted.
Then don't it look low down mean for
this ere man Joseph 10 edge away from
Us as if we were pizen. II he's so mighty
refined and high-toned. why didn't he
come out here In a balloon?'
There was a laugh from the circle, and
the Texan went on
Il don't pertend 70 be an angel, bat
know manners as we'll as the next. | be-
lieve 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 to pull his nosev
That's the game. Jack Go In oil fell
low. 'Rah for the man from Texasr yell.
ed the gold hunters, as they sprang to their
feet.
Come right along and see the fun con-
tinued the Texan. as he led the way to-
wards Joseph's wagon.
The vehicle formed one in the circle,
and at a small fire a few feet from the
hind wheels sat Joseph and his brother.
eating their frugal supper As the crowd
came near, the boy sprang up and climbed
into the covered wagon, while Joseph
slowly rose up and looked at them anx-
iously and inQuiringly.
See here, Mister Joseph what's-your-
other-namer began the Texan as he halt
ed before the lone man. we've come to the
conclusion that you and that BOBBY broth
er o. yours don't like our style. Are We
kerectr
Il 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 off-you don't speak to
anv of u.s. persisted Jack.
Il sm sorry if have incurred any mans
i'll will. | feel friendly towards you ALL,
'Oh, YOU do. Ell? saeered the Texan.
feeling that he was losing grOu1d. well.
it's my opinion that you are sneak
Joseph's face turned white. and the men
saw a dangerous CLEAN in his eyes. He
seemed abont to speak or make some
movement when soft voice from the
wagon called out
Joseph. Joseph
A soft light came into the mau's face
The Texau noticed it, slappng Joseph's
face. he blurted out
'Ifye amt a coward yen resent that.
sure
A boyish figure sprang from the wagon
and stood beside the lone man. small
hand was laid on his shoulder. and voice
whispered in his car
Bear the insult for my sakeo
There was full minute in which no
one moved. JOseph's face looked ghOstly
white in the gloom. and they could see
him tremble.
He's coward. just as | thought said
the Texan. as he turned away. The others
followed him some feeling ashamed and
others surprised or gratified. and by and
by the word had 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
near Joseph's wagon on purpose TO say
If there's any towards in this train,
they needn't travel with us any further
1t was cruel thrust. Joseph was har-
Messing his horses, and the brother was
slowing away the cooking utensils. The
strange mans face grew white again, and
his hand went down for his revolver, but
lust than voice called out
Don't mind it, Joseph; we'll go on
alone
The train moved OF without them
some of the gold hunters taunting and jok-
ing, and others feartul. that the two wosld