Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-07-09

back on him, the general shook him hearth
ly by the hand, and said-"You'll dine
with me tomorrow, Dutton, and meet few
of your old friends? Come, I'll take no
excuse you must not turn hermit on our
hands"
AT first Dutton was going to refuse, but
on second thoughts accepted the invitation,
not having, indeed, any good reason to Of
fer 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 well-saved suit, and occupied her.
self in repairing, as best she might, the cru
ell ravages of time as we'll as in starching
and ironing an already snowy shirt to the
highest degree of perfection.
Next day, in due time, he arrived at
Gen. Vernon's handsome temporary dwell
ling, and received. "a cordial welcome. A
dozen guests, civilians as we'll as soldiers,
sat down to splendid banquet. After din
ner, the conversation happened to turn on
the recent Improvements in arts and manu-
factures and comparisons were drawn be-
tween the relative talent for invention dis
played by artists of different countries
atchmaking happened to be mentioned
as one of the arts which had during late
wears been wonderfully improved, the host
desires his valet to fetch most beautiful
little watch, perfect chef ID eurre of work
manship, W hich he had lately purchased in
Paris, and which was less valuable for its
richly iewelled case, than for the exquisite
perfection of the mechanism it enshrined.
The trinket passed from hand to hand, and
was greatly admired by the guests, then the
conversation turned on other topics, and
many subjects were discussed, until they adj
iourned to the drawing-rooms to take coffee.
After sitting there while, the general
suddenly recollected his watch, and ringing
for his valet, desired him to take it from
the dining-room table, where it had been
left, and restore it to its proper place. In
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 tortu-
nate.
"Perhaps, sir, you or one of the company
may have carried it by mistake into the
drawing-room p
sI think not but we will try"
Another search, in which all the guests
Joined, but without avail.
"What fear" said the general, sis that
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, daughter who had lately
married wealthy baronet.
eve will none of us leave this room un-
til it is found !" exclaimed one of the gen.
tlemen with ominous emphasis.
"That decision" said young man, who
was engaged that night to a ball. ''might
quarter us on our host for an indefinite
time. | propose a much more speedy and
satisfactory expedient; 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 and each new inspection OF pockets
produced fresh bursts of mirth. Captain
Dutton alone took no share in what was 60
ING on his hand trembled, his brow dark
ened, and he stood as much apart as posi-
BILE. At length his turn came the other
guests had all displayed the contents of their
pockets, so with one accord, and amid re-
newed laughter, they surrounded HIM, eX-
claiming that he must be the guilty one,
as he was the last. The captain pale and
aoitated. muttercd some excuses, unheard
amid the uproar
"Now for it, Johnsonp' cried one to the
valet
"Johnson, we're watching you'll" said an
other; produce the culprit.'
The servant advanced but Dutton cros'
sing 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 general
broke by saying: "Captain Dutton is right;
this child's play has lasted long enough. l
clam exemption for him and for myself
Dutton trembling and unable to speak,
thanked his kind host by grateful look,
and then took an early opportunity OF with
drawing. General Vernon did not make
the slightest remark on his departure, and
the remaining guests, through politeness inn
itated his reserve but the mirth Of the eve
ming was gone, every face looked anxious,
and the host himself seemed grave and
thoughtful.
Captain Dutton spent some time in wan
dering rcstlessly on the sands before he re-
turned home. 1t was late when he entered
the cottage, and his wife could not repress
an exclamation of alright when she saw
his pale and troubled countenance.
"What has happened;' cried she.
"Nothing," replied her husband, throw
ing himself on a chair, and laying small
packet on the table. "You have cost me
very dear" he said, addressing it, In vain
did his wife try to soothe him, and obtain
an explanation. "Not now, Jane, " he said:
:to-morrow we shall see. Tomorrow l will
tell you all.
Early next morning he went to General
Vernon's house. Although he walked res
lutely, his mind was sadly troubled. In
what way would he be received How
could he speak to the general without risk
inc the reception of some look or word
which he could never pardoE' The very
meeting with Johnson was to be dreaded.
He knocked; another servant opened the
door, and instantly gave him admission
"INis man, at all events" he thought,
I'll