Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1855-07-07


Hero is the green sward, and there IS Am
abeI-lhe one that Jumps the larthest on
the dead level shall win the PRICE, Am
abel cIung closely to her father and look
ed upon her array Of lovers with no un-
meaning glance. SulI her eyes rested on
one more lovely than the land that was
Harry Carroll.
A crowd of spectators were present to
witness the feats. The loom and the
quilting frame was deserted, the children
LETT their sports. and the Old men Gorsook
their pipes, and gray-haired, specialized
old danes forgot their spinnlng-wheeIS,
in the excitement of the hour. The av-
enue allotted for the contest was q level
space in front Of the village inn, directly
| in sight Of Amabe's home. Exercises
of a similar kind were then much in
vogue in the Old Dominion, and the glcen
was often used iorsuch spcrls. The faith
er Of Amabc now came forward with his
blusning daughter, attended by those pa
triarchal Judges who were TO determine
By actual measurement the precise length
OF each leap.
The signal was now given, and each
young man in turn took his place in the
arena.
"John Watkins," cries bystander ap-
pointed 10 announce !heir names, John
Watkins, fifteen feet two inches. "f
Watkins retired, somewhat mortified at
| his i'll success.
edward Keyson, eighteen feet one
inch"
The merry shouts of applause here com
menced. Many prophesird Edward had
won the prize; Amabel, however, looked
pale and dissatisfied.
james Haynes, nineteen feet precise
|ly." -,
Huzzas rent the air. Everybody loved
James; everybody but AmabeI.
"Richard Rush, twenty feet two and
onc-haI inches"
Dick replaced his coat very cooIly, as
| if not aware of the shouts which made the
air rcsound with accIamatons Of joy.
"Ienry Peues, nineteen feet" But
he cared not 10 win the prize. AmabeI
stood unmoved. The other young men
refused to leap for the prize and Harvey
Carroll was the last upon the roll. lie
marched into the arena with a firm step.
"Harvey Carroll, twcnty-three feet one
inch," was announced, and he took The
prize
AmabcI rushed into the arms Of her de-
voted lover, to whom Of all others she
gave special preference. Congratulations
were exchanged-''lheh handsomest coup
lie in old Virginia" was passed around
"the best match in the country cries the
muhitudc--when suddenly 4 young man
Of the most prepossessing appearance pre-
scented himself as a candidate for the prize.
lie had just aIighled al the village inn,
and hearing the shouts of victory, came
forward and inquired of AmabcIs father
if the ground was still open for compeII-
ton The old man having IeisureIy sur
vcvcd the strangers features, and then
looking at AmabeI who was resting IN
Harvev's fond embrace, now looked wild
Y and wonderingly on the scene. Har-
vey wore troubled countenance, for he
saw the stranger was athletic and wore
lofty, manly air.
George Washington, lwcny-four feet
cried the man Of measurement. lie had
fairly won the prize, but listen 10 his
words :
My friends, | am a stranger among
YOU, and for mere sport | hayO tried my
skill al jumping. The prize, which adj
judged TO be mine, relinquish TO him
who has prior claim. Lovely though
she be, vet her affections cannot be en-
kindIed by a stranger :" SO saying, he
left the arena, while louder shout than
ever rent the air. The stranger retired 10
the inn, and the next day pursued bis
journey.
Harry Carroll and Amabel were made
one in the village church the next morn
ing. Toasts were drank IN honor of the
stranger who so generously surrendered
his prize, and the newly married pair Of
lered (ervent prayers for his future pros
perily.
In the course of events, many sons and
daughters were born of his happy we'd
lock, and Harry Carroll became dlsun-
guished in revolutionary memory.
One evening, when Harry returned
from a hard days campaign, and was
resting beneath the vine-clad piazza OF MS
beautiful country house, stranger dro7e
up, of commanding appearance, and IN
CURED "if he could be entertained there
for the night ?" Harry had just stepped
into his summer house in search OF ANA
bel, whom he found trimming rose tree
She had now became dignIied and ma
tyonlv: her beauty was of another type
from gIrlhood, still it was none The less