Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-06-02


Edward Grayson. seventeen foe, ), c,;.
one OF the judges. The youth had don
his utmost, He was pale, intellectual SIN
dent Byt what had intellect to do in sue
an arenaf Without look at the Made
he left tho ground. ''''N
"Dick Boulden. nineteen feet" DicL
WIN lapgh' turned away and replaced BIZ
Harry Preston. nineteen feet and thre
lnches. Well DONE Harry Preston,
shouted the spectators. YOU have tried bor
for the acres and home stead
Harry also laughed, and swore he onl,
jumped for the 'fnn of the thing Henr,
was rA;sssbrained fellow, but neyer thouob
Of inatriinony He loved 10 walk and tslL
and laugh and romp with Annette, but so
Der marriage never came into his head
he only jumped for the fun of the thing
lie would not have said so If he was sur,
Of winning
"Chailey Simms, fifteen fee, and half
Hurrah for Charley Cbarley'l win. y
cried the crowd, good-humorediy. Char
icy Simms was the clevercst fellow in the
world. His mother had advised him to sla .
al home, and had told him if he ever won
a vile. she would fall in love with his good
temper, rather than his legs. Charley how.
ever made the trial Of the latter's canabili.
ties aud lost. Others made The trial and
only one Of the leapers had yet cleared
twenty feet
"Now,' cried the villagers, "lets see
Harry Carroll. He ought to beat this -
and every one appeared, as they called TO
mind the mutual love of the last co,npeti,or
and the sweet Annette, as il they heartily
wished his success.
Henry stepped to his post with firm tread
His eye glarced with confidence around
upon the villagers. and rested, before he
bounded forward upon the face of Annette
as II TO catch thertfrom a spiritof assurance
which the occasion called for. Returning
the encouraging glance with which she
met his own, with proud smile upon his
lip, be bounded forward
"Twenty-one feet and halfr' shouted
The multitude, repeating the announcement
OF one OF the judges fwenty-one feet and
half Harry Carroll forever, Annette and
Harry Hands, caps and handkerchiefs
waved over the heads Of the spectators, and
The eyes Of the delighted Annette sparkled
with joy.
When Harry Carroll moved to his station
10 strive f0s the prize, a tall, eentlemauls
young man. in military undress frock coat.
who had rode up TO the inn, dismounted
ana joined the spectators unperceived, while
he contest was going on; stepped suddenly
orward, and with knowing eye, measur.
I'd deliberately the space accomplished by
he last leaper. He was stranger in The
village. His handsome face and easy aid.
1ress attracted the eyes OF the village maid
sns, and his manly and sinewy frame. in
which symmetry and strength were happily
united, called forth the admiration Of The
young men.
"Maybap, sir stranger, You think YOU can
peat that said one Of the bystanders. re.
marking the manner in which the eve of
he stranger scanned the arena. "lf YOU
AN leap beyond Harry Carroll. you'll beat
he best man in the colonies" The truth
II this observation was assented TO by
ye1|ersl mnrmur.
ri8it Tor mere amusement you are pursu-
ng this pastime," inquired the youthful
stranger. "or is there prize for the win
ler2"
annette, the loveliest and wealihiest Of
'ur village maidens, is to be the reward of
he victor" cried one of the Judges.
"Are the lists open to all?'
"Alll young sill" replied the father of
Annette, with interest, bis youthful ardor ris
ng as he surveyed the proportions of the
tralgbt limb young stranger "She is the
ride OF him who out-leaps Harry Carroll.
( you will try you are free TO do so. But
ct me tell you, Harry Carroll has no wife
n Virginia. Here is my daughter, sir, look
t her, and make your trial.
The young officer Glanced upon the
Maiden about to be offered on the
liar OF her father's unconquerable monom-
MIA, with an admiring eye. The poor girl
ooked at Harry, who stood near with
foubled brow and angry eye and then cast
pom the new competitor an imploring
lance.
Placing his coat in the hands of one of
ne judges, he drew sash he wore beneath
frightened around his waist, and taking the
ppointed stand, made, without effort, the
ound that was to decide the happiness or
lisery OF Henry and Annelte
twenty-five feet and one inch" shouted
le Judge The announcement was repeat
with surprise by the spectators, who
rowded around the victor, filling the air
nth congratulations not unmingled how
yer, with loud murmurs from those who
ere more nearly interested in the happi-
ess of the lovers.
The old man approached, and grasping
IS hand exullingiy, called him his son, and
I'D he felt prouder OF him than il he were
prince. Physical activity and strength
ere the old leaper's true patents of no.