The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1874-07-01
MISCELLANY
TIE sEARcH ron JOHN sMIrH.

~
John Smith married my fathers great un
cle's eldest daughter, Malinda Byrnc consc-
quently 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 APP
prise them of my coming, was intending to
visit the family of John Smith.
With my accustomed carelessness, had
left his precise address at home in my note
book, but thought butlittle of it. could
easily find him, thought to myself, as the
cars set me down amid the smoke and hustle
of
inquired for my relatives Of the first hack
man came across.
He looked at me with an i'll suppressed
grin. What was the fellow laughing at? To
be sure my clothes were not of the latest cut,
and 1t 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 Betsy
had secured the buttons with whiting and soft
soap until they shone like gold. / repeated
my Question with dignity:
"Can you direct me to the residence of Mr..
John Smith p,
sMr. S-m-i-t-h?" he said slowly -,
:" Yes, sir, Mr. John Smith. He married
my fathers great uncle's eldest daughter,
Melinda" $500 R8
T<ls x.,.t
a wife Melinda"
John Smith seemed to be a common name
with him, from the peculiar tone he used in
speaking of that individual. 3.is
"Ahl" remarked /, then there is more
than one of that name in the city ?"
"Irather think there is.
every well, then, direct me to the near
est"
"The nearest is in West street, second left
hand cofner--you will see the name ON the
door,
Ipassed on, congratulating myself on the
cordial welcome should receive from John
and Melindas
soon reached the place-a handsome house
with the name ON silver door-plate rang
the bella servant appeared.
'sMr. Smith in? -
"No, sir Mr.. Smith Is IN the army
ssaMrs. Smiths she 2"
"In this army 9=oh, uo--she is at the
beacl,.'y
"This is Mr.. John Smiths house. is it?"
at isl
"Was his wife's name Melinda, and was
she a Byrne before she was married; from
Squashville q"
The man redeemed and responded ,angrily,
"Tn not stand here to be insulted Make
off with yourself, Of III call the police.
Thought from the first that YOU were ane entry
thief, but you don't play no game on me J"
ana he banged the door in my face.
1, thief! If had not been in such q
hurry to find the Smiths, | should have given
that fascally fellow . sound chastising ON she
spots
Inquiry elected the fact that a John Smith
resided In Arch street. Thither bent my
steps. A maid servant answered my ring
"Mr. Smith IMP"
Before the lady could reply, big red faced
man jumped out of the shadows behind the
door, and laid his heavy hand on my sfoul=
der.
eyes, SIR he cried in avoice of thunder.
"Mr. Smith is iii. He staid at home all day
on nurpose to catch you and now by Jupi-
tsr, RI have my revenge !"
issir.s said I, ssthefs fhust be some mis-:
take Allow me to inquire if you are Mr..
John Smith Z"
arlr inform YOU about Mr.. John Smith in 4
way YOU WON'T relish, II YOU don't settle
damages forthwith.: Five thousaad dollars
is the very lowest figure, ana you must leave
the country r
cried, .what do you take me fcr2 YOU
better be careful or you II get Your head caved
inl'' /.