Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 September 1885 — Minding His Own Business. [ARTICLE]

Minding His Own Business.

Forty-one years ago Jolm Smith was the driver and chief proprietor of a line of coaches running to the White Mountains. Whether this was John Smith the first or one thousandth we cannot tell. It was said that he had but one eye, and that he was keen and on -the' main chance. On liis down trip on a time a Boston gentleman took a seat by sJohn’s side, and, being of an inquisitive turn of mind, he asked numerous questions concerning different mountains and views, till at length John’s patience was exhausted, and, in answer to one question, he tartly answered: “Stranger, if you will attend to your business, I will to mine,” As might be readily imagined, there was a very quiet time after that. After a drive of a few miles John drove up to a country store and postoffice, where the mail bag was thrown off. While the mail was being changed Mr. Smith swapped horses with a man who came for that purpose, and the new horse was “hitched in,” and the driver was so intent on the trade, and so desirous of trying the metal of his new horse, that he started off without taking the mail 'bag; After a drive of some ten miles ; he drew up at another office, and, on reaching for the bag and not finding it, he said: “By thunder, I left the bag at the other office.” “Yes,” 1 said the Boston man, “I observed that you did.” “Why in blazes didn’t you tell me?” “Because you said you would attend to your own business, and I thought I would let you.”— Salem (Mass.) Gazette. ••