Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1837-07-26

never came into his head. He "onIy
jumped for the fun OF the thing" He
would not have said so, if he was sure
of winning.
, "Cearley Simms, fifteen feet and a
hall. +" +" Hurrah for Charley p "Cbar-
ley'll win !" cried the crowd, good hu.
moredly. Charley Simms was the Gle.
Verest fellow in the world. His moth.
err advised him to stay at home, and
told him If he ever won a wife, she
would fall IN love with his good temper
rather than his legs. Charley, howev.
er, made trial Of the latter's capabi-
lities and lost. Many refused to enter
the list altogether. Others made the
trial, and only one Of the leapers had
cleared twenty feet.
Now" cried the villagers, "let's
see Henry Carroll. He ought to beat
this" and every one appeared, as they
called to mind the mutual love of
the last competitor, and the sweet An
nette, as if they heartily wished his
success.
Henry stepped to his post with
firm tread. His eye glanced with con-
idence around upon the villagers, and
rested, before he bounded forward, up.
on the face of Annette, as if TO catch
therelron that spirit and assurance
which the occasion called for. Retur-
the encouraging glance with which she
met his own, with proud smile upon
his lip, he bounded forward.
"Twenty one feet and halfl" shou-
ted the multitude, repeating the an.
nouncement ofone ofthe Judges, Given
ty-oDe feet and half. Harry Carroll
forever-Annette and Harry" Hands,
caps, and handkerchief waved over
the heads Of the spectators, and the
eyes OF the delighted Annette sparkled
with Joy.
When Henry Carroll moved to his
station to strive for the prize, tall,
gentlemanly young man, in military
undress frock coat, who had rode up TO
the inn, dismounted and joined the spec.
tators unperceived, stepped suddenly
forward, and with a knowing eye,
measured, deliberately, the space ac-
complished by the last leaper. He was
a stranger in the village. His hand.
some face, ard easy address, attracted
rthe-eyes of the villsge maldens, and
his manly and sinewy frame, in which
symmetry and strength were happily
united, called forth the admiration OF
the young men.
".Mayhap, Sir, stranger, you think
you can beat that" said one of the by
ISLANDERS, remarking the manner in
which the eye of the stranger scanned
the area. 6" If you can leap beyond
Harry Carroll, you can beat any man
in the colonies" The truth of this OBJ
servation was assented to by a gene
raj murmur.
Is it for mere amusement you are
pursuing this pastime 2" inquired the
youthful stranger, cor is there prize
| for the winner 7"
Annette, the loveliest and wealth.
est Of our village maidens, is TO lie the
reward Of the VICTOR" cried one Of the
judges.
"Are the lists open to all, inquired
the stranger.
"All, young Sir" replied the father
Of Annette, with intense interest, his
youthful ardor rising as he surveyed
the proportions oil the straight limbed
young stranger.
"She is the bride Of him who out
leaps Henry Carroll ifyou will try,
you are free to do so. But let me tell
you, that Harry Carol has no equal
in Virginia. Here is my daughter,
Sir look at her and make your trial. +"
The young officer glanced upon the
trembling maiden, about to be offered
upon the altar Of her fathers uncon-
querable monomania, with an admiring
eye. The poor girl looked at Harry,
who stood near with troubled brow,
and angry eye, and then cast upon the
new competitor an imploring glance.
Placing his coat in the hands of one
of the judges, he drew sash ne wore
beneath it, tighter around his waist
and taking the appointed stand, made,
apparently without effort, the bound
that was to decide the happiness OIL
misery of Harry and Annette.
"Twenty.two feet one inch - shou.
ted the Judge. The announcement was
, repeated with surprise by the specta
tors, who crowded around the victor
, filling the air with congratulations, no
unmingled, however, with loud mur
murs from those who were more near
+, ly interested in the happiness of thu
lovers.
The old man approached, and gras
ping his hand exultingly, called hin
his son, and said he felt prouder Of hin
q than if he were prince. Physical &C
), tivity and strength were the old leaper'