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


John Smith married my fathers
great uncle's eldest daughter, Melin-
da Byrne; consequently I was rela-
tive to John.
Johns family had often visited at
our quiet country home, and at each
visit had most cordially pressed us to
return the compliments. ,.-.
Last October, business called me
suddenly to the city of B,
where our relative resided, and with
oht having time to write or apprise
them of my coming, 1 was intend
ing to visit the family Of Mr.. John
Smith.
With my accustomed carelessness,
I had left his precise address at home
in my notebook, but I thought, but
little of it. / could easily find him,
[ thought to myself, as the cars set
me down amid the smoke and hustle
Of, ,s~ .-a...t
inquired for my relative of the
first hackman l came across,
He looked at me with an il sup
pressed grin. What was the fellow
laughing atq 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,scoured the but
tons with whiting and soap until they
shone like COLA. 1 repeated my
question with dignity;
'Can you direct me to the residence
of Mr., John Smith?
MIR. Smith, he said slowly.
Yes, sir, Mr.. John Smith. He
married my fathers great uncle's
eldest daughter, Malinda. "
4 don't think l know aJohn Smith
with wife Melinda"
John Smith seemed to be com
mon name with him, from the pecul-
iar tone he used in speaking of that
individual.
'An 7 remarked I, 'then there ia
more than one OF that name in the
city?
i rather think there is,
Very well, then, direct me to the
nearest
The nearest is in West street,
second left hand corner-you will see
the name on the door.
passed on, congratulating myself
on the cordial welcome ! should re-
ceiv6 from John and Melinda.
I soon reached the place-a hand
some house with the name on a sill
yer door-plate; 7 rang the bella
servant appeared.
Mr.. Smith in?' .
No, sir; Mr.. Smith is in the army;
Mrs. Smiths she?
'In the army? oh, no-she is at the
beach.
This is Mr.. John Smiths house
is it?'
1T is
WAS his wife's name Melinda, and
was she Byrne before she was mar
ried, from Squashville?'
The man reddened and responded
asngily, 'Tll not stand here to be in
suited! Make off with yourself, Oh
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
I, a thief II / had not been il
such a hurry to find the Smiths,
should have given that rascally fel
low sound chastisipg on the spot
Inquiry elected the fact that q Johr
Smith resided in Arch street, Thith
er I bent my steps. A maid seryap
answering my ring.
Mr.. Smith in?' ...
Before the lady could reply, a big
red faced man jumped out Of tn
shadows behind the door, and iaic
his heavy hand on my shoulder.
'Yes sir, he cried in a voice o
thunder. .ru a
Mr.. Smith is in, He staid b
home nll day on purposeto catch you
and now by Jupiter, Ill have N,
revengep
Sir, said 1, there must bo som
mistake. Allow me to inquire if yo'
are Mr.. John Smith?
I'll inform you about Mr.. Johl
Smith in a way that you won't relish
if you don't settle damages forthwith
Five thousand dollars is the yer
lowest figure and you must leave tn
country ?
I cried, What do you take me fol
You'd better be careful or you'll &c
your head caved inY
"Ill cave your head in for you, yo
young villain, you 7 cried he spring
| ing at me with his cane.
7Oh, John, dear John 7 exclaimed
shrill female voice, ana Tall uSut
in sea of founces bounded dow
the stairway. 'Don't-don't for tn
love of heayen-don't murder hum
Whom do you take me forY erie
I, my temper rising.
1T looks we'll for you to ask tina
question ? sneered the man, 'yo
have won my wife'S heart, and ar
here now to plan to elope with her
I've found it all out-you needn
blush, and
I beg your pardon for interrupt
ing you, said I, 'but 1 have neve
seen your wife before. / perceiv
she is not Melinda, the eldes
daughter of my father'sgreat uncle
Sir, do you deny that you ar
William Jones? Do you deny tina
YOU are in love with my wife,?
4 am not a Jones-I have not tha
honor sir. My name is Parkwell-
Squashville ? and with a bow too
myself off.