Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-01-09
SELECT STORY.
The Search for John Smith,


John Smith married my fathers great uncles
eldest daughter, Melinda Byrne. Consequently,
was relative to John.
Johns family had often tied at our quiet
country home, and at each visit had most cordial
ly pressed us to return the compliment.
Last October, business called me suddenly to
the city Of B, where relatives resided
and without having time to write apprge them
of my coming, was I'M ending a visit 10 the fami-
ly of Mr.. John Smith.
With my accustomed carelessness, | had left
his precise address at home in my note book. but
| thought little of ii; | could easily find him. |
thought to myself, as the set me down fnid
the smoke and hustle of B..
l inquired ofmy relative of the first hack-man
I came across.
He looked at me with i'll suppressed grin
What was the fellow laughing at 2 To be sure
my clothes were bot of the very latest cut Apd il
is not just the thing for any one out of the army
to wear grey with brighi buttons; but my coat
was whole, and my aunt Betsy had secured the but
tons with whiting and soft soap until they shone
like gold. repeated my question with dignity
sCan you direct me to the residence of Mr.
John Smith =
Mr.. m-it-h2 he said slowly.
Yes, sir-Mr. John Smith. He married nv
fathers great unce's eldest daughter Melida.
81 don't think | know a John Smith with wife
Melinda.
him from the peculiar tone he used in speaking of
that individual.
sAh remarked I, then there is more than
one of that name in this citya'
rather think there is.
Very well, then, direct me to the nearest.
The nearest IS IN W est street. second hand left
corner-youll see the name on the door
passed on congratulating myself on the cor
dial welcome should receive from John and Me-
linda
l soon reached the place--a handsome house
with the name on silver door plase--rang the
bell servant appeared.
Mr.. Smith in &
No, sir, Mr. Smi \ is in the army,
Mrs. Sm his she!'
In the army ?-oh, no she's at the beach.
This is Mr. John Smiths house, is it7'
eItis =
Was his wife's name Melinda, and was she
Byrne before she was married, from Squash
ville?'
The man rs&dened aud responded angrily:
IN not stand here to bo insulted Make off
with yourself, or I'll cal he police. ] thought
from the first that you was an entry thief, but
you don't play game me! and he banged
the door in my face.
a thief! If had not been in such hurry to
fnd the Smiths should have given that rascally
fellow sound chastsing on the spot.
Inquiry elected the fact that John Smith resi-
ded in Arch street. Thther l bent my steps.
A maid servant answered my ring
Mr. Smith in 2
Before the girl could reply, big, red faced
man jumped out of the shadows behind the door,
and laid his heavy hand ON my shoulder.
Yes, sir, he cried in a voice of thu nder. sAIr
Smi'h is in. He staid at home all day on purpose
purpose to catch you, and now by Jupiter, I'll
have my revenge :!
Sir said l, there must be some mistake.
Allow me to inquire if you Mr.. John Smith 3
III inform you about Mr.. John Smith in way
that you won't relish, if you don't settle damages
forthwith, Five thousand dollars is the lowest
hgure--and you must leave the country?'
cried: What do you take me for3 You'd
better be careful or you'll get your head caved
in!'
III cave your head in for you, you william
you cried he, springing at me with his cane.
sOh, John, dear John = exclaimed a shrill fe-
mae voice, and tall figure in sea Of dounces
bounded down the stairway.
sDont, don't, for the love of heayen-don't
murder him
Who the deuce do you take me for p cried |,
my temper rising.
1t looks well for you to ask that question:
sneered the man, you who have won my wife's
heart, and are here now to plan to elope with her
Eve found it all out-you needn't blush, and
Il beg pardon for interrupting you,' said I,
but have never seen your wife before. l per-
ceive she is not Melinda, the eldest dau yhter of
my fathers great uncle"
Sir, do you deny that you are William Jones
Do you deny that you are in love with my wife
81 am not Jones-I have not the honor, sir. My
name is Parkwell. Henry Parkwe, Of Squash
vile, and with a bow / took myself off.
After thatl called at the residences Of three