The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1874-08-07

want TO Know II you nau ulle cheeh
to come back here again? You'd
like to sell me another German sill
yer pot, and another brass bosom pin
to dear Araminta-wouldn't you
"By no means" said I; II beg
leave to inform you--"
e"Oh, you needn't begl We don't
believe in beggars! 1 s'pose you
thought I should not know you-but
l did I should know that black OF
yours in Californy! Clear out of my
presence or I'll lay My broom-handlo
over you'll If there is anything I
hate, it's peddler especially ras-
cal like you'll" lN
"Allow me to enquire, said I, eff
Mr., John Smiths wife was Melinda
Byrne, the eldest daughter of my
fathers"
The broomstick was lifted, I heard
it cut the air like q minnie bullet,
and sprang down the steps into the
street, at my best pace.
An angry man I do not fear, but
who can stand before an angry wo-
man? l would rather face a roaring
lion.
I called on two more Mr.. Smith S
still unsuccessful in my search
1t was getting near dark, and l was
more than anxious to reach my des-
tination. ...s
My next, Mr.. Smith, was located
in Lenox street. 1t was twilight
when I rang the bell at his door.
A smiling fellow admitted me fair
ly forcing me into the hall, before |
could utter word. "Walk right
in, sir" ...
I was gently pushed toward the
door of a shadowy apartment, and at
the entrance [ was announced:
"Mr. HenryP
The gas was not lighted, and the
apartment was in semi-darkness. l
heard soft, quick footstep on the
carpet, and a pair of the sweetest
lips in the world touched mine; and,
good gracious-for a moment the
world swan, and l felt as if l had
been stewed in honey, and distilled
into Lubin's best triple extract of
roses.
"Oh, Henry-my dearest and best!
Why don't you kiss me, HenryY'
cried voice like music. "Haye you
ceased to care for me?" and again
the kiss was repeated.
Who could resist the temptation?
I am naturally a difident man, but
I have some human nature in me,
and I paid her principal and interest.
ooh, Henry, I had 50 feared that
being in the army had made you cold
hearted-good heavensP' She fell
back against chair as pale as death.
The servant had lit the gas, and |
stood revealed.
81 beg your pardon, marm," said
I, "there is evidently some mistake.
May 1 inquire if Mr.. Smiths wife
was Melinda Byrne, the eldest daugh-
ter of my fathers great uncle?'
The red flush came to the young
lady's cheek-she was handsome as a
picture-and she replied with cour-
tesy;
"She was not. You will, l hope,
excuse me for the blunder l have
committed? We are expecting my
brother Henry from the army, and
your blue clothes deceived mo"
"For which I shall always weal
blue. l replied CALAMITY. "AlloW
me to introduce myself am Henry
Parkwell of .Squashville," and il
making my best bow, I stumbled
over an ottoman, and fell smash into
q china closet, demolishing at least a
dozen plates and as many glass tumb.
lers.
I sprang to my feet-seized my
BAG, and without word dashed oui
of the house.
| knocked over q man who wai
passing at that moment, and LANDED
myself on my head in the gutter
The man picked himself up, and wa
about to make a display of muscle
when the glare Of the street lamp re
yealed to me the well known face o
John Smith.
"Eureka!'' cried I. "Allow me t.
enquire if your wife was Melinda
the eldest daughter of my father
great uncle Byrne?'
"She was!' said he, grasping IN,
hand, "and I am delighted to Sc,
you But, confound it! you needn'
come at fellow soW
But l must cut my story short
He took me home with him and
had a good visit; saw Melinda {,
my hearts content. Nay, more
met, was properly introduced to Hat
tic Smith-and-well--I am having
a new suit of clothes thade-and il
, due course they will be married
myself in them, to the young lad,
just alluded to.