The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1864-1911, 1865-10-04
THE SEARCH FOR JOHN y
SMITH.

John Smith married my fathers great
uncle's eldest daughter, Melinda Byrne. -
e Consequently l was relative to John.
Johns family had often visited US at our
quiet country home, and at each visit had
most cordially pressed us to return the COM
pliment.
Last October business called me sudden
" to the city of B, where our relatives
resided, and without having time to write
and apprisc them of my coming. was in
tending a visit to the family Of Mr.. John
Smith
With my accust, med carclessi ess, I had
left his precise address at home in my note
book; but | thought little of it, | could ca
silly find him, thought to myself, as the
ears set me down amid smoke and hustle at
B.
l inquired for my relative of the first
hackman | came across.
He looked at me with an ill-sul pressed
grin. What was the fellow laughing at? 10
be sure my clothes were not of the very latest
cut, and it was not just the thing for any
one out Of the army to wear blue with
bright buttenS; but my coat was whole, and
my Aunt Betsey had secured the buttons
with whitening and soft soap until they
shone like gold. l repeated my question
with dignity:
Can you direct me to the residence of
Mr.. Smith?''
"Mr. Smith p he said slowly.
eyes, sir; Mr.. John Smith. He married
my fathers great unclc's eldest daughter,
Melinda. "
Il do not think I 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.
All! remarked |, then there is more
than one by that name in this city?'
81 rather thjnk there is. "
Very well, then. Direct me to the
nearest.
''The nearest is in West street Second
left hand corner; you'll see the name on the
door"
I passed on congratulating myself on the
and Melindt,sS
l soon reached the place, a handsome
house with the name on silver door plate;
/ rang the bell; a servant appeared.
Mr.. Smith mp
mo sir; he's in the army"
Mrs. Smith, Is she!
I'm the army? oh, no, she's at the
beach"
,'Ihis j; Mr. John Smiths house, is it?"
"It is. :" =
"Nas his wife's name Melinda, and was
she Bryno before she was married, from
Squashyile? ?"
The man reddcncd and responded very
angriy;
iii not stand here tobc insuItcd! Make
off with yourself, or III cali the police.
thought 5''om the first that you was thict,
but 20 don't play no game on mel and ho
banged Che door in my face.
| thiet! It | had not been in such a
hurry to find the Smiths, | should have
given that rascally fellow sound chastising
on the spot.
Inquiry elected the fact that john
Smith resided in Arch street. Thither |
bent my steps, 4 maidscrvant now an
swerod my ring.
lis Mr.. Smith i?"
Before the girl could reply, big, red IA
hind the door and laid his heavy hand upon
my shoulder.
Yes sir" he cried, ina voice of thunder
Mr.. Smith is in! Yes sir for once he's in.
He stayed at home on purpose to catch youl
and now, by Jupiter! Eli have my re-
ycngc!''
Sir" said I, 'therc must be some mis-
take. Allow me to inquire if you are MI.
john Smith?'
IN inform you about Mr.. John Smith
in way you won't relish, II you don t set
tie the damage forthwith. Five thousand
dollars is very lowest fgme-and you must
leave the country.
Good gracious" cried |, what do you
take me tor? You'd letter DC careful, or
YOU Il get your head caved in.
"I'll cave pour head in oryou, you young
william you! cried he, splinging at me with
his cane
',Oh, .Tohn, dear john" exclaimed a
shrill female voice, and tall figure in sea
of flonnceS bounced down the stairway
Don't don't for the love Of heaven
Don't murder him!''
Who the deuce do you take me for2'
cried |, my temper rising.
1T looks well for you to ask that qucs-
tom sncercd the man-''you who have
won my wife heart, and are here now to
plan an clopemcnt with hcr I've found it
ali tuI--1p 1pu IicCtlu / uJESH anu
Il beg your pardon for interlupting you"
said |; but have never seen your wife be-
fore. Iperceive she is not Melinda eldest
daughter Of my father's great uncle"
Sir, doyon deny you are William Jones?
Do you deny that you are in love with my
wilc?"
Il am not Jones-vI lave not that hon
Or sir My name isParkwell, Henry Park
well, of SquaShyille ard with II bow [
took myself off.
After | had called at the residence of
three John Smiths rome of which my Mr..
Smith-and still nothing occif'rcd worthy
of note %>
My next Mr.. Smith resided in Portland
street. Thither bent my steps. 1t was a
very small house--eyidentl not the home Of
wealth and cleanliness. made my way up
to the front door, through wilderness of
old rags, broken crockcry, old tin ware, ETC.,
scattering flock Of hers, and rousing a
snappish little terrier from his nap on the
step.
A red faced woman answered my rap, hut
before ! could make my customary inquiry,
she opened upon me like a two edged butch
er knife.
"Well, of al the impudent raScals that
ever | see, you beat the lot! | want to
know if you have the check to ccme back
here again? You'd like to sell me another
German silver teapot, and another brass
bosom pin, to dear Araminty-wouldn't
yR"
by no MEANS" said I, 81 beg leave to
inform you-"
"Oh. you needn't beg! We don't believe
in heggarsl Is'spose you thought | sho'd
that black sack of yours in Caliiolny! Clear
out of my premises, or III lay my broom
handle over We! if there is anything hate,
it S peler-especially rascal like you: "
"AIlow me to inquire, said ! ''if Mr..
Smiths wife was Melinda Bryne, the eldest
nnnhtnr Of NV Rnthnr' So