Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1850-05-10

capabilities and lost. Many refused toen
ter the lists altogether. Others made the
trial, and only one of the leapers had yet
cleared twenty feet.
"Now," cried the villagers, '4et's see
Henry Carroll. He ought to beat this"
and every one appeared, as they called to
mind the mutual love of the last competi-
tor and the sweet Annette, as if they hear
tily wished his success.
Henry stepped to his post with firm
tread. His eye glanced with confidence
around upon the villagers and rested, be-
fore he bounded forward, upon the face of
Annette, as if to catch therefiom that spir-
it and assurance which the occasion called
for. Returning the encouraging glance with
which she met his own, with proud smile
upon his lip he bounded forward.
Twenty -one feet and a halfp Shouted
the multitude repeating the announcement
Of one cf the judges, "twenty feet and
half. Harry Carroll fcrever Annette
and Harry" Hands, caps and handker
chiefs waved over the heads Of the spec
tators, and the eyes of the delighted An
nette sparkled with Joy.
When Henry Carroll moved to his sta
ton TO strive for the prize, tall, gentle
manly young man, in a military undress
frock coat, who had rode up to the inn,
dismounted and joined the spectators, un-
perceived, while the contest was going on,
stepped suddenly forward, and with
knowing eye measured deliberately the
space accomplished by the last leaper-
He was stranger in the village. His
handsome face and easy address attracted
the eyes of the village maidens and his
manly and sinewy frame, in which sym
metry 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 tie bystapders
remarking the manner in which the
stranger scanned the arena. IF you can
leap beyond Harry Carol, you'll beat
The best man in the colonies The truth
of this observation was assented to by a
general murmur.
is it for mere amusement you are
Pursuing this youthful pastime?' inquired
the youthful stranger, COR is there
prize for the winner?'
Annette, the loveliest and wealthiest
of our village maidens, is to be the re-
ward of the VICTOR cried one of the
Judges.
All, young srp replied the father of
Annette, with interest, his youthful ar
dor rising as he surveyed the proportions
of the straight limbed young stranger.
She is the bride of him who outleaps
Henry Carroll IL you will Try you are
free to do so. But let me tell you, far
ry Carroll has no wife in Virginia. Here
is my daughter, sir, look at her and
make your trial. The officer glanced
upon the trembling maiden about to be
offered on the altar of her fathers un-
conquerable monoml mia with an admiring
eye. The poor girl looked at Harry,
who stood near with troubled brow and
angry eye, and then cast upon the COM
petitor an imploring glance
Placing his coat in the hands of one
Of the Judges, he drew sash he wore
beneath it tighter around his waist, and
taking the appointed stand, rlade, appa-
rently without effort, the bound that
was to decide the happiness or misery of
Harry and Annette.
Twenty-Five feet and an inchp shouted
the Judge. The announcement was re-
peated with surprise by one of the spec
tators, who crowded around the victor,
filing the air with congratulations, not
unmingled, however, with loud murmurs
from those who are more nearly in teres-
ted in the happiness of the lovers.
The old manapproached. and grasping
his hand exultingly, called him his son,
and said he felt prouder of him than ii he
were prince, Physical activity and
strength were inc old ieaper's true pat
en.s of nobility.
Resuming his coat, the victor sought
with his eye the fair prize he mad, al
though nsmeless and unknown, so fairly
Won. She leaned upon her fathers arm,
pale and distressed.
Her loeor stood aloof, gloomy and NOR
tilted. admiring the superiority OF the
stranger in ar exercise in which he pridcd
himself as unriyalled, while he hated
him for his success.
Annette, my pretty prize said the
victor, taking her passive hand, 4 have
won you fairly Annette's cheek be-
30 49,, x1n1o.. 3ho,a x,,a~bJa. al,o t,oo.IIoJ