Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1858-07-09

tried y w hard for the acres and home
Harry also laughed, and swore he only
jumped for the fun of the thing. Harry
was rattlc-brain fellow, but never
thought Of matrimony. He loved to
walk and talk, and laugh and romp with
Annette, but sober marriage never came
into his head. He only jumped for the
fun of thu thing. He would not have
said SO, if he were sure of winning.
Charley Simms. fifteen feet and a
half. Hurra for Charley Charley'll
VIM" cried the crowd, good humoredly.
Charley Simms was the clcyerest fellow
in the world. His moshcr advised 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 re-
fused to enter the list altogether. 9th
ers mado tho trial. and only one of the
leapers had yet cleared twenty feet.
Now" cried the villagers, "let's see
Henry Carroll He ought to beat this"
and every one appeared, as they called
to mind the mutual love Of the last CON-
petitor and the sweet Annette, as if they
heartily wished his success.
Henry stepped to his post with firm
tread. His eye glanced with confidence
around the villagers, and rested on the
face of Annette before he bounded for
ward, as if to catch therefrom that spirit
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.
:" Twonty-one feet and half" shout
ed tho multitude, repeating the an
nounccmept of one of the judges, TWEEN
ty-one feet and half-Harry Carroll
forever; Annette and Harry Hands,
caps, handkerchiefs waved over the
heads of the spectators, and the eyes of
the delighted Annette sparkled with joy.
When Henry Carroll moved to his sta
ton to strive for the prize, tall, gen.
tlemanly young man, in military undrcss
frock-coat, who had rode up to the inn,
dismountcd and joined the spectators, I'M
perceived, while the contest was going
on, stepped suddenly forward, and with
a knowing eye measured deliberately the
space accomplished by the last leaper.
He was stranger in the village. His
handsome face and easy address attract
ed the eyes of the village maidens, and
his manly and sinewy frame, to 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 by-stan-
ders, remarking the manner ill which the
eye of the stranger scanned the arena.
"If you can leap beyond Henry Carroll,
you'll beat the best man in the colonies. i"
The truth Of this observation was assem-
ted to by general murmur.
Z" Is it for mere amusement you are
pursuing this pastime 7" inquired the
youthful stranger, cor is there prize
for the winncr?"
Annette, the lovelicst and wealth.
est Of our village maidens is to be the
reward of the winner" cried one Of the
judges.
Is the list open to all r.
Gan, young sir" replied the father
of Annette, with interest, his youthful
ardor rising as he surveyed tho proper
tons of the STRAIGHTFORWARD stranger,
=" she is the bride of him who out-leaps
Henry Carroll Ifyou will try you arc
free to do SO. But let me tell you, Hen
ry Carroll has no equal in Virginia. -
Here is my daughter, sir, look at her,
and make your trial"
The officer glanced upon the trem-
bling maiden about to be offered on the
altar of her fathers monomanIa with an
adniring eye. The poor girl looked at
Harry, who stood near with a troubled
brow aud an angry eye, and then cast
upon the new competitor an imploring
glance.
Placing his coat in the hands Of ono
Of the judges, he drew a sash he wore
beneath it tighter round his waist. and
taking the appointed stand, made, appa-
rent without effort, the bound that was
to decide tho happiness or misery Of
Henry and Annette"
twenty-five feet and an inch ~
shouted the Judge. The shout was re-
peated with surprise by the spectators,
who crowded around the victor, filing
the air with congratulations, not un-
mingled, however, with loud murmurs
from those who were more nearly inter-
ested in the happiness of the lovers.
The old man approached, and grasp
ing his hand exultingly, calling him his
son, and said he felt prouder of him
than if he were prince. Physical ac-
tiyity and strength we're the old haper's
true patents Of nobility.
Resuming bis coat, the victor sought
with his eye the fair prize lie had, al
though nameless and unknown, SO fair
ly won. She leaned upon her fathers
arm, pale and distressed
Her lover stood aloof, gloomy and
mortified, aGmiring the superiority Of the
stranger in an exercise in which he prid-
ed himself as unriyalled, while he hated
him for his success.
Annette, my pretty prize" said
the victor, taking her passive hand; IL
have won you fairly"
Annette's cheek became paler than
marble; she tremblcd like an aspen ,caf,
md chung closer to her father, while the
eye sought tho form Of her
over. His brow grew dark at the
language.