Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1865-10-12
.4MtseeILaneous.
TIE SEARCH FOR JOHN SMITH.

uhNiS . N"'S' h"uEH'cI, heilHud DyrUe.
Consequent, | was a relative to John.
John : fhinily had often visited Us at our
quiet country home, andcach visit had most
cordially pressed us to return the conipli.
ment.
Last October business called me sudden
ly tn the city of B., where our relatives
resided, and without having time to write
and apprise them of my coming. | was
intending a visit to the family of Mr.. John
Smith;
With my accustomed carclcssness, l had
left the precise address at home in my note
book; but thought little of it. | conld ca
SLY find hi,n, | thought to myself. as the
cars set Inc down amid smoke and hustle at
b
/ inquired for my relative of the first
hickman came across.
He l0nked at me with an ill-suprrcssed
grin. What was the fellow laughing at?
To be sure my clothes were not Of the very
latest cut, and it was not just the thing for
amy one out Of the army to wear lue with
bright buttons; Int my coat was whole, and
my Aunt Betscy had sconred the button,
with whitening and soft soap until they
>hone like gold. | repeated nv ouestion
with dignity:
Can you direct me to the residence of
Mr.. .Smith?' -y~...,
Mr.. S.m-il-t-h!, he said slowly ..
~ es sir; Mr.. JohnSmith, He married
my fathers great uncle's eldest daughter
Melinda.
II do not think | know John Smith
with wife Melinda.
John smith seemed to be common noun
with him, from the peculiar tone he used in
speaking OF the individual.
"Ah! remarked l, then there is more
than one OF that name in this city?'
rather think there Is.
cry well, then. Direct me to the near
est.
The nearest is in West street. Second
lett hand corner; you ii see the name on the
donr
passed on congratulatlng. myself on the
cordial welcome should receive from John
ana Melinda.
l soon reached the place, handsome
house with name on "A silver door plate;
rang the bell; a servant appeared.
Mr, Smith in?'
No, sir; he $ in the army
Mrs. Smith, Is she?'
I'm the army? oh no, she's at the
beach. y
I'm! mih!s IS Mr. John Smiths house, is it?'
"WaS his wife's name Melinda, and was
she Bryne before she was married, from
SqnashvileY'
The man redeemed and responded very
angrlly:
II Il not stand here to be insuted! Make
of with yourself, or call the police !
thought from the first that you was Il thief
but you don play no game ON me! and he
banged the door IN my face.
thief II | had not Dcen in such a
hurry to find the Smiths, ] should have
given that rascaly fellow II sound chastising
on the SPOT. r
Inquiry elected the fact that John
Smith resided in Arch Street. Thither
bent my steps. "A maid-servant now ar
swered my ring.
lis Mr. Sni' h inY'
Bctoie The girl could reply, big, red
face man jumped out Of the shadows be-
hind the door and lai 1 his heavy hand on
my shoulder,
Yes, SIR, he cried, in voice of thun-
der. Mr smith Is M Yes, sir, for once
he's,ln' lie stayed at home on purpose to
catch you! and now, by Jublter! III have
my revenge!
Sir, SAID l, there must be some mis-
take. Allow me to inquire it you are Mr..
John Smith? =.
Il II inform you about hir. John Smith
IN a way you won relish; II you don set
tie damage forthwith, FIVE thousand dol
lars is the very lowest fgure-and you must
leave the country.
Good graclous cried l, what do you
take me for! You d better be careful,