North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1867-05-08
THE SEARCH FOR JOHN SMITH.
BY CLARA AUGUSTA.

|
John Smith married nv father sspreat
hncle's eldest daughter, dciiuda Dyrne.
Consequently was relative of John.
Johns family had often visited us at our
quiet country home, and at each visit had
most cordially pressed us to return the
compliment.
Last October business called me sudden
ly to the city of B., where our rela-
tives resided, and without having time to
write and apprise them of my coming, l
was intending visit to the family of Mr..
John Smith.
With my accustomed carelessness, l had
left his precise address at home in my note
book; but thought little of it; l could
easily find him, thought to myself, as the
cars set Inc down amid the smoke and bus
tie of B.
inquired for my relative of the first
hackman l came across.
He looked at me with an ill-suppressed
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 whiting and soft soap un-
til they shone like gold; repeated my
| question with dignity.
Mr.. Smith p ~ 's1sAoo "A'''se'. =.
"Mr. Smith p he said slowly.
ayes, sir, Mr.. John Smith. He married
my fathers great uncle's eldest daughter,
Melinda
II do not think know a 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!f remarked /, ''then there is more
than one of that name in the city?'
~ rather think there is" #es
''Very well, then. Direct me to the
nearest
"The nearest is in West street. Second
left hand corner-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-a handsome
house with the name on q silver door
plate. l rang the bella servant appear
ed.
"Mr. Smith lnV' ...
"No, sir; Mr.. Smith is in the army"
"Mrs. Smiths she?''
"ln the army? oh no-she's at the
beach,"
"This is Mr.. John Smiths house, is it T'
"It is"
"Was his wife's name Melinda, and was
| she Byrne before she was married, from
Squashville
The man Redeemed, and responded an
grily:
''Ill not stand here to be insulted =
Make off with yourself, or Ill call the po-
lice! thought from the first that you
was an entry thief, but you don't play no
game on met" and he banged the door in
my face.
l q thief! If had not been in such a
hurry to find the Smiths. l should have
given that rascally fellow sound chastis-
ing on the spot
Inquiry elected the fact that John
Smith resided in Arch street. Thither l
bent my steps.
A maid-servant answered my ring.
"Mr. Smith imp
| Before the girl could reply, big red
faced man jumped out of the shadows be-
hind theloor, and laid his heavy hand on
my shoulder.
"Yes, sir,' he cried, in voice Of thun-
der; Mr.. Smith il in! Yes, sir; for once
he's in. He stayed st home all day on
purpose to catch you! I'll have my re-
venge I"
"Sir," said I, "there must be some mis-
take. Allow me to inquire if you are Mr..
John Smith p
"I'll inform you about Mr.. John Smith
in way you won't relish, if you don't
settle the damages, forthwith. Five thous.
and dollars is the very lowest fgure-and
you must leave the country u