Western courier. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1837-1838, 1837-06-29

WeIc lne StHe YWu WOH OF mans clever
ness, this was no ordinary honor. in
contest likethe present, he had therefore
every advantage over his fellow atAzete.
The arena allotted for this hyrneneal
contest, was level space in front Of the
village inn, and near the centre of
grass platt, reserved in the midst of the
village, denominatcd the green The
verduro was quite worn off at this time by
previous exercises of a similar kind, and a
hard surface of sand more befitting for
the purpose to which it was to be used,
supplied its place.
The father Of the lovely blushing and
withal HAPPY prize (for she we'll knew
who would win) with three patriarchal
villagers were the judges appointed to de-
eide upon the clnims Of the several COM
pettors. The last time Carroll tried his
skill in this exercise, he "cleared," to
use the jumpers phraseology, twenty-one
feet and one inch
The signal was given and by lot the
young men stepped in the arena.
Edward Grayson, seventeen feet cri-
ed one of the judges. The youth had
done his utmost. He was pale intellect
ual student. But what had intellect to
do in such an arena? Without a look
at the maiden he left the groound.
sDick Boulden nineteen feet Dick
with a laugh turned away and replaced
his coat.
Harry Preston nineteen feet and three
inches 'WelI done Harry Preston,
shouted the spectators, you have tried
hard for the acres and homstead.'
Harry also laughed and swore he only
| jumped for the fun of the thing Harry
was rattle Drained fellow, but never
thought Of matrmony. He loved to walk
and talk, and laugh and romp with An
nette, but sober marriage never came into
his head. He only jumped for the fun,
of the thing He would not have said
so if he were sure Of winning.
'Charley Simmons fifteen feet and a
half 'Hurrah for Charley Charley
will win!' cried the crowd good humored-
ly. Charley Simms was the cleverest
fellow in the world. His mother had ad-
vised him to stay at home, and told him
if he ever won wife, she would fall in
love with his good temper rather than his
legs. Charley however made the trial Of
the latter's capabilities and lost. Many
refused to enter the lists altogether
Others made the trial, and only one
of the leapers had yet cleared twenty
feet.
Now cried the villagers, let's see
Harry Carroll. He ought to beat this,
and every one appeared as they called to
mind the mutual love of the last competit-
or and Annette,as if they heartily wished
his success.
Harry stepped to his post with firm
tread. His eye glanced with confidence
around upon the villagers and rested be-
4 fore he bounded forward:
| sTwenty-one feet and half!' shouted
the multitude, repeating the announce
ment of one of the judges, twenty-one feet
and half. Harry Carol forever-An
nette and Harry. Hands, caps and hand
kerchiefs waved over the heads of the
spectators, and the. eyes of the delighted
Annette sparkled with joy.
When Harry Carol moved to his sta
ton to strive for the prize, tall gentle
manly young man in military undress
frock coat, who had rode up 10 the inn,
dismounted and joined the spectators un-
perceived, stepped suddenly forward and
4 with knowing eye measured deliberate
lly the space accomplished by the last
Ieaper. He was stranger i'll the village.
His handsome face and easy address at
tracted the eyes of the village r.aidens,
and his manly and snewy fiame,in which
symmetry and strength were happily IL
I nited, called forth the admiration of the
i young men.
'Mayhap sir stranger, you think you
can beat that said one of the BY stand-'
ers, remarking the manner in which the
eye Of the stranger scanned the ARENA
|sIf YOU can leap beyond Harry Carroll
you'll beat the best man in the colonies. ;
The truth Of this observation was assent
ed to by a general murmur
4 EIs it for mere amusement you are pur-
suing this pastimcF enquired the youth
ful stranger, or is there aprlze Tor the
winner2
Annette, the lovelest and weathiest
of our village maidens is to be the reward
of the victor cried one Of the judges.
Are the lists open to allY
sAll young, sirp replied the father OF
IAnnette, with interest, his youthful ardor
rising as he surveyed the proportions Of
the straight limbed stranger. 'she is
the bride of him who out-leaps Harry
Carroll; if you will try you are free to 40
so. But let me tell you, Harry Carroll
| y n l. L