The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1866-05-09
SEARCH FOR joAN SMITH.

StAkgH run MN smith,
john Smith marriedSmy fathers great
uncle's eldest daughtef,A Melinda By ne.
Consequently I was q, relative oflJohn.
Joha's ismily had often visitedtS at
our quiet country home, and at each visit
had most cordially pressed us to turn the
compliment. VA ~
| Last October, business called me sud.
denly tothe city Of B--1--, where our
relatives resided, and I without having
time 70 write and apprise them Of my
coming, was intending a visit 10 the
family Of Mr.. John Smith. l.ss
With my accustomed carelessness,
had left his precise address at home, IN
my notebook but Ithought littlesof it;
| can easily find him, thought to myself
as the cars sat me down amid the smoke
and hustle Of B. -
inquired of my relative Of the first
hacAman,l j came across.
He looked at me with an i'll suppressed
grin. What was the fellow laughing at !
To be sureny clothes were not Of the
very latest cat, and it was not just the
thing for any one out Of the army to
wear blue with bright bottoms; but my
coat waswhole, aud my Aunt Batsey had
secured the buItons'with whitening and
soft soap until they shope like gold. ]
repeated my question with dignity.
"Can you direct me 10 the residence oi
Mr.. Smith 7" ~s3
"Mr. Smith r' said he slowly.
eyes, sir, Mr.. John Smith. he mar.
ried my fathers great uncle's eldes,
daughter Melinda.
II don't think / know John Smith
with wife Melinda" -
John Smith appeared to be a common
noun with him, from the peculiar tone he
used in speaking Of that individual.
"Ah!' remarked I, "then there ia
more than one Of that name in this cityY'
"I rather think thereis." =
"Very well, then! Direct me to the
nearest" S4a
"The nearest is in Western street.
Second left hand corner-youll see the
name on the door," 10
| l passed on congratulating myself on
the cordial welcome I should receive
from John and Melinda. -i
I soon reached the place-a hsndsome
house with the name on silver plate-I
rang thebell-a ryantappeared.
"MriSmi,h in 7"
"No, sir; Mr.. Smith is in the ar n.y."
"Mrs Smith lis shep
| "In the army ?-uo, no-she's at the
beach," .,
"This is Mr.. John Smiths house; isit?''
at iso F%%
"Was bis wife's name Melinda. and
was she Bryne before she was married,
from squAshville p &
The man reddened, and responded an.
grily. - ~ r
an not stand here to be insulted /
Make of with yourself, or I'll call the
police. Thought from the first that you
was an entry thief, but you don't play NO
gOme on me !" and be banged the door
ia my face. e. -
| la thief! IF I had not been in such a
hurry to find the Smiths, / should have
given that rascally fellow sound chas'
tising on,the spot. ~ ~
Inquiry elected the fact that a John
Smith resided in Arch street. Thither
bent my steps A maid servant answered
my ring. e. i
| Mr.. Smith in ?"
Before tbe girl could reply, big, red
faced man jumped out Of the shadowsbe.
hind the door, and laid his heavy hand
upon my shoulder. 1 80
"Yes, SIR" he cried, 10 voice Of thun.
der. "Mir. Smith is inl Yes, sir; for
once he's He stayed at home all day
on purpose to catch you'll and now, by
JupiterH III have my revenge~
"Sr," said l, "thers must be some mis-
take. Allow me to inquire if you are
Mr.. John Smith 7" .rs
| "Tll inform you about Mr.. John Smith
in way you won't relish, if you don't
settle the damages forthwith. Five thou.
sand dollars is the very lowest figure
and you must leave the country
"Good gracious p cried, "what do
you take me for? You'd better be care.
iul, or you'll get your head caved in!"
Il an cave your head in for you, you
young villain, you'll" cried he, springing
at me with his cane.
"Oh, John, dear John !" exclaimed 0
sbrill female voice, and tall figure in Q
sea of flounces bounced down the stair
way. Don't, don't for the love Of heav'
ep--don't murder him p
"Who the deuce do you take me for?'
cried l, my temper rising.
at looks well for you to ask that ques
tion !" answered the man, "you who have
won my wife's heart, and are here now tC
plan to elope with her !! I've found 1t all
out--you needn't blush, and"
al beg your. pardon for interrupting
you" said /, but I have never seen youl
wife before, i perceive she is not Melin
do, the 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 wifeT
/ ~ am no. Jones--I have not the hon
or, sir. My name is Parkwell, Henry
PbrkwelI, Of squashville! !" and with :
bow took myself off.
After that l called at the residences