The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1869-10-16

quet. After dinner the conversation
happened to run on the recent improve
ments in arts and manufaoture--watch
making happening to be mentioned as
oneof the arts which had been wonder.
fully improved, the host desired his val
ct to fetch the beautiful little watch
which he had lately purchased in Paris;
and which was less valuable for its rich
jeweled case, than for the exquisite per-
lection of the mechanism it enshrined.
The trinket passed from hand to hand,
and was greatly admired; then the con-
versation turned on other topics, till
they adjourned to the drawing room to
take coffee.
After sitting there while, the general
suddenly recollected his watch, aud
ringing for his valet. desired him to re-
store it to its proper place. The servant
left the room, but in q few moments
returned, looking somewhat frightened,
for he could not find the watch. Cen
eral Vernon, surprised, went himself 10
search, but with no better success.
Perhaps, sir, one of the gentlemen
NAV have carried it into the drawing
room.n
This suggestion was followed by an
other search, in which the guests Joined,
but without avail.
mWbat | fear" said the general, us
that some one may tread on it by chance
and break it,"
owe will none of US leave the room
until il is foundw exclaimed one of the
guests, with great emphasis.
"That decision" said young man
| hat ninht a hall.
"might quarter US on our host Tor TOO
long time. l propose much more
satisfactory expedient. Let us all De
we'll searched"
This suggestion was received Win
laughter, and the young man presented
\ himself as the first victim, was searched
by the valet, who acted the part OF
custom house officer. The General, who
first opposed this piece of pleasantly.
ended by laughing at it. Captain Dat
ton alone took no share In what was
going on;with lowering brow, he stood
as much apart as possible. At length
his turn came, the other guests had all
displayed the contents of their pockets
and with renewed laughter gathered
around him, declaring that he must be
the guilty one, as he was the last. The
captain, pale and agitated, uttered some
excuses which were quite unheard in the
| uproar.
''Now for it, Johnson" cried one to
| the valet.
The servant advanced; but Dutton,
crossing his arms on his breast, declaar-
ed in an agitated voice, that except by
violence, no one should lay hands on
him. Arawkwcrd silence ensued, which
the general broke by saying Gap
tain Dutton is right; this child's play
| has lasted long enough. claim exemp-
tien for him and for myself"
Dutton, trembling, and unable to
speak, thanked his kind host by CRATE
full look, and took an opportunity OF
withdrawing. General Vernon did not
make the slightest remark on the depar-
ture of his guest, and the rest through
politeness, initiated his reserve, but
mirth was gone, and every face looked
sad and anxious.
Captain Dutton spent some time in
roaming around before he returned
home. 1t was late when he entered the
cottage; and his wife could not repress
some anxiety when she saw his pale and
troubled countenance.
what has happened she cried.
Nothing" he replied, laying q small
package on the table. "You have cost
me very DEAR" he said, addressing it.
In vain did his wife seek an explana-
ton.
''Not now," he said, tomorrow will
tell you all"
Early next morning he went to Cen
eral Vernon's house. Although he walk
ed firmly, his mind was sadly troubled.
How could he go3 In what way should
he be received! The very meeting with
Johnson was to be dreaded.
He knocked; another servant opened
the door and instantly gave him admis-
sion. "This man." he thought, "knows
nothing of what has passed" Will the
General see him. Yes; he is ushered
into his room. Without raising his eyes
he began to speak in q low, hurried
voice. General Vernon, you thought
my conduct strange, last night; and hu-
initiating as its explanation will be, l
feel it due to you and to myselfto make
it,"
His auditor tried to speak, but Dutton
went on: "My misery is at its height;
that is my only excuse. Ny wife and
my children are actually starving"
"My friend" cited the General with
much emotion; hut DattOn went on. 81
cannot describe my feelings yesterday
while sitting at your Luxurious table. l
thought of my poor wife depriviDg her
self of mOrsel of food to give 10 our
poor baby; OF our little pale Annie,
whose poor appetite rejects the coarse
morsels of food which is all that we can
give her; and in an evil hour transfer
red two cakes from my plate to my
pocket, thinking they would tempt my
darling to eat. should have died of
shame had these thing been produced
from my pocket and your guests made
witness of my cruel poverty. Now Gen
eral, you know all and but for fear Of
being suspected Of crime my distress
should never have been known"
"a life of uublemished honor" re-
piled his friend" has placed you above
the reach of suspicious; besides, look
here" and he showed the missing watch.
ut is l, ;" continued he, "who must ask
pardon of you all. In fit of Absence
bad cropped it in my vest pocket, where
IN JOhnSOn's presence, | discovered it
while undressing" a
| II L had ouly Know" murmured
poor DuttOn.
Don't regret what has occurred"
said the General, pressing his hand
kindly. at has been the means of ac-
quainting me with what you should new
er have concealed from an old friend,
who, please God, will find some means
to serve you"
In a few days Captain Dutton received
an other invitation TO dine with the
General. All the former guests were
assembled; aud their host, with ready
tact, took occasion to apologize for his.
strange torgetfulness about the watch
Captain Dutton found paper within
the folds of his napkin. 1t was his NOM
ination To an honorable and lucrative
post, which Insured competence and
comfort for himself and family