Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1874-05-13

soft soap until they shone like gold.
repeated my question with dignity:
''Csn you direct me to the residence
of Mr.. John Smith ?"
"Mr. Smith ?" he said slowly.
"Yes, sir, Mr. John Smith. He mar
ried my fathers great uncle's eldest
daughter. Melinda"
"l don't think know q John Smith
with q wife Melinda"
John Smith seemed to be q common
name with him, from the peculiar tone
he used In speaking of that individual.
''Ah !" remarked I, ''then there is
more than one of that name in the
city?"
81 rather think there is"
every well, then, direct me to the
nearest"
1.-The nearest is in West street, second
left hand corner-you will see the name
on the door"
Ipassed on, congratulating myself on
the cordial welcome 1 should receive
from John and Melinda.
1 soon reached the place-a handsome
house with the name on q silver door
plate rang the bella servant ap-
peared.
.Mr. Smith in?"
mo, sir; Mr.. Smith is in the army"
''Mrs. Smiths she?"
I'm the army? oh, no-she is at the
beach,"
"This Mr.. John Smiths house, is it p"
eft is"
"Was his wife's name Melinda, and
was she Byrne before she was mar
ried, from Squashville
The man redeemed and responded
angrily, "I'll not stand here to be in
suited Make off with yourself, or I'll
call the police. I thought from the
first that you were an entry thief, but
you don't play no game on me ]" and
he banged the door in my face.
/, thief II had not been in such
a hurry to find the Smiths, 1 should
have gwen that rascally fellow q sound
chastising on the spot.
Inquiry elected the fact that John
Smith resided in Arch street. Thither
I bent my steps. A maid servant an
swered my ring.
"Mr. Smith in"
Before the lady could reply, big,
red faced man jumped out of the shad-
ows behind the door, and laid his
heavy hand on my shoulder.
Yes, sir" he cried, in q voice Of
thunder.
'.Mr. Smith is in. He staid at home
all day on purpose to catch you and
now by Jupiter, I'll have my revenge !"
Sir" said /, "there must be some
mistake. Allow me to inquire if you
are Mr.. Jchn Smith ?"
"TIl 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
figure and you must leave the country!"
/ cried, "What do you take me for ?
You'd better be careful or you'll get
your head caved in"
iii cave your head in for you, you
young VILLAIN, you'll" cried he sprlnging
at me with his cane.
"Oh. John, dear John !" exclaimed a
shrill female voice, and tall figure in
sea of fonnces bounded down the
stairway. "Don't-don't for the love
of heaven-don't murder him."
"Whom do you take me for 2" cried
1, my temper rising.
"It looks well for you to ask that
question |" sneered the man, "you have
won my wife's heart. and are here now
to plan to elope with her I've found
it all out-you needn't blush, and"
81 beg your pardon for interrupting
you," said /, but 1 have never seen
your wife before. 1 perceive she is not
Melinda, the eldest daughter OF my
fathers great uncle"
Sir, do You deny that you are Will
liam Jones? Do you deny that you are
in love with nv wife
81 am not q Jones-I have not that
honor sir. Nv name is Parkwell-
Henry Parkwell, of Squashville !" and
with q bow, took myself of.
After that 1 called at the residence OF
three John Smiths-none OF them was
my Mr.. Smith, and nothing occurred
worthy of note.
Nv next Mr.. Smith resided in Port
land street. Thither 1 bent my steps.
1t was very small-evidently not the
house of wealth and cleanliness.
made my wsy up to the front door.
through a wilderness of old rags. broken
crockery, old tin ware, etc, scattering
a flock of hens and rousing snsppish
little terrier from his nap on the steps.
A red faced woman answered my rap,
but before could make my customary
inquiry she opened on me like two
edged butcher-knife.
"Well, of all the inpudent rascais
that ever I see, you beat the lot !
want to know if you had the cheek to
come back here again? You'd ike tc
sell me another German silver pot, and
another brass bosom pin to dear Ara
minta-wouldnt you
"By no means" said 1 81 beg leave
to inform you" :,
"Oh, you needn't begl We don't
believe in beggsrs 1 s'pose you
thought I should not know you-but
did I should know that black back oi
yours in Californyl Clear out OF my
presence or I'll lay my broom handle
over you If there is anything hate,
it's a peddler-especially a rascal like
your ar,
"Allow me to inquire" said ], I'll
Mr.. John Smiths wife was Mehnds
Byrne, the eldest daughter OF my
fathers"
The broomstick was lifted, l heard
Il cut the air like o minute bullet, and
sprang down the steps into the street,
st my best pace.
An angry man I do not fear, but
who can stand before an angry woman
would rather face q roaring lion.
I called on two more Mr.. Smith's-
still unsuccessful in my search 1t was
getting near dark, and I was more tnan
anxious to reach my destination.
NJ naxt Mr. Smith Was located N