Urbana union. [volume] (Urbana, Ohio) 1862-1872, 1867-07-24
Our gtory-GGIlEr.
SEARCH FOR JOHN szsIEH.

John Smith married my 1atner great
uncle's eldest daughter Malinda Bryne
Consequently I was a relative to John.
Johns family had often written to us
at our quiet country home and at each
visit had most cordially pressed US to
return the compliment.
Last October, business called me sud,
denly to the city Of B, where our
relatives resided, and without having
time to write and apprise them Of my
coming, I was intending to visit the fam
iIv Of Mr.. John Smith.
With my accustomed carelessness, /
had left his precise address at home in
my note book; but I thought little Of
it; I could easily find him, l thought to
myself, as the cars set me down amid the
smoke and hustle Of B.
I inquired for my relative Of the first
hackman I came across.
He looked at me with an i'll suppress
ed grin. What was the fellow laughing
at? To be sure my clothes were not Of
the very latest cut. and it was 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 Betsy
had secured the buttons with whitening
and soft soap until they shoue ike gold
repeated my question with dignity.
"Can you direct NE to the residence
of Mr.. Smith?"
"Mr. Smith ?" said he slowly.
Eyes, sir, Mr.. Smith. He married
my fathers great uncle's daughter Me
linda"
Il don't think 7 know John Smith
with a wife Melinda"
John Smith seemed to be a common
noun with him, from the peculiar tone
he used in speaking of that individual
"Ahl' remarked I, "then there i:
more than one by that name in the
city ?"
II rather think there is"
every we'll, then. Direct me to thc
nearest" "
"The nearest is in West street. Sec
ond left hand corner-youu see the
name on the door"
I passed on cOngratulating myself OF
the cordial welcome 1 should receive
from John and Melinda.
l soon reached the place-a handsOm,
house with the name on a silver doc.
pIate-I rang the bella servant aP
Ipeared.
"Mr, Smithin?"
"No, sir; Mr.. Smith is in the army.
"Mrs. Smiths she 2"
"In the army ?-no, no-she's at tn
beach,"
"This is Mr.. John Smiths house, i
Iit?"
"It is"
ssWas his wife's name Melinda, anc
was a Bryne before she was married
from Squshville? ?"
The man reddened, and responded
angriiy.
"Tll not stand here to be insulted
Make off with yourself Or I'll call tn
police. I thought you an entry thiei
but you don't play no games on me :
and banged the door in my face.
Ia thief! If I had not been in sucl
hurry to find theSmiths, 1 should hav
given that rascaIly fellow a chastisini
on the spot.
Inquiry elected the fact that Joh
ISmith resided in Arch street. Thithe
l bent my steps. A maid servant an
swered my ring.
Mr.. Smith in p
Before the. girl could reply, a big
red faced man jumped out Of the shad
ows behind the door, and laid his hcay
hand upon my shoulder.
"Yes, sir, he cried in a voice Of thun
der. "Mr. Smith is in Yes, sir; 70
once he's in. He stayed at home all da
on purpose to catch you /! and now, b
Jupiter III have my revenge p
Sir" said I, 'there must be som
mistake. Allow me to inquire if yo
are Mr.. John Smilh?"
"I'I inform you about Mr. John Smit
in way you won't relish, if you don
settle the damages forthwith. Five thou
sand dollars is the very lowest figures
and you must leave the country"
"Goodness gracious l" cried, "Wh
do YOU take me for ? You'd better b
j careful, or you'll get your head cave
| inI
"In cave your head in fOryOu, yOun
rascal, yOu!" cried he, springing at m
with his cane.
"Oh, John, dear john" exclaimed
shrill female voice, and a tall figure il
see of Aounces bounced down the stair
way, Don't, don't for the love Of hea
, ven-don't murder him p
"Who the deuce do you take me for
cried I, my temper rising.
1T looks well for you to ask that ques
ton r. sneered the man, "you have NO