The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1865-09-19
the SEARCH FOR JOHN SMITH.

IU6 OeHltVu ] VII JOiitv Vsuub"
John Smith married my fathers great |
uncle's eldest daughter, Melinda Byrne'
Consequently was relative to john.
Johns family had often visited Us at
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 rel
atiyes resided, and without having TIME
to write and apprise them OF my coming,
was intending o visit to the family OF
Mr.. John Smith.
With nv accustomed carelessness,
had left his precise address at hOme III
INV notebook; but thought little OF it;
could easily find him, I thought to my
self. as the cars set me down amid the
smoke and hustle at B -,
I inouired for my relative of the first
hackman came across.
He looked Mt me with anill-suppressed
grin. What was the fellow laughing at =
f. lie sure my clothes were not Of the
yery latest cut, and it was 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
sconrsd the buttons with whitening and
soft soap until they shone like gold. 1
repeated my question with dignity.
"Can you direct me to the residence oi
Mr.. Smith 2"
"Mr. Smith Z" be said, slowly.
YES sir; MI. John Smith. 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 !, then there is more
than one of that name in this city !"
Il rather think there Is"
Very vol, then. Direct me to the
nearest"
"The nearest is in West street Second
left hand corner I; you'll see the name ON
the door,"
passed on congratulating myself on
the cordial welcome should receive
from John and Melinda.
soon reached the place, handsome
house with the name on silver door
plate; rang the bell servant ap-
peared.
MI. SLult2 III
No sir; Mr. Smith is i'll the army"
Mrs. Smith, Is she9"
In the army oh, no she's st tue
beach"
This is Mr.. john Smiths house, is ~
1T is"
was his wife's name Melinda, and was
she q Bryue before she was married, from
Squashvilleq"
The man Redeemed and responded very
angriIlIy: :. ..,.s ,.,. 70 h. ,n.n,+.a -
Make off with yourself, or I'll call the
police Thought from the first that you
was thief, but you don't play no game
on me-" and he banged the door in my
face
Ia thief If had not been in such a
hurry to find the Smiths, l should have
given that rascally fellow sound chas-
Using on the spot.
INQUIRY elected the fact that John
Smith resided in Arch street. Thither l
bent my steps A maid-seryant NOW au-
swered my ring.
rs Mr. Smith in 2"
Before the girl could reply, II big, red
faced man jumped out of the shadows be-
hind the door, aud laid his heavy laid
upon my shoulder.
Yes sir" he cried, in voice of thun-
der, "Mr. Smith Is in Yes sir, for once
he's in. He stayed at home ON purpose
to catch you and now, 10y Jupiter I'll
have my revenge"
"Sir," said I, there must be some mis-
take Allow me to inquire if you are
Mr.. John Smith 2"
"I'Il inform you about Mr.. John Smith
in q way you won't relish, if you don't
settle the damage forthwith. Five thous-
and dollars is the very lowest figure
and you must leave the country :"
"Good gracious" cried |, what do you
take me for} You'd better be careful, 81
you'll get your head caved in -
III cave your head i'll for You, yod
young villain you % cried be, sprlnging
at me with his cane.
"Oh, John, dear John" exclaimed
shrill female voice, and tall figure i'll a
sea Of founces bounced down tile stair
way. Don't, don't for the love of
heaven-don't murder him ~
"Who the deuce do you take me ior'"
cried ], my temper rising.
1T looks we'll for You to ask that
question" sneered the man-'you who
have won my wifes heart, and are here
now 70 plau 10 olOpt Win neI We
found it all out-yOu needn't blush and
n
II beg yonr pardon for interrupting
YOU" said /; "but have never seen your
wife before perceive she is not Melin-
ds eldest daughter of my fathers great
uncle"
"Sir, do you deny you are William
JOnes2 Do you deny that you are in
love with my wife2"
II am not o Jones-I have not the hon
or, sir. My name is Parkwell, Henry
Parkwell, Of Squashyille aud with
bow took myself of.
After had called at the residences of
three John Smiths-none Of which was
my Mr.. Smith-and still nothing occur
FED worthy Of note.
Ny next Mr.. Smith resided in Port
land street. Thither bent my steps,
II was very small house--evidently
not the home of wealth and cleanliness.
made my way up to the front door,
through O wilderness of old rags, broken
erocksry, old tinware, ETC., scattering
Hock Of hens. and rOusing q snappish lit