Litchfield enquirer., 1837-06-22

tread. His eye glanced with confidence around upon the villagers, s0d rested, be- fore heboUnded forward, upon the face of Annette, as if to catch thercfr0m that spirit of assurance which the occasion called fer. Returning the encouraging glance with which she met his own, with proud smile upon his, he bounded forward.
 'TweDty-one feet and halG Harry Carroll forever, Annette aud Harry.'-- Hands, caps, and handkerchiefs waved over the heads of the spectators, and the eyes of the delighted Annette sparklcd 1 with joy.
 When Harry Carroll moved to his station to strive for the prize, a tall, gentlemanly young man, in a military undress frock coat, who had rode up to the inn. dis mounted, and joined the spectators, unper- ceived, while the contest was going on stepped suddenly forward, and with knows ing eye. measured deliberately the space accomplished by the last leaper. He was stranger in tlse village. His handsome face and easy address attracted the eyes of the village maidens, and his manly and sim Iewy 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 bystauders. remarking the manner in which the eye of the stranger scanned the area. If you can leap beyond Harry Carroll, you'll beat the best man in the colonies.' The truth of this observation was asseuted to by a general murmur.
 Is it for mere amusement vou are pur- suing this pastinae.' inquired the youthful stranger, 'or is there prize for tho win- ner 2
 Annette, the loveliest aud wealthicss of our village maidens, is to be the reward of the vietor,' cried one of the judges. Are the lists open to all2'
 Ali young sir,' replied the father of Annette, with interest, his youthful ardor rising as he surveyed the proportions of the straight limbed young stranger. 'She is the bride of him who out-leaps Harry Carroll. If you will try you are free to do so. But let mo tell you, Harry Carroll has no wife in Virginia. Here's nay daugh- ter, sir, look at her, and make your trial
 The young officer glanced upon the trembling maiden. about to be offered on the altar of her fathers unconquerable mo- nomania, with an admitting eye. Tho poor girl looked at Harry, who stood near with troubled brow and angry eye, aud then cast upon the now competitor an im- ploring glance. Placing his coat in tho hands of ono of the judges, he drew a sash he wore beneath it frightened around his waist, and taking the appointed stand, made, apparently without effort, the bound that was to de- eide the happiness or misery of Henry and Annette. sTwenty.two feet and one inch, shout ed the judge. The announcement was re- peated with surprise by tho spectators. who crowded around the victor. filling the air with congratulations, not unmingled, how- ever, with loud murmurs from those who were more nearly interested in the hsppi- ness of the lovers. @-r =
 The old man approached, and grasping his hand exultingly, called him his son, and said he felt proudsr of him than # he was prince. Physical activity and strength were the old leaper's true patents of nobil- ity. 4
 Resuming his coat, the victor sought with his eye the fair prize he had, although nameless and unknown, so fairly won..- She leaned upon her fathers arm, pale aud distressed.
 Her lover stood sloof. gloomy and nor tifed, admiring the superiority ofthe stran- ger in an exercise in which ho prided hin,- self as unrivalled, while he hated him for his success. Annette, my pretty prizo,' said the victor, taking her passive hand, ! have won you fairly Annette's check became paler than marble; she trembled like an aspen leaf, and clung closer to her father, while the dropping eye sought the form Of her lover. His brow grew dark at tlle strangers language. T have won you, my pretty flower, to make you bride !-tremble not 60 vio- lently-I mean not myself, however proud I mi ght be- he added with gaIlantry, to wear so fair a gem next my heart. Per- haps,' and he cast his eyes round inquiriHg- Iy, while the current of life leaped joyfully to her brow, and murmur of surprise ran through the crowd-' perhaps there is some favored youth among the competitors, who has higher claim lo this jewel.'- Young Sir,' he continued. turning to the surprised Henry, 'methinks you were vic- tor in the lists before mel strove not for the maiden, though oue could no. well strive for fairer-but from love for the manly sport in which saw you engaged. You arc the victor, and as such, with the permission of this worthy assembly, receive from my hand the prize you have 80 well and honorably wpn.'