Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1874-06-20

Jonn Smith married my fathers great
uncle's eldest daughter, Melinda Byrne;
consequently was relative to John.
Johns family had often visited at
our quiet country home, and at each
visit cordially pressed us to return the
compliment.
Last October, business called me
suddenly to the city of B, where
our relative resided, and without hav-
ing time TO write or apprise them of my
coming, was intending to visit the
family of Mr.. John Smith.
With my accustomed carelessness, I
had left his precise address at home in
my note book, but thought but little
of it. could ersily find him I thought
to myself, as the cars set me down amid
the smoke and hustle of B
l enquired for my relative of the first
hackman came across.
He looked at me with an ill-sup-
pressed grin. What twas the fellow
laughing ut? To be sure my clothes
were not of the 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
Betsy had secured the buttons with
whiting and soft soap until they shone
like gold. I repeated my question with
dignity:
Can you direct me to the residence
of Mr.. John Smith ?"
Mr.. S-m-i-t ?" he said slowly.
Voc CO NJ, Inhn CD,;k1, Hn
married my fathers great uncle's daugh-
ter, Melinda"
"I don't think 1 know John Smith
with a wife Melinda"
John Smith seemed to be common
noun 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 this
city,
II rather think there is"
Very we'll, then, direct me to the
nearest"
"The nearest is in West street, Sec
ond left hand corner-you will see the
name on the door"
passed on, congratulating myself on
the cordial welcome l should receive
from John and Melinda.
soon reached the place-a hand
some house with the name on the silver
door-plate. rang the bella servant
appeared
Mr. Smith IMP
"No, sir; Mr.. Smiths in the army"
Mrs Smiths she %
"In the army? Oh, no-she is at
the beach"
"This is Mr.. John Smiths house, is
it."
"Itis
"Was his wife's name Melinda, and
was she Byrne before she was mar
ried, from Squashville ?'
The man reddened and responded an
grily, "Ill not stand here to be in
suited! Make off with yourself or I'll
call the police. I thought from the first
that you was an entry thief, but you
don't play no game on mel" and he
banged the door in my face.
Ia thief. If I had not been in such
hurry to find the Smiths, 1 should
have given that rascally fellow a sound
chastisement on the spot.
Inquiry elected the fact that John
Smith resided in Arch street. Thith-
er bent my steps. A maid servant
answered my ring.
Is Mr.. Smith in?"
Before the lady could reply, q big,
red faced man jumped out of the shad-
ow behind the door, and laid his heavy
hand on my shoulder.
eyes, sir" he cried in voice of
thunder. "Mr. Smith is in. He
stayed at home all day on purpose to
catch you, and now, by Jupiter, I'll
have my revenge!'
Sir" said I, " there must be some
mistake. Allow me to inquire if you are
Mr.. John Smith %
"Ill 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 low
est figure, and you must leave the coun-
try"
1 cried, What do you take me for
You'd better be careful or you'll get
your head caved in."
IL cave your head for you, you
young william, you!" cried he, spring
ing at me with his cane.
"Oh, John. dear john" exclaimed
shrill female voice, and tall figure in
a sea of founces bounded down the
stairway. Don't-don't for the love
OF heaven-dont murder him.
"Whom do you take me for?" cried
1, my temper rising"
cit looks we'll 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 al! out-you needn't blush, and"
" l beg your pardon for interrupting
you, said l, "but I have never seen
your wife before. I perceive that she
Is not Melinda, the eldest daughter of
my fathers great uncle"
"Sir, do you deny that you are
William Jones? Do You danx that xo,,