The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1851-12-13

somewhat frightened: he could no
find the watch. Gen Vernon, some
what surprised, went himself to search
but was not more fortunate.
Perhaps, sir, you or one of the com
pany may have carried it by mistake
into the drawing-room." Is
4" i think not, but we will try"
Another search, in which all the
guests joined, but without avail.
"What fear" said the general, ais
that some one by chance may tread
upon and break it,"
Gen. Vernon was widower, and this
costly trinket was intended as present
TO his only child, a daughter, who had
lately been married to a wealthy ba-
ronet.
"We will none of us leave the room
until it is found p exclaimed one of the
gentlemen with ominous emphasis.
"That decision" said young man
who was engaged that night for ball,
"might qaarter US on our host for an in
defnate time. | propose a much more
speedy and satisfactory expedient-let
US all be searched"
This suggestion was received with
laughter and acclamations, and the
young man presenting himself as the
first victim to be searched by the valet,
who for once enacted the part of Gus
tom-house officer. The general, who
at first opposed this piece of practical
pleasantly, ended by laughing at it;
and each new inspection of pockets
produced fresh bursts of mirth. Capt.
Dutton alone took no share in what was
going on; his hand trembled, his brow
darkened, and he stood as much apart
as possible. At length his turn came
the other guests had all displayed the
contents of their pockets. so with one
accord, and amid renewed laughter,
they surrounded him, exclaiming that
he must be the guilty one as he was the
last. The captain, pale and agitated
some excuses, but unheard
amid the uproar.
"Now for it, Johnm cried one to the
valet.
John, we're watching youm cried
another; "produce the culpritn
The servant advanced, but Dutton
crossing his arms on his breast. declar-
ed in an agitated voice that, unless by |
violence, no one should lay hands on
him. A very awkward silence unsued,
which the general broke by saying
(" Capt. Dutton is right this child's |
play has lasted long enough. I claim
exemption for him and myself.n
Dutton, trembling and unable to utter
4 word, thanked his kind host by a
grateful look, and then. suUk an oa.l,-
opportunity OF Withdrawing. The gen.
sral did not make the slightest remark
IN his departure, and the remaining
quests, through politeness, initiated his
eserve; but the mirth of the evening
vas gone, every face looked anxious,
ind the host looked grave and thought
ul. sl..
Capt. Dutton spent some time in wan
lering restlessly on the sands before
lie returned home. 1t was late when
lie returned to his cottage, and his
wife could not repress an exclamation
# alright when she saw his pale and
roubled countenance.
What has happenedw w she exclaim-
ID.
1" Nothing" replied her husband, as
lie threw himself on a chair, and laid
small packet on the table. "You
ave cost me very DEAR" he said, ad-
ressing it.
In vain his wife tried to soothe him,
nd obtain an explanation.
Not now. Jane," he said; "to-mor.
ow we shall see-to-morrow l will tell
ou alp e8s
Early next morning he went to Gen.
vernon's house. Although he walked
esolutely, his mind was sadly troubled.
low could he present himself? In
7hat way would he be receivedf How
ould he speak to the general without
lsking the reception of some word or
,ok which he could never pardon e.
he very meeting with John was to be
readed.
He knoeked-another servant opened
ne door, and instantly gave him ad-
lission. l.
This man, at all events he thought,
knows nothing of what has passed.n
Will the general receive him? Yes,
9 is ushered into his dressing-room.-
Without daring to raise his eyes, the
oor man began to speak in a low, hur- q
ed voice s7 y
"Gen. Vernon, you thought my con-
uct strange last night; and painful :
nd humiliating as its explanation will
2, feel it due to you and to myself
make it.n
His auditor tried to speak, but Dntton
ent on without Interruption e
'sMy misery is at its height-that is RI
y only excuse. My wife and my four a
tile ones are actually staryingw i
:" My friendw exclaimed the general,
ith emotion. But Dutton proceeded
81 cannot describe my feelings yes
rday, while sitting at your luxurious !,
BILE. thought of my poor Jane, de- +
living herself of morseI of bread to
We it to her baby; of my little, pale,
in Annie, whose delicate appetite re-
cts the coarse food which is all we
IN give her, and in an evil hour l F
ansferred two cakes from my plate to :
y pocket, thinking they would tempt
y little darling to eat | should have :
ed of shame had these things been =