Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-03-11

of matrimony. He loved TO walk and
talk with Annette, but sober marriage
never entered his head. He only jump
ed for the fun of the thing. He would
not have said so if he were sure of win
ming.
Charley Simms, fifteen feet anda half.
Hurrah for Charley Charley'll win!
cried the crowd good humoredly. Char
lev was the cleverest fellow in the world.
His mother advised him to stay at home,
and told him if he ever won a 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 refused to enter the
lists altogether. Others made the trial
and only one of the leapers 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 competitor and the sweet Annette,
as if they heartily wished his success.
Henry stepped to his post with firm
tread. His eyes glanced with confidence
around upon the villagers, and rested be-
fore the bound forward upon the face of
Annette. as if to catch therefrom that
spirit and assurance for which the occa-
sion called. Returning the encouraging
glance with which she met his own, with
proud smile upon his lip, he leapt for
ward.
'Twenty-one feet and half!' shouted
the multitude, repeating the announce
n2ent of one of the judges, twenty-one
feet and half! Henry Carroll forever
Annette and Harry
; Hands, caps, and handkerchiefs, wav.
ed over the heads of the spectators, ant
u the eyes of the delighted Annette spark
T led with joy.
When Henry Carroll moved to hi
station to strive for the prize, tall gen
. tlemanly man, in a military undress frocl
y coat, who had rode up to the inn, dis
: mounted and joined the spectators, unper
II ceived while the contest was going or
'' stepped suddenly forward, and with
81 keen eye measured deliberately the spac
( accomplished by the last leaper. II
III was stranger in the village. His hand
P some face and easy undress attracted tn
: eyes of the village maidens, a nd hi
( manly and sinewy frame, in which SYN
ID metry and strength were happily unite'
w. called forth the admiration of the youn
d men.
lis May be, sir stranger, you think yo
can beat that, said one of the bystander
oy remarking the manner in which IL
nd stranger scanned the arena, if you CO
of leap beyond Henry Carroll you'll be
b. the best man in the Colonies.
7ir The truth of this assertion was asser
en- ed to by a general murmur.
rs, Is it for mere amusement you a
nd pursuing this pastime, inquired the stra
he ger, or is there a prize for the one W
led wins?
ar Annette, the loveliest and wealthit
est of our village maidens, is the reward
all the VICTOR said one of the judges.
ex- the list open to all?
tie. All, young sir replied the father
ing Annette, with interest, his youthful arc
try rising as he surveyed the proportions
ere the straight limbed stranger. She
sss, the bride of him who outleaps Her
Carroll. If you will try you are free
lial do so. But let me tell you Henry G
t Of roll has no equal in Virginia. Here
f my daughter, sir, look at her and ma
the your trial
The The officer glanced at the trembI
ace, maiden about to be offered on the altar
ind, her fathers monomania, with an adm
ting ing eye. The poor girl looked at Har
its who stood by with troubled brow /;
imploring glance.
and Placing his coat in the hands of one
Hew the judges, he drew sash he wore
atri- meath it tightly round his waist, and
oint- ing the appointed stand, made without
sew fort the bound that was to decide the b
rroll piness or misery of Henry and Anne
ear Twenty-Five feet and an inch ? sht
ven eu the judge.
The shout was repeated with surp
the by the spectators, who crowded arc
the victor, filing the air with loud u
.ried murs from those who were more ne;
e his interested in the happiness of the two
stu ers.
such The old man approached, and grasI
iden his hand exuItingly called him son,
said he felt prouder of him than il
Dick, were a prince. Physical activity
aced strength were the old leaper's true pat
of nobility.