The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-01-04
MISTAKEN IDENTITY.
Tho Serious Trouble q Bridegroom
Double Caused Him.

just ahead of me in smoking ca,
on the Cincinnati Southern sat young
man about twcnty-six years OF are,
with brown, curly hair, shoulders
slightly stopped, wearing IL light over.
coat and Il dark felt hat.
was young man about tvcn.v-six
years old, with brown, curly hair,
shoulders slightly stopped, wearing a
night "vcrcoat and Il dark felt hat
noted with some interest these sew
erai points of coincidence, and finally,
III orde' to get Il square look at the
strangers face, passed him in going
1or Il drink of water a twin brother
could not have rcscmblcd me more
closely IN feature and expression. The
likeness was wonderful.
lie looked up suddenly and nv own
astonishmcnt was reflected in his face.
My double" he explained, pleas
antiy, even to the hat and coat. You
almost frightened me. am John
Lloyd Evans, of Boston"
And |, rs we shook hands, "am
Parker NJ. Leonard, of New Orleans"
so, he laughed, 'if only our names
got mixed there would be tangle, eh?"
lie had handed me his card, and this,
after glanciug at it, put in my pocket.
The name was printed in old English
type on thick bcvcl and gilt-edged
white cardboard
We soop became quite confidential.
He told me that he was a stock broker
and man of leisure. l told him that /
was senior boolkllecper for a New Or
leans cotton firm, that had fallen in
young lady and was to marry her next
day.
ITS pleasant to hear You talk about
it," he said, thoughtfully; ~ wish
YOU all happiness"
He was silent for few seconds, busy
with his thoughts. Then he asked, alb
ruptly:
Don't You stay over in Cincinnati
until morning?"
Yes, leaving al nine and reaching
there at eleven"
81 never liked Cincin matt" he re-
joined, but your dreams there to-
night will be pleasant enough"
Yes" I said; ''but don't you go on to
Cincinnati with mc?'
no; my ticket is for Cincinnati, but
/ won't go that far. Leonard-or Mr..
Leonard-will you humor a fancy of
minc?'
''In reason" I asscntcd, readily.
What is it?"
Register tonight under my name.
Call yourself John Lloyd Evans, of
Boston, and let me register as Parker
VI. Leonard"
thought nc must be joking, but his
face was quite serious. 1t seemed a
silly request, but after some little hest
tation consented. Five minutes later
l left him to return to the rear car in
which had left my valise and parcels.
NO" he had replied to my invita-.
ton, 81 won't 60 back now. must
enjoy another cigar or two here How.
ever, will sec You again presently"
lie didn't, though. Just before the
train reached Cincinnati l went for
ward to look for him, but my double
had disappeared.
In Cincinnati l registered according
to promise rs John Lloyd Evans, of Bos-
ton. For an hour or two l lounged
about the hotel, meeting no one with
whom was acquainted, and was final
~ upon the point of going to my room
and to sleep when l noticed shah
bily-dressed man at the desk staring at
me, Just then another man Joined the
one Mt the counter and both stared at
me. After a seconds conversation
about me, thought--they approached
me together.
Good evening"" said one of them.
I"What is your name, sire"
Leonard" ! answered, thoughtless-
Ply and rather cnrtly.
The shabby man laughed bolster
|ously, nndGing his companions.
That's good" he said; that's
lclcvcr. But isn't yourname John Lloyd
yEvans?"
II am registered by that NAME"
had TO admit
"So-we want you, Mr.. John Lloyd
/ Evans We want yon bad"
Before l could protest l was hand
cuifeds~ They started out with me, ono
on e;tgn side.
Come, come" said the shabby man.
"Iou'rc too old bird to be taking on
like this. Come along quiet"
/ pleaded and threatened, but to no
purpose. A crowd of street arabs were