Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-01-04
MISCELLANY.
The Search for John Smith.

John Smith married my fathers great uncle's
eldest daughter, Melinda Byrne. Consequently
l was relative to John.
Johns family had often visited at our quiet
country home, and at each visit had most cor
daily pressed US to return the compliment.
Last October, business called me suddenly
to the city of b, where our relatives re-
sided, and without having time to write or ap-
prise them of my coming, l was intending a
visit to the family of Mr.. John Smith.
With my accustomed cafelessness, had left
his precise address at home in my note book,
but thought little of it; could easily find
him, thought to myself, as the car set me
down amid the smoke and hustle of b.
| inquired for my relative Of the FIRST hack
man came across.
He looked at me with an Unsurpassed grin.
What was the fellow laughing at? To be sure
my clothes were not Of the very latest cut, and
it is 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
secured the buttons with whitening and soft
soap until they shone like gold. ! repeated
my question with dignity.
"Can you direct me to the residence Of Mr..
John Smith ?"
"Mr. Smith ?" he said slowly.
"Yes, sir-Mr. John Smith He married
my fathers great uncle's eldest daughter, Me
| linda"
q don't 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 that individual
"Ahw remarked !, " then there is more than
one of that name in this city2"
al rather think there is"
every well, then, direct me to the nearest. I"
"The nearest is in West street, second hand
left corner-you'll see the rame on the door.
passed on, congratulating myself on the
cordial welcome / should receive from John
| and Melinda
! soon reached the place-a handsome house
with the name ON silver door platc-rang the
bella servant appeared.
"Mr. Smith in?"
"No, sir, Mr.. Smith is in the army"
Mrs. SMITHS she ?"
ain the army 2-oh, no-she's at the beach" I"
"Tbis is Mr.. John Smiths house, is it 2"
at is"
"Was his wifes pane Melinda, and was she
| Bvrne before she was married, from Squash
| vile 2"
The man Redeemed and responded angrily:
"I'll not stand here to bc insulted Make
off with yourself, or I'll call the police. ]
Thought from the first that you was an entry
thief, but you don't play no game on me!' and
lie banged the door in my face.
"Iathiefl If Ihad not beenin such hurry
to find the Smiths, | should have given that
rascally fellow sound chastizing on the spot.
Inquiry elected the fact that John Smith re-
sided in Arch street Thither | bent my steps.
A maid servant answered my ring.
"Mr Smith in?''
Before the girl could reply, a 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 thunder
Mr. Smith is in He stayed at home all day
on purpose to catch you, and now by Jupiter,
I'll have my revengep
"Sir," said !, there must be some mistake.
Allow me to inquire if you are Mr.. John
Smith ?"
| "rll inform you about Mr. John Smith in
a way that you won't relish, if you don't settle
damages forthwith. Five thousand dollars is
the very lowest fgure-7and you must leave the
country
Il cried "What do you take me for p
You'd better be careful or you'll get your head
cayed inr'
I'm cave your head in for you, you young
villain you" cried he, springing at me with
his cane.
Oh, John, dear John !" exclaimed shrill
female voice, and a tall figure IN asea OF tloun-
ccs bounded down the stairway.
Don't, don't, for the love Of heaven-don't I
murder him"
"Who the deuce do you take me forf" cried
|, my temper rising.
1t looks well for you to ask that question:.
sneered the man, " you whohave won my wife's
heart and are here now to plan to c'ope with
her, I've found it all out-you needn't blush,
and ="
q beg pardon for interrupting you" said ],
:. but have never seen your wife before. ]
perceive that she is not Melinda, the eldest
daughter Of my fathers great uncle
Sir, do you deny that you are William
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