Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-04-25
n. Y. Weekly Sun.
JOSEPH'S BROTHER.

or Harry, but always spoke of him as
'FJoseph's Brother" And it was just as
singular that they didn't say "Joe," in
stead 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
except to each other, and their lives
and their actions were sort OF mystery
to the rest, who were jolly set, drink
ing, carousing, fighting, playing cards,
and wishing for a brush with the In
dians. Some said that Joseph was
fugitive from justice, and that he
wouldn't fraternlze with them for fear
of betraying himself when Intercepted.
Others thought he felt too proud to mix
with such society, and between the two
theories he had nearly all the men
thinking Ill of him before the wagon
train was four days travel from Cney-
enne.
"He keeps bis 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 fires in q twilight.
Perhaps he thinks our language
isn't heightened enough-blast his
eyes !" exclaimed another.
"Ain't we all bound to the same
place-all sharing the same dangers
one IS good as another?" demanded
broad shouldered fellow from San
Antonio.
"Yes yes!" thew shouted.
tE IT,, Jo,,;f ~ lob 1ou- m GOV,
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 ne come cut here in balloon ?"
There was laugh from the circle,
and the Texan went on.
8 don't purtend to be an angel, but
I know manners as we'll as the next. /
believe that man Joseph is regular
starch, ready to wilt right down as soon
as I pint my finger at him, and Pm
goin' over to his wagon to pull his big
noseI'
"That's the game, Jack /! Go in, old
fellow 'Rah for the man from Texas y
yelled the gold hunters, as they sprang
to their feet.
"Come right along and see the fun"
continued the Texan, as he led the way
toward Joscph's wagon.
The vehicle formed one In the circle,
and at small fire 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 anxiously and inquiringly.
"See here, Mister Joseph what's
your-other-name + began the Texan,
as he halted before the lone man, 1--WE
hev 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 i" persisted Jack.
Ct am sorry / have incurred any
mans ill-will. feel friendly towards
you all"
ooh, you do, eh?" sneered the Tex
an, feeling that he was losing ground
"Well, it's my opinion that you are a
sneak |"
Joseph's face turned white, and the
men saw dangerous CLEAN in his
eyes. He seemed about to speak Or
make some movement when soft
voice from the wagon called out:
Joseph Joseph!''
A softer light came into the mans
face. The Texan noticed it, and,
slapping Joseph's face, he blurted out:
off We amt coward yell resent
that, sure!"
A boyish figure sprang from the
wagon and stood beside the lone man.
4 small hand was laid on his shoulder,
and voice whispered in his ear:
"Bear the insult for my sake!"
There was a full minute in which no
one moved. Josephs face locked
ghostly white in the gloom, and they
could see him tremble.
."He's a coward, just as [ thought !"
said the Texan, as he turned away.
The others followed him, some feeling
ashamed and others surprised or graf