The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1880-10-28
JOseph'S Brother.
BY BRET HARTE.

Jack, or Harry, but always
~ spoke of him as Joseph s
rs Brother" And it was just as
singular that they didn't say Joe, -
instead of "Joseph," when speak
ing of or to the man.
The two had a wagon in the
band, dragging itself toward the
Black Hills day by day and mile by
mile. They messed by theDiselves,
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. ca
rousing, fighting, playing cards and
wishing for a brush with the In
dians. Some said that Joseph was
a fugitive from justice, and that he
wouldn't fraternize with them for
far or tetraFing himself when IN
terrogated. Others thought be felt
too proud TO mix with such society,
and between 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
away in the wagon as if little sun
shine would kill the boy" growled
one of a dozen gold hunters, sitting
around their camp fire in the twi-
light.
"Perhaps he thinks our language
isn't hightoned enough-blast his
eyesw exclaimed another.
"Ain't we all bound for the same
place-alI sharing the same dangers
--one as good as another2" de
manded a broad-shouldered fellow
from San Antonio.
Yes, yes!" they shouted.
Then don't it look low-down
mean for this 'ere man Joseph to
edge away from US as if we were
pizen? If be is so mighty refined
and hightoned, why didn't he come
out here in balloonP
There was laugh from the cir
Gle, and the Texan went on
81 don't pretend to be an angel,
but l know manners as well as the
next l believe that man Joseph is
reg'lar starch, ready to wilt right
down as soon as L pint my finger at
him, and Pm going over to his
wagon to pull his nose!'
THAT'S the game, Jack! go in,
old fellow! 'Rah for the man from
TexasP' yelled the gold hunters, as
they sprang to their feet.
"Come right along and see the
fun" continued the Texan, as be
led the way toward Joseph's wagon.
The vehicle formed one in the
circle, and at a small fire a few feet
from the hind wheels sat Jossph
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 and looked at them
anxiously and inar II; q elv ---,.
''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 of
yours don't like our style. Are we
kerectY'
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 off-you don't
speak to u.s." persisted Jack.
"Pm sorry if 1 have incurred any
mans i'll will. L feel friendly to-
wards you all"
80, you do, ehp' sneered the
Texan. feeling that he was losing
ground. "Well, it's my opinion
that you are sneak"
Joseph turned white, and the
men saw a dangerous CLEAN in his
eyes. He seemed about to speak
or make some mo vement, when a
soft voice from the wagon called
out:
Joseph, Josephp'
A soft light came into the man S
face. The Texan noticed it, and,
slapping Joseph's face, he blurted
| out:
"If ye amt coward, yell resent
thatp'
"a boyish figure sprang from the
wagon and stood beside the lone
man. A small hand was laid on
his shoulder, and a voice whispered
in his ear:
"Bear the insult for my sake"
There was full minute in which
no one moved. Joseph's face looked
ghostly white in the gloom, and
they could see him tIemble.
He's a coward, just as
thought" said the Texan as be
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 10.
seph's brother were towards.
Next morning when the wagon
train was ready to move, the cap
tain passed near Joseph's wagon on
pirpose to say:
"If there are any towards in this
train, they needn't travel with us
any farther"
1t was a cruel thrust. Joseph
was harnessing his horses, and the
brother was slowing away the cook
ing utensils. The strange mans
face grew white again, and his hand
went down for his revolver, but
just then a voice called out:
a "a =