Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-02-26

the occasion called Returning the cncourap-
| ing glance with which she met his own. with n
proud smile upon his lip. he leapt forward
"Twenty-one feet and half" shouted the
multitude, repeating the announcement of one
of the judges, twenty-one feet and half! Hen
ry Carroll forever Annette and Harry!
Hands, caps, and handkcrchicfs. waved over
the heads of the spectators, and the ewes of the
delighted Annette sparkling with low
When Henry Carroll moved to his station TO
strive for the prize, tall gentlcmanlv man. in
a military undrcss frock-coat, who had rode up
to the inn, dismounted and Joined the spectators.
unperceived while the contest was going on.
stepped suddenly forward, and with keen eve
measured deliberately the space accomplished
by the last leaper. lie was a stranger in the
village. His handsome face and easy undress
attracted the eyes of the village maidens. and
his manly and siWwy frame, in which symme-
try and strength were happily united. called
forth the admiration Of the young men.
"May be, Sir stranger. YOU think Won can
beat that" said one of the bvstanders. remark
ing the manner in which the stranger scanned
the arena, off you can leap beyond Henry Car
roll you'll beat the best man in the Colonies"
The truth Of this observation was assented to
by general murmur.
"ls it for mere amusement YOU are pursuinp
this pastime, inquired the youthful str'nger or
is there prize for the winncrP"
Annette, the loyeest and wealthiest q our
village maidens, is the reward of the victor"
said one of the judges.
"ls the list open to all ?'
"All. young sir" replied the father of An
nette with interest, his youthful ardor rising as
he surveyed the proportions of the straight
lmbed stranger. "She is the bride of him who
outleaps Henry Carroll. If you will try YOU
are free to do so. But let me tell you Henry
Carroll has no equal in Virginia. Here is my
daughter, sir, look at her and make your trial.
The officer glanced at the trembling maiden
about to be offered on the altar of her fathers
monomania. with an admirng eye. The poor
girl looked at Harry, who stood by with trou-
bled brow and lmplorng glance.
Placing his coat in the hands of one of the
Judges ne drew sash ne wore beneath il tight
er round his waist, and taking the appointed
stand, made without effort the bound that was
to decide the happiness or misery of Henry and
Annette
twenty-five feet and an inch" shouted the
Judge.
lhe shout was repeated with surprise by the
/ spectators, who crowded around the VICTOR fill
ing the air with loud murmurs from those who
were more nearly Interested in the happiness Of
the two lovers.
Inc old man approached, and grasping his
mana eAultlngly called HIM son, and said he felt
/ proudcr oi him than II he were prince. Phys
zeal activity and strength were the old leapers
true patents Of nobility.
ReNuming his coat, the victor sought with his
/ eye the prize, although nameless and unknown,
SO larry won. She leaned upon her fathers
arm, pale and distressed.
licr lover stood aloof and mortified, admir-
ing the superiority of the stranger in an exer-
3 N ha Iab nlf ila1
while he hated him for his success.
Annette, my pretty prize said the victor,
taking her passive little hand, 81 have won you
LARRY.
Annettes check became paler thar marble;
epf5nei Adti1i. 0iirs Sie2pl leaj ,i?il cbv1gGgAst
the form of her love-. His brow grew dark at
the strangers language.
Il have won YOU, nv pretty flower. to make
you a bride. Trembe not so violently; mean
not myself to wear so fair a gem next TO my
heart Perhaps" and he cast his eve inquir-
ingly, while the current of life lcaped ioyiully
to her brow, and a murmur of surprise ran
through the crowd, "perhaps there is some ia
vored youth among these who have a higher
claim to the Jewell You sir" he continued.
turning to the surprised Henry, 81 think YOU
were the victor on the list before me. strove
not for the maiden, though one could not well
strive for fairer, but from love of the manly
sport in which saw you engaged You are
the victor, and as such with the permission of
the large and worthy assembly, you receive
from my hand the prize that you have so well
and nobly won."
The youth sprang forward and grasped his
hand with gratitude, and the next moment An
nettc was weeping for ioy upon his shoulder
The welkin rang with the acclamations of the
delighted villagers, and amid the temporary ex-
element produced by the act. the stranger with
drew from the crowd. mounted his horse, and
spurred him at a brisk trot through the village.
That night Henry and Annette were married.
and the health of the mysterious and noble
hearted stranger was drank in overfowing
bumpers of rustic beverage
In process of time was born unto the mar
ricd pair sons and daughters, and Henry Car
roll had become Colonel Henry Carroll OF Rev
olutionary fame.
One evening, having Just returned home after
hard campaign, as hewas seated with his fam
lily on the gallery of his handsome country
house, an advance courier rode up, and announc-
ed the approach of Gen. Washington and
suite informing him that he should crave his
hospitality for the night The necessary drec-
tions were given in reference to the household