The weekly Butte record., 1862-04-12
The Highest Prize.


devoting one day TO the wonders and beauty OF
Nahant On that wild and rocky promontory,
projecting far into the blue waters Of the At
lantlc Ocean, and opposing TO their fury an
impregnable barrier, the scene OF the present
story lies. Fear not, reader, that am about
to launch into long-winded description of To-
/ for a tour TO Europe and page in London
magazine. There, indeed. l may fare up with
some most splendid exaggerations, and tell the
wonder-loving John how Nahant Hotel, based
on its throne of ever during rocks, tosses like a
pinace on the surf. whenever old Boreas and
Neptune enact the Tempest" for the amuse-
ment of the Nereids But now, dear reader,
would appear only as the narrator Of simple
fact
In whatever direction you approach Nahant
by water, your attention will be arrested by
the proud emminence of its pretty hotel. The
building is in keeping with the scene abont
When it looms up through an easterly fog, 1t
assumes quite venerable air, and is clad in
tints that might, but for its outline, stamp it as
an antique coeval with its rocky seat. Well,
promised not to attempt description, and So
with a scarf of the pen, behold me an medids
res. Blythe by, is not the style of the last
sentence very pure, according 10 the last au-
thorities 2
On the morning in July, IS, group of
gentlemen were attempting to disocate the
limbs of their chairs on the eastery piazza of
the hotel. They were all in those various un-
easy attitudes which distinguish our otium
cum dignitate. all in white jackets, and whis
kered,-made up by the last tailors to the Ia
test mode. They were talking about one of
the qrrirqls
This Mr. Tempeton is strange fellow :"
said Captain Gobble, corrupt officer of an
Independent company i" be never exceeds one
plate of turtle soup, and I've actually known
him TO dine off one dish"
\ good jange of horses" said Mr.. Shuttle,
a member of the Long Island jockey club, he
draves dashng team, ard rides like Cen
taur"
Manners not very distiague8 said Mr.
Ormond Fiizherbert, young scion of nobility.
Manners none at ALL exclaimed two or
three.
" But then be has some money! said a mil
lionaire. The company listened in respectful
silence.
Well, now" said Jack Daw,'' who passed
for wit among all foolish youngsters I'll
wager you havnt heard the story of the ser
want and the brandy and water
No. No The story the story - vocif-
Grated a dozen voices.
You know, SAID the sory-teer, '' that all
we know about this Mr.. Templeton is, that he
is rich vulgar and mysterious. Whence he
comes, nobody can tell Some say he's special
ambassador from the Court of St. James-but
that's all fudge. The man is nobody. The
proof! Draw near, gentlemen keep it a Sc
cret, it, among ourseves-anybody near The
other night'-general curiosity-"a waiter =
murmurs-" entering his room Expectations
on tiptoe-" found suppression of breaths-
" Mr. Horace Templeton sitting on a table,
with his servants beside him, drinking brandy
and wafer, half and half, singing the execrabe
verses of jim Crow -
It was lovely sunset the calm waters of
the ocean glowed Ike molten gold away to the
horizon. Here and there saffron sail flick
cred on its yellow bosom. The much talked
of Mr. Templetou was strolling along a rocky
foot path with a very interesting young man.
Mr.. Templeton was a middle aged forid,
rather vulgar-looking man, with a green coat
buttoned up TO bis chin, white hat, white
pan,eloons, and black CATERS. His companion
was much younger.
"This is the air" exclaimed the latter, q to
restore the bloom to a fading cheek
"Umph! am afraid so" said Mr. Temple
ton"
Afraid so -
"Ay, sir, look at me-I'm in plethora, al
most; nearly dying of too much health. Now.
sir, think there is something vulgar in this
incessant health; it is an insuperable bar to
success with the ladies, to distinction in fash
ionable society. The other day l woke with
a very promising headache, aud hopes Of an in
digestion but the confounded pure sea-breeze
restored me before breakfast. I've tried the
wasting system, but find l thrive on fish and
vinegar. " All, sir if l could only compass
dyspepsia.
Strange man. exclaimed young Clavers,
for that was his name. " So much to be envi
ed and vet unable to enjoy your good fortune" 3"
My good fortune!7
Yes. Had you my sources of disquietude,
vou might well complain. And since I have
avowed that am unfortunate will tell you
all. for believe you to be my friend
Your confidence is not misplaced = said Mr.
Templeton, grasping the hand of the young
man