The weekly Thibodaux sentinel and journal of the 8th Senatorial District. [volume] (Thibodaux, Lna. [i.e. La.]) 1875-1898, 1888-04-28
SMITH OR STRONG.

paw y DAVs hCst, anu udN " IiAhC
myself as comfortable as possible at
the village hotel.
stood looking out of the window
into the snowy street, wondering
whether such a black looking place
afforded any facilities for pastime or
amusement. On the opposite side Of
the way my eye caught the name of
John Smith Oh a sign over the door of
small grocery. smiled when l saw
the familiar name. One finds it every
where. 1t belts the continent.
THAT must be Smith," said to my
self, as man came to the door of the
store and looked out. Having nothing
else to do, took good look at him.
He was little old man, gray headed
and weazenfaced. Something in his
appearance aroused sudden interest
Who're had seen him !?
Finally 1t all flashed upon me in a
moment. Twenty years before l had
known this John Smith in one OF the
South Atlantic States. His name at
that time WAS Edward Strong, and he
was well-to-do country merchant,
with wife and child. The Strong fa-
mily seemed to be a happy one, and if
| there was = skeleton concealed about
the house the outside world did not
know it. One night Strong did not re-
turn home. His absence was SO remar-
kable that his wife sat mp until morL-
ing waiting for him. Still the missing
man did not appear. At last a party
of men started out to search for him.
On the river Lank, not far from his
house, they found Strong's hat and
cane. The footprints leading to the
water indicated that a struggle had oc
cured, or that Strong had aimlessly
walked round and round before throw
ing himself into the river. Every ef-
fort was made to recover the body, and
Q reward was offered, but without re-
suit. Nothing was ever heard Of the
missing merchant, AID after hoping
against hope year after year, Mrs.
Strong gave up in despair. A nervous
fever carried her off, and in a few
weeks she was followed by her child
And now, after twenty years, Ed.
ward Strong stood before me masquer.
sding as John Smith. 1t was impossi.
Bile to be mistaken. The face, the f.
CURE, and certain tricks of gesturs
made mo absolutely certain.
"Mr. Strong" l said, walking up t.
him, shave you forgotten me ?,
"You have made 4 mistake" he re.
piled calmly. my name is Johr
Smith, and do not think that evel
saw you before"
edward Strong" l broke out, 81
! sm ready to swear to your face, your
manner, and your voice. knew yor
for years in Boomburg. When you
disappeared shared the grief Of YOU
wife and child, comforting them AZ
we'll as could. In those days l was
your friend and if you can make ali,
reasonable explanations of your con
duct will stand by you again."
I A puzzled, panied look came over the
mans face. He appeared to struggle
with some inward emotior, and then
meeting my fixed gaze, he said:
"You are evidently sincere in what
you say, sir, but have never borne
the name Of Strong. know nothing
OF BoomburS. The. people here will
tell you Who ann
was silenced tor time. The
mans sublime assurance checked me
"May tell you what became O
your wife and child p asked.
"My dear sir" was the response, so
course this annoys me, but as yo,
seem to take the matter SO much t.
heart, you may tell your little story
Come aud sit down by the stove.'
There were no customers in the store
and although l was choking witt
wrath, proceeded to make the mos
of the invitation. As impressively a
/; 1 could, told my listener all abOu