Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-06-01
JOSEPH',S BROTHER.
A STORY ny DRET HARTE.

A STORY ny DRET HARTE.
They didn't call him Tom, or Jack, or
Harry, but always spoke of him as Jos
eph's Brother" And it was just as slngu-
lar 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 toward the Black Hills 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 jolly set, drinking, carouslng, fight
ing, playing cards, and wishing for brush
with the Indians. Some said that Joseph
was a fugitive from justice, and that he
wouldn't frateTnize with them for fear OF
betraying himself when Intercepted. 9th
ers thought he felt too proud TO mix with
such society, and between the two theories
he had nearly all the mep. 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 If little sunshine would kill
the boy" growled one Of a dozen gold hun
ters sitting around their campfire in the
twilight.
"Perhaps he thinks our language isn't
high-toned eRough-blast his eyes y ex-
| claimed another.
"Aint we all bound to the same place
all sharing the same dangers-one as good
as another?" demanded ad-shouldered
| fellow from San Antonio.
"Yes, yes!" they shouted.
"Then don't it look low-down mean ior
this ERE man Joseph to edge away from us
as If we were piseu? If he is 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
~ don't perlend TO be an angel, but
know manners as well as the next be-
lieve that man Joseph is regular starch,
ready 10 wilt right down as soon as pint
my finger at him, and I'm going over 10
his wagon TO pull his nose"
That's the game, Jack ! Go in, old fell
| low 'Rah for the man from Texas "
yelled the gold hunters, as they sprang 10
their feet.
"Come right along and see the fun" con-
tinued the Texan, as he led the way toward
Joseph's wagon.
The vehicle formed one in the circle, and
at small firea few feet from the bind wheels
sat Joseph and his brother eating their
frugal supper. AS the crowd came near,
the boy spraDg up and climbed into the
covered wagon, while Joseph slowly rose
up and looked at them anxiously and in
quiringly.
"See here, Mister Joseph what's-your-
cther-nsme p began the Texan, as he halt
ed before the lone man, 1--WE have come to
the conclusion that you and that BOBBY
brother of yours don't like our style. Are
we kerect2"
"I have nothing against any OF you,"
quietly replied Joseph. 1.-The journey thus
far has been very pleasant and agreeable TO
us"
"But you hang off-you don't speak TO
u.s." persisted jack.
"Pm sorry if 1 have ncuried any mans
i'll will. feel friendly towards you ALL"
"Oh, you do, ell ?" sneered the Texan,
feeling that he was losing ground. "Well,
it's my opinion that you are sneak y
Joseph's face turned white, aud the men
saw a dangerous gleam in his eyes. He
seemed about to speak or make some move
ment when a soft voice from the wagon
called out:
"Josepb, JosephW
A soft light came into the mans face. The
Texan noticed it, and, sapplng Joseph''
face, he blurted out:
"If We amt coward yen resent that
sureW
A boyish figure sprang from the wagor
and stood beside the lone man. A small
hand was laid on his shoulder, and voice
whispered in his ear;
"Bear the insult for my sake"
There was full minute in which no on
: moved. Joseph's face looked ghostl,
while in the gloom, and they could see hin
: | trembe.
"He's a coward, just as thought" sai'
the Texan, as he turned away. The other
followed him, some feeling ashamed ant
others surprised or gratltied; and by AM
> by the word had reached every wagon tina
n Joseph and Joseph's brother were towards
d Next morning when the wagon train wa
Il ready TO move, the captain passed near 10
= seph's wagon on purpose TO say:
"If there are any towards in this train
they needn't travel with us any further"
, 1t was a cruel thrust. Joseph was hai
al Messing his horses, and the brother wa
slowing away the cooking utensils. Th
y strange mans face grew white again, an
his hand went down for his revolver, bu
just then a voice called out:
lie "Don't mind it, Joseph; Wen go o.
q alone"
Se The train moved off without them, som
Z of the gold hunters taunting and iokinl
d. and others fearful that the two would
butchered by the Indians before the da
was over. When the white-topped wagor
n were so far away that they seemed no larg'
= than his haHd, Joseph moved along on IL
er trail, his face stern and dark, and so bus
Dc Dc with his thoughts that he did not hear Il