Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1880-10-14
J0SEPH'S BROTHER.

JOSEPH'S BROTHER.
They didn't call him Tom, or Jack, or
Harry, but always spoke of him as 40
seph's brother" And it was just as sin
gular that they didn't call him 900" in
stead of "Joseph" when speaking of tho
man.
The two had wagon in the band.
dragging itself toward the Black Hill,
day by day and mile by mile. They mess
ed by themselves, scarcely spoke to each
other, and their lives and their actions
wore sort of mystery to the rest, who
were jolly SGT, drinking, carousing,
fighting aud playing cards, and wishing
for o brush with tho Indians. Some said
that Joseph was fugitive from justice,
and that he wouldn't fraternize with
them for fear of betrayipg himself when
interrogated. Others thought he felt too
proud to mix with society, and between
the two theories he had nearly all the
men thinking i'll of him before the wagon
was four days travel from Cheyenne.
"He keeps his brother hidden away in
tho wagon as ifa little sunshine would
kill tho boy" growled one Of dozen
gold hunters sitting around their camp
fire in the twilight.
"Perhaps he thinks our language isn't
high-toned enough-b 1t bis eyes "
exclaimed another.
"Ain't we all bound to tho same place,
all sharing the same dangers, one as good
az another I" demanded broad shout
dercd fellow from San Antonio.
Eyes! 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 hos so mighty
refined aDd bigh-toned, why didn't he
come out here in balloon9"
There was laugh from the circle and
the Texan went on.
Il don't purtend to be an angel, but l
know manners az we'll as tho next. /
believe that man Joseph is regular
starch ready to wilt down as sooD as |
pint my finger at him, and Pm goin' over
| to his wagon and pull his nose"
"That's the game, Jack Go, in, old
fellow! Rah for the man from Texasv'
yelled the gold hunters, as they sprang
to their feet.
Come right along aud see tho tun,'
continued the Texan, as he led the way
to Josoph's wagon.
The vehicle formed one in the circle
| and at small fire q few feet from the
hind wheels sat Joseph aud his brother
eating their frugal supper. As the CROWD
came near, the boy sprang up aud climb
edin,o the covered wagon, while Josept
slowly rose up and looked at them aDxi
ously and enquiringly.
1850 here, Mr.. Joseph, what's YOU
other nameW began tho Texan, as 1t
halted before the lone man. "Wev,
come to the conclusion that you and tina
BOBBY brother O yours don't like on
style. Are We kerrectw
| II have nothing against any of you,
quietly replied Joseph. "The journe!
thus far has been very pleasant to u.s."
"But you hang of-you don't speak tt
u.s." persisted Jack.
Clam sorry if l have incurred an.
mans ill.will; | feel friendly toward
| you all"
"Oh, you do, eh!" sneored tho Texan
feeling that he was losing ground
well, it's my opinion that you are
sneak"
| Joseph's face turned white, and thu
man saw dangerous CLEAN in his eye.
He seemed about to speak or make SON
movement, when soft voice from tn
wagon called out.
Joseph, Joseph
A soft light came into the mans fac'
The Texan noticed it, and slapping J,
seph's face, he blurted out;