Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1851-07-03
THE DAILY SPY.
From Chambers Edinburgh Journal.
The Jewelled Watch.
IcoNcLUDED.1

[CoNCLUDED.1
At first, Dutton was going to refuse; but on sec
ond thoughts, accepted the invitations not having in
deed, any good reason for declining it. Having
taken leave of the General therefore, he proceeded
towards home and announced their rencontre to his
wife. She, poor woman, Immediately took out his
we-saved suit, and occupied herself in repairing,
as best she might, the cruel ravages of time; as
well as IN starchlng and ironing an already snowy
shirt to the highest degree of perfection
Next day, in due time, he arrived at Gen. Ver-
mons handsome temporary dwelling, and received
cordial welcome. dozen guests civilians as well
as soldiers, sat down TO splendid banquet After
dinner, the conversation happened to the re-
cent improvements IN arts and manufactures; and
comparisons drawn between the relative talent
for invention displayed by artists of different coun-
tries Matchmaking happened TO be mentioned as
one of the arts which had, during late years, been
wonderfully improved, the host desired his valet TO
fetch most beautiful little watch, perfect chetd'-
9uvrc of workmanship, which he had lately pur-
chased in Paris, and which less valuable for its
richly eweed case, than for the exquisite perfection
of the mechanism it enshrined. The trnket passed
from hand to hand, and was exceedingly admired
by the guests; then the conversation turned on other
topics, and many subjects discussed until they
adjourned TO the drawing room to take coffee.
After sitting there while, the general suddenly
recolectcd his watch, and, ringing for his valet de-
sired him to take it from the dining-room tabl
where it had been left and restore it to its proper
| place. In a few moments the servant returned,
looking somewhat frightened; he could not find the
watch. General Vernon, surprised, went himself to
search, but was not more fortunate.
''Perhaps, sir you Of the company may
have carried ii by mistake into the drawing room!'
81 think not; but we will try.''
Another search, in which all the guests joined,
but without avail.
''What fear,' said the general, 'sis thai some
one by chance may tread upon and break it,
| General Vernon was widower, and this costly
trinket was intended as present to his only child,
a daughter, who had lately married wealthy
| bdronet
"We will none of US leave this room until it is
foundn' exclaimed one of the gentlemen, with
| OMNIBUS emphasis.
''Ihat decison,' said young man, who was en-
gagged that night to ball, ''mght quarter
host for an indefinite time. propose much more
speedy and satisfactory expedient; let us all be
searched.''
This suggestion was received with laughter and
acclamations: and the young man, presenting him
self as the first victim, searched by the valet,
who, for the nonce, enacted the part of custom
I house officer. The general who at first opposed
this piece of practical pleasantly ended by laughing
at 1t; 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 agitated, muttered some excuses, unheard amid
the uproar.
Snow for it, Johnson!'' cried one to the valet
The servant advanced; but Dutton, crossing his
arms on his breast, declared, in an agated voice,
that, except by violence, one.should lay hand
him. A awkward silancn u+bio
the General broke by saying
"Captain Dutton is. right; this child's play has
lasted long enough. claim exemption for him and
for myself.''
Captain Dutton, trembling, and unable to speak,
thanked his kind host by grateful look, and then
took an early opportunity for Withdrawing. Gen
eral Vernon did not make the slightest remark on
his Departure and the remaining guests, through po-
ilteness, initiated his reserve; but the mrth Of the
evening was gone, every face looked anxious, and
the host himself looked grave and thoughtful
Captain Duton spent some time in wandering
restessy on the sands before he returned home. II
was late when he entered the cottage and his wife
could not repress exclamation OF fright when she
saw his pale and troubled countenance.
What has happened?'' cried she
''Nothingp' replied her husband, throwing him
self into chair, and laying small packet on the
table, "You have cost me very dear" he said, ad-
dressing the packet. In vain did ibis wife tryEto
Jane,'' he said; ''to-morrow we shall see. To-
morrow will tell you ALL
Early the next morning. he went to General Ver-
mons house. Although he talked resolutely. his
mind was sadly troubled. How could he present
himself? In what way would he be received,
How could he speak to the General, without rsking
the reception of some look or word which he could
never pardon! The very meeting with Johnson
was to be dreaded.
He rang; another servant opened the door, and
instantly gave him admission. "This man, at all
events, knows nothing Of what has happened" he
thought to himself Will the General receive him,
Yes he is ushered into his dressing ROOM With
out daring to raise his eyes, the poor man began to
speak in a low and hurried voice.
sc General Vernon, you thought my conduct
strange last night; and, humiliating as its explana-
ton will be, feel it due to you and to myself to
make it''
His auditor tried to speak, but Dutton went on
without needing the interruption. ssMy misery is at
its height; that is my only excuse. My wife and
our four little ones are actually starvng!"
"My friend!' cried the General with emotion.
But Dutton proceeded.
81 cannot describe my feelings yesterday, while
seated at your luxurious table, l thought Of my
poor Jane, deprviDg herself of morsel Of bread to
give it to her baby; of my little pale thin Annie,
whose delicate appetite rejects the coarse food
which is all that we can give her; and, IN an evil
hour transferred two pates from my plate to my
pocket thinking they would tempt my little darling
to eat. should have died Of shame, had these
things been produced from my pocket, and all your
guests and servant made witnesses Of my cruel pow
erty. Now, General, you know all and, but for
the fear Of being suspected by you Of crime, my
I;.,rass sho,,ld rever ha va heen knovxntSs ~