The daily Cairo bulletin., 1882-01-12
JOsEPH's BROTHER.
BY BRET HARTE.

bf bhEI hAhIB'
They didn't call him'Tom, or Jack, or
Harry, but always spoke of him as
"Josephs brother" And it was justas
singular that they didn't call him "Joe"
instead of Joseph when speaking of
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 to
each other, and their lives and their ac-
tions were sort of mystery to the rest,
who were a jolly set, drinking, carous-
ing, fighting and playing cards, and
wishing for brush with the Indians.
Some said that Joseph was a fugitive
from justice, and that he wouldn't fra
ternize with them for fear of betraying
himself when interrogated. Others
thought he felt too proud to mix with
society, and between the two theories
he had nearly all of the men thinking
i'll of him before the wagon trail 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 dozen
gold hunters sitting around their camp
fire in the twilight.
Perhaps he thinks our language isn't
high-toned enough-blast his cyesm ex-
claimed another.
"Ain't we all bound TO the same
place, all sharing the same dangers,
one as good as another?" demanded
q broad-shouldered fellow from San An
tonic.
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 We're pizenP II he's so
mighty refined and heightened, why
didn't he come out here in balloonp"
There was u laugh from the circle and
the Texan went on
81 don't purtend to he an angel, but
know manners az well Us the next. /
believe that man Joseph is regular
starch ready to wilt down as soon as /
pint my finger at him, and am goin'
over to his wagon and pull his noser'
"Thats the game Jack! Go in, old
fellow. 'Rah for the man from Texas!"
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
TO Joseph's wagon.
The vehicle formed one in the circle
and at small fire q few feet from the
hind wheels sat Joseph and his brother
eating their frugalsupper. As the crowd
came near, the boy sprang up and climb
ed into the covered wagon, while Joseph
slowly rose up and looked at them anxi-
ously and inquiringly.
"See here, Mr.. Joseph, what's your
other nameP" began the Texan, as he
halted before the lone man. 1--WE have
come to the conclusion that you and that
BOBBY brother o yours don't like our
STYLE Are we kerectP"
II have nothing against any of YOU"
quietly replied Joseph, The journey
thusf has been very pleasant and agree
able to us"
"But you hang of--you don't speak
to us" persisted Jack.
II am sorry if ] have incurred any
mans i'll will, / feel friendly towards
you ALL"
"Oh, you do, ehP' sncered the Tex
an, feeling that he was losing ground.
"Well it's my opinion you're sneak"
Joseph's face turned white, and the
man saw dangerous CLEAN in his eyes
He seemed about to speak ormake some
movement, when a soft voice from tho
wagon called out:
"Joseph, Joseph!"
A soft light came into the mans face
The Texan noticed it, and slapping Jo-
| seph's face, he blurted out:
IF ye ANITA coward, ye'll resent that,
surep'
Aboyish figure sprang from the wagon
and stood beside the lone man. A small
hand was laid on his shoulder, and q
voice whispered in his ear:
"Bear it for my sake"
There was u full minute, in which no
one moved. Josephs face looked ghost
ly white in the gloom, and they could
see him trcmble.
"He's is a coward, Just as Thought" "
said the Texan as he tnrned away. The
others followed him, some feeling
ashamed and Others surprised or graft
fed, and by and by the word reached
every wagon TINT Joseph and Joseph's
brother were towards.