The weekly Butte record., 1864-01-16

who was engaged that night to ball,
might quarter Us on our host for sn in
definite time. | propose much more
speedy ana satisfactory expedient-let
US all be searched"
This suggestion was received with
merriment and acclamationS, and the
young man presented himself as the
FIRST victim, was searched by the valet,
who for the nonce, acted 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 ofpockets pro-
duced 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, which we're IN
heard amid the unrOar.
~Now for it, Johnson !" said one the
valet.
johnson, we're watching you !" said
another; produce the culprit.n
The servan. advanced; but 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 silece ensued, which the
general broke by saying:
Captain Dutton is right; thi- cllild's
play has gone on long enough. claim
exemption for him and for myself
Dutton, trembling and unable to
speak, thanked his kind host with a
grateful look, and then took an carly
opportunity of withdrawing.
General Vernon did not make the
slightest remark on his departure, and
the remaining guests through politencss
initiated his reserve; but the mirth of
the evening was gone, every face looked
anxious, and the host himself looked
grave and thoughtful.
Captain Dutton spent some time in
wandering restlessly on the sands be-
fore he returned 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,
throwing himself on chair, and laying
small packet on the table. ''You
have cost me very DEAR" said he, adj
dressing it.
In vain did his wife try to soothe
him, and obtain an explanation.
'Not now, Jane" he said sadly, "to-
morrow we shall see. Tomorrow l will
tell YOU ALL"
Early mex. morning he went to Gen
era. Eernon's house. Although he
walked resolutely, his mind was sadly
troubled. How could he present him
self! In what way would he be re
ceived? How could he speak to the
general without risking the reception of
some look or word that he could never
pardon! The very meeting with John
son was to be dreaded.
He knocked; another servant opened
the door, and instantly gave him admls-
sion. .'This servant, at all events"
thought he, ''knows nothing of what has
passed" VIII the general receive
him? Yes, he is ushered into his dies
sing room. Without daring to raise
his eyes, the poor, distressed man began
to speak in low, hurried voice:
General Vernon you thought my
conduct strange last night, and painful
and most humiliating as its explanation
will be, | feel it due to you and myself
to make it
His Auditor tried to speak, but Dut-
ton went on, without needing the inter
ruption.
"My misery is at its hight, that IS
my only excuse. My wife and our four