Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1851-08-09

suddenly recolected his watch, and ring
ing for his valet, desired him to take it
from the dining room table, where it had
been left, and restore il to its proper place.
In few moments the servant returned,
looking somewhat frightened he could
not find the watch. General Vernon, sur
prised, went himself to search, but was not
more fortunate.
"Perhaps, sir, you or one of the compa-
ny may have carried it by mistake into the
drawing room 2"
81 think not, but we will try"
Another search, in which all the guests
joined, but without avail.
"What fear" said the general, "is that
some one by chance may tread upon and
break it,"
General Vernon was widower, and
this costly trnket was intended as a pre-
sent to his only child, daughter, who had
la,ey married a wealthy baronet.
awe will none of us leave this room
until it is found :" exclaimed one OF the
gentlemen with ominous emphasis.
"1hat decision," said young man, who
was engaged that night TO a ball, "might
quarter us on our host for an indefinite
time. propose much more speedy and
satisfactory eypedient let us all be search
ed"
This suggestion was received with laugh
ter and acclamations and the young man,
presenting himself as the first victim, was
searched by the valet, who, for the nonce,
enacted the part of custom-house officer
The general, who at first opposed this piece
of practical pleasantly, ended by laughing
at it 1; and each new inspection of pockets
produced fresh bursts OF mirth. Captain
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 agitAed, muttered some excuses, un-
heard amid the uproar.
"Now for it, Johnson" cried one TO the
valet.
Uohnson, we're watching you" said
another; produce the culprit."
The servant advanced but Dutton,
crossing his arms on his breast, declared in
an agitated voice, that, except by violence,
no one should lay hand on him. A very
awkward silence ensued, which the gen.
eral broke by saying
"Captain Dutton is right; this child'S
play has lasted long enough. claim eX-
.motipn for him aud for rnycnlfS
Dutton, trembling and unable TO speak,
thanked his kind host by grateful look,
and then took an early opportunity OF
Withdrawing General Vernon did moi
make the slightest remark on his departure
and the remaining guests, through polite
ness, initiated his reserve; but the mirtt
of the evening was gone, every face looked
anxious, and the host himself seemed grave
and thoughtful.
; Captain Dutton spent some time in wan
dering restleSsly on the sands before he re-
turned home. 1t was late when he enter
, ed the cottage, and his wife could not re-
press an exclamation Of alright when sh,
. saw his pale and troubled countenance.
. "What has happened ?" cried she.
. "Nothng," replied her husband, throw
? ing himself on chair, and laying a Sma!
, packet on the table. "You have cost IN,
very DEAR" he said, addressing it. In vail
e did his wife try TO soothe him, and obtaiI
$ an explanation. "Not now, Ianep h.
: said 'ro-morrow We shall see-to-morrov
S | will tell you ALL"
A Early next morning he went to Genera
= Vernon's house. Although he walked res
: outely, his mind was sadly troubled. Hon
= could he present himSelf' In what wa
n would he be received : How could
II speak TO the general without rskng th
O reception of some look or word which h
l. could never pardon' The very meetin
= with Johnson was to be dreaded
K He knocked; another servant ohenc
e the door, and instantly gave him adm
sion. "ThiS man, at all events" h
! thought, "knowS nothing of what has pas
+! ed.": Will the general receive him! Yes
ot he is ushered into his ttessing room.-
Without daring to raise his eyes, the poo
Ut man began 10. speak in low, hurried vuic
n, "General Vernon, ruu thought my col
r. duct strange last night and painful. al
OF humliatng as its explanation will be,
o. feel il due to YOU and to myself to NAL
n it" .,,,,
e. His auditor tried TO speak, but DuttC
I'd went PM without hreding the intrrruPtio
ne "My misery is at its height that is II
III only excuse. My wife and our four lit
n ones are actually, starving. ~ ...., q,
T. "Mv friend !" cried the general wi
emotion. But Dutton proceeded.
at 81 cannot describe mv feelings yesc
~ day while STATED at your. luxurious tab
,c. thought OF my poor Jane, depriving he
ol- self of morsel of bread to give IT to h
Ic baby of my little pale thin Annie, who
to delicate appetite rejects the coarse 70
rts which is all we can give her and in
ire evil hour transferred two pates from 4
in, plate to my pocket, thinRing they wor
mt tempt my little darling TO eat. >. ] shot
be have died OF shame had these things be
lad produced from ny pocket, and your que
M and servant made witness Of my cruel pc
'cb erty. Now, General, you know all o
ef- but for the fear OF being suspected by