The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1865-09-14
THE SEARCH FOR JOHN SMITH.

our quiet country home, and at each Wis
it had most cordially pressed us to return
the compliment.
Last October, business called me sud
denly to the city of B, where our
relatives resided, and without having time
to write and apprise them of my com
ing, was intending a visit to the family
of Mr.. John Smith.
With my accustomed carelessness, I
had left his precise address at home in
my note book but 1 thought little of it;
could easily find him, l thought to my
self, as the cars set me down amid the
smoke and hustle at B.
| inquired for my relative of the first
hackman [ came across.
He looked at me with an i'll suppressed
grin. What was he laughing at? To
be sure my clothes were not of the very
latest cut, and it is not just the thing for
any one out Of the army to wear blue
with bright buttons; but my coat was
whole, and my Aunt Betsey had secured
the buttons with whining and soft soap
until they shone like gold. 1 repeated
my question with dignity
"Can you direct me to the residence of
Mr.. Smith ?"
"Mr Smith ?" he said slowly.
"Yes, sir, Mr. John Smith He mar
ried my fathers great uncle's daughter,
Melinda"
Il do not think know John Smith
with a wife Melinda"
John Smith seemed to be common
noun with him, from the peculiar tone
he used 10 speaking of that individual
"Ah !" remarked I, "then there is
more than one of that name in the city?'
Il rather think there is"
"Yery well, then. Direct me to the
nearest"
"The nearest is in West street Sec
ond left hand corner-you'll see the name
on the door,
passed on, ongratulating myself on
the cordial welcome | should receive from
John and Melinda
| soon reached the place-a handsome
house with the name on silver door plate
i rang the bella servant appeared.
Mr.. Smith IN
"No, sir; Mr.. Smith is in the army"
"Mrs. Smiths she 7"
ain the army? oh no-she's at the
beach"
"This is Mr.. John Smiths house, is it?'
at is"
"Was his wife's name Melinda, and
was she Byrne before she was married,
from Squashville p
The man Redeemed and responded an
grily.
"Ill not stand here to be insulted =
Make off with yourself, or I'll call the po-
lice! [ thought from the first that you
was an entry thief, but you don't play no
game on me !" and he banged the door in
my face.
[ thief! If had not been in such
hurry to find the Smiths [ should have
given that rascally fellow a sound chasti-
sing on the spot.
Inquiry elected the fact that John
Smith resided in Arch street Thith,
er 1 bent my steps. A maid-servant
answered my ring.
"Mr. Smith in z"
Before the girl could reply, big, red
faced man jumped out Of the shadows be-
hind the door, and laid his heavy hand
upon my shoulder.
ayes sir" he cried in voice of thun-
der Mr. Smith is in !! Yes, sir; for once
he's in. lie stayed at home all day or
purpose to catch you and now, by Jupi
/ ter [! I'll have my revenge"
"Sir," said l. "there must be some mis-
take. Allow me to inquire if you are
! Mr.. John Smith 2"
"I'll inform you about Mr.. John Smitl
in a way you won't relish, if you don
settle the damage forthwith. Five thou
sand dollars is the very lowest figures
and you must leave the country !"
"Good gracious cried [, what do yol
take me for? You'd better be careful
or you'll get your head caved in +"
GPll cave your head in for you, 20,
young villain, you !" cried he, springin
at me with his cane.
ooh, John, dear John ~ exclaimed
shrill female voice, and tall figure in
sea of founces bounced down the stair
way. "Don't don't! for the love of het
ven. John-don't murder him %
"Who the duece do you take me for
cried |, my temper raising.
at looks well for you to ask that que
ton p' sneered the man-''you, who haV
won my wife's heart, and are here now
plan to elope with her I've found it
out--you needn't blush, and"
Il beg your pardon for interruptin
you," said "but [ have never see
your wife before | perceive she is NJ
Melinda, the eldest daughter OF my fail
er's great uncle"
"Sir; do you deny that you are WI
liam Jones DO you deny that you al
in love with my wife 2"
"I am not Jones-I have not I'll
honor, sir. My name is parkwell, Hem
Park of Squashville J" and with
bow | took myself of.
After | had called at the residences
three John Smiths-none of which W