Dallas herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1849-1873, 1866-04-14
Ihn Scnrcn for John Smith.

linda Bryan.-Consequently | was
a 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 tho compII'
mCnt,
Last October business called me
suddonly to the city Of B, whore
our relatives resided, and without
having time to write and apprise
them of my coming, / was intend-
ing to visit the family Of Mr., John
Smith.
With my accustomed cNrcicssncss,
] left his precise address ut home
in my note book; but | thought to
myself. IA tn ears sct me down
amid smoke and hustle at B,
could inquire for my relative of
the first hackman | came across.
He looked at me with an ill.sup-
pressed grin What WAS the fellow
laughing at? To he sure my clothes
were not Of the very latest cut, and
il was not just the thing for any
one out Of the army to wear blue
with bright buttons; but my clothes
were whole, and my Aunt Bessie
had secured the buttons with viii
tening and soft soap until they
shonc with gold. | repeated my
question with dignity.
"Can you direct me to the resi-
dence Of NJ. Smith ?"
"Mr. S-m-i-t h ?" he said slowly.
eyes, sir, Mr.. John Smith" He
married my fathers great uncle's
eldest daughter Melinda.
John Smith seemed to be COM
mon noun with him, from the pccu-
Hiar tone he used in speaking Of
that individual.
"Ah T. remarked |, "then there
is more than one Of that name in
this city 2
"I rather think there is more than
one Of that name
Very well, direct me to the near
est"
The nearest is in West street.
Second left hand corner, left hand
You'll sec the name on the door.
passed on, congratulating my
self on the cordial welcome | should
receive from John and Melinda.
I soon reached the place-a hand
some house with the name on q sill
yer door plate. rang the bell; Il
servant appeared.
Mr.. Smith n?'
"No, Sir; Mr.. Smith is in the
army"
Mrs. Smiths sho?"
"In the army?-Oh, no, he is at
the beach"
This is Mr.. John Smiths house
is t?'
"lt is
WAS his wifo's name Malnda,
and was she Il Bryan before she was
married, from SquashvilIe?' p
The man reddcned, and respond
ed angrly:
"I'll not stand here to be insulted.
MAX esoi1 with yourself, or I'll call
the police. l 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.
Ia thief! If I had not been in
such hurry to find the Smiths !
should have given, hat rascally tel-
low a sound chastising on the spot,
Inquiry clicitod tho tact that a
John Smith resided in Arch street.
Thithor ! bent my steps. A maid
servant answered my ring.
Before the girl could reply, a big,
red.iaccd man jumped out of the
shadows behind the door, and laid
his heavy hand upon my shoulder,
eyes, sir" he cried in a voice OF
thunder "Mr. Smith is in! Yes,
sir: for once he's in, lie stayed at
homo all day on purpose to see you
and now, by Jupiter! I'll have my
revengel"
Sir" said /, there must be some
mistake. Allow ne to inquire ityou
arc Mr.. John smith,
"rll inform you about Mr.. John
| Smith in a way you won't relish, ii
YOU don t settle the damage forth
with. Five thousand dollars is the
very lowest figure-and you must
leave the country +
Good gracious r. cried I, "what
do you take me for? You'd better
be careful, or you'll get your head
cavcd in!'
III cave your head in for you
YOU young villain you! cried he
springing at me with his cane.
"Oh, John, dear john !" eXclaim
ed a shrill female voice, and tai
figure in sea Of fiounces bounced
down the stairway. Don't don t
for the love Of heaven don { murder
him r.
WHO the deuce do you take ms
for?" cried I, my temper rising.
ut looks well for you to ask tina
ouestionr' sneercd the man-you
who have won my wife's heart, ,.anC
arc here now 10 plan to elope witt
herl I've found it all out-yoI
needn't blush, and"
IL beg your pardon for interrupt
ing you; but | have never seen you
wife before. ] perceive she is no
Melinda. the eldest daughter Of m!
fathers great uncle"
A." Sir, do you deny you are Mr.
William Jones? Do you deny tha
Won are in love with my wifeY
IL -. - q lu--c.- / lnlEa mt fl