The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1878-07-11
blood boil to think he Ouldsubject you

one else, Tom, and you won't have to
go back e. Carlise, win you?''
"No, thank fortune, not for some
time, we are at Fort Cumberland now,
but in few days viii be sent nearer this
plantation. Colonel Stanwix sent me
down With party of men to help dose
these Indians with gunpowder. They
have comnitted. some fearful ravages
not very far of"
wonder where Colonel w ashington
isl. Why doesn't he stop these cruelties,
if he is as brave as they sayp''' asked
Nettie.
Because Governor Dinwiddie is al
WAYS interfering with him. He has
scarcely more than enough men at his
own headquarters in Winchester to pro-
tect Fort Loudon alone. As TO his brave
nv, It can't be questioned. He received
/ four bullets through his coat at the bat
tie Of Monongahela, two years ago, and
had two horses kiIedunder him; and ne
was just recovering from fever, too.
I But, Nettie, we can talk OF this some
other time. Now to business: Onsthe
day of the match, if" ~
"0h, don't say if, Tom,' interrupted
Nettie, hiding her face on his arm. You
know father is memorable, and If you
failv,. 1870. 80 -
"Fail or not fail, you belong to me,
darling" exclaimed the young man EN-
| phatically. "and nothing shall separate
us. Wear this ringas a pledge, and If
the sarst is realized, you and must be
among the missing Immediately afterthe
festivities. Will yoWdojust as tell you,
! NettieP'' - SS e2t IS
"Yes, Tom," she replied in "a low
tone. ~
"Then we can make arrangements for
failure when we meet, for l can't think
it possible that can fail" He spoke
hurriedly, for there was not moment
to spare. sDutyis imperative, - he said
with smile, "and have scarcely time
to reach TO my post, so goodbye, Metz
tie, for two weeks" fs
The appointed day dawned bright
and clear. Promptly the young men
beauty and wealth. The gentry and
farmers also came to witness the unusu-
al spectacle. The old planter, with his
friends, stook places, on the judges
platform, while Nettie, at her fathers
command, stood at little distance, IN
der a group of trees, with her old nurse
and few young friends.
The contest began, and had nearly
closed, when horseman galloped up
the road, and, seeing the crowd, fasten-
ed his horse, and walked oyer the lawn
to inquire what was going on.
He was about %, very tail, and with
military bearing remarkable in one so
young. Such. dignity of department
would seem, in these days, inconsistent
with such pas6me as jumping, but
then it was common amusement, like
our baseball. He stepped up to Tom
and asked, "Can any one take part?
should like very well to try my skill"
Certainly, believe the old plant
er's within included the world at large"
said Tom CURLY, as he moved off to-
take his turn.
The soldier stood near black Tim.
who had been watching the contest with
much interest, but who now turned his
attention to the long limbs of the strang-
er, with good deal of concern express
ed on his old black features. "I say,
Massa," and Tins eyes rolled round in
his anxiety in way quite fearful to be-
hold, 4" dis yer youf, what you was talk !
in to, is Massa Tom, an deY is gagged |
already-de young missus an him. She |
likes him wonderful, but p'raps you
dunno dat our Miss Nettie is de prize,
what de old massa put up for the big
gest jumper. rs awful 'faid you'll jump |
de fardest wild dem long legs. No dis
pect meant, massa."
The reply to Tins discourse was lost |
in a shout from the crowd, for the peo-
ple's favorite young Captain Tom Len
ard-had outstripped all of his COM
petitors. But, to the surprise of many, |
this military stranger claimed a turn,
and the old hronicler-Tradition-
bears a fabulous record of his success
across this chasm of one hundred and |
twenty years. 81.
A moment of silent establishment sue
ceeded, and then rose a few shouts of !
admiration, a feeling alb would have
shared, but for their sympathy with |
Annette. Trembling like a leaf,
she leaned sadly on Toms arm,
while he, whispering hurried |
directions for their fight, was leading /
her reluctant steps towards the ivy |
covered tower, that had been arranged |
near the platform for her and her sue
eessful knight .
The old planter stepped from his
slight elevation, and placing his daugh-
ter's hand in that of the victor, said,
% You have won the prize, sir, and as
my word is never broken.
Excuse me, sir" broke in the sol
der, holding the hand of the blushing |
girl, "but you must allow me to inter-
rupt you one moment. L took part in
this contest for the simple pleasure Of
trying my powers with others, and not
as rival. l confess this solit are jewel |
is a rare prize, wonderfully rare, for
fathers heart to surrender to such an
occasion, and much as might regret it,
under other circumstances, my engage
ments render it impossible for me to
accept.the honor you seem willing to
confer. l. therefore, relinquish my
right in favor of him who came next
me in the list" and turning, he
placed the hand he held in that of |
the surprised. and happy Tom;
adding, In a lower tone, beside, the
hand and the heart should never be di-
vorced."
"Look here, young officer ~ abruptly
Interrupted the planter, 81 should be
glad to know your name and have you
remain with u.s.
THANK you, SIR" was the reply,
q but I-have, already fingered here toe
long. We-are making military prepar-
atoms to stop these Indian depredations,
and you can judge it is no time for an
officer to be long absent from his post
| am sorry 10 be forced to bid you SO
hurried farewell"
He shook hands with the young cou-
pie, and congratulated them upon the
happy termination OF tie contest, and,
waving an adieui to, the rest, mounted
his horse, and was soon out Of sight
The old planter did.not long survive,
and. never saw his young visitor again.
Tom and Nettie married and settled |
down in the old homestead, which |