Str. Certainly you may, though there’s no doubt you’d soon learn it without inquiring. I am Sheriff Bailey, and I came to levy an execution on your furniture.
Mr. S. And what is that for?
Str. Because it is not paid for. Messrs. Phillips & Hoffman sold you, some time since, a quantity of furniture amounting to two hundred and fifty dollars, which was to be paid for in thirty days. Here is the bill of it. (Passes to Mr. S.) This was three months ago, and though they have repeatedly sent letters calling your attention to it, no notice has been taken of them. Have you anything to say in regard to this matter?
Mr. S. (dryly). I think I have. In the first place, I haven’t bought any furniture for a year. In the second place, I never heard of Messrs. Phillips & Hoffman, and therefore, of course, never bought anything from them (sighing). The fact is, sir, you’ve got hold of the wrong John Smith.
Str. You can’t come that dodge on me. The John Smith that I was looking for lived in Taylor’s Block, and as this is the place, you must be the man I am seeking.
Mr. S. (indignantly). Do you doubt my word, sir? Let me inform you that there are two other John Smiths living in this block, as I know to my sorrow. Besides, if you’ll take the trouble to look at the furniture, you’ll see that it has been used a much longer time. I notice by the bill (glancing at it) that it was a suite of parlor furniture that was bought, and this is the only furniture of that description which we possess.
Str. (looking around him). This is not a new style of furniture, certainly. It is possible that I may be mistaken in the person. If so, I beg your pardon. I will make inquiries before proceeding further in this matter.
Mr. S. (with an injured air). You need make no apologies, sir. I’m getting used to this sort of thing.
(Exit Sheriff, L., and enter Bridget, R.)
B. It was to number seven that the fowls went, sir.