Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-12-03

SoAeA0s CWO years ago, ana naQ CW
horses killed under him, and he wa
just recovering from fever, too. But
Nettie, we can talk of this some othe
time. Now to business On the day {
the match, if ----.-' W
oh, don't say it Tom,' 'interrupte,
Nettie, hiding her face on his arm. 'Yo
know father is inexorable. and if yo1
fail
Fail or not fail, you belong to me dar
ling,' exclaimed the young man, EN-
phatically, and nothing shall separat
US. Wear this ring as a pledge, and, j
the worst is realized, you and must b
among the missing Immediately afte
the festivities. Will you do just as tel
you, Nettie?'
Yes, Tom,' she replied, in low tone
Then we can make arrangements TO
a failure when we meet, for I cam
think it possible that can fall H
spoke hurriedly, for there was not mo
.ment to spare. Duty is Imperative h,
contipued, 'and have scarcely time t,
reach my post, so good.by, Nettie, fol
two weeks
The appointed day dawned bright ant
clear. Promptly the young men assem-
bled, each eager to win SO much beauty
and wealth. The gentry and farmer,
also came to witness the unusual specta
Gle. The old planter, with his friends
took places on the judges platform while
Nettie, at her fathers command, stooC
at little distance, under a group Of
trees, with her old nurse and a few young
friends.
The contest began, and had nearly
closed, when horseman galloped up the
road, and, seeing the crowd, fastened his
horse, and walked over the lawn to in.
quire what was going on.
He was about Is, very tall, and with q
military bearing remarkable in one sc
young. Such dignity of department
would seem, in these days. inconsistent
with such a pastime as jumping, but
then it was a common amusement, like
onr base ball. He stepped up to Tom
and asked, can any one take part? !
should like very much to try my skill.
Certainly believe the old planters
whim included the world at large said
Tom, cuTtly, as he moved off to take his
turn.
The soldier stood near black Tom, who
bad been watching the contest with
much interest, but who now turned hii
attention to the long limbs of the strang.
er, with good deal of concern express
ed on his old black features. L say
massa,' and Tins eyes rolled round In
his anxiety in way quite fearful to be-
hold, dis yer youf, what you was talkin'
to, is Massa Tom, an dey is gagged al
ready-de young missus am him. She
likes him wonderfully. but p'raps you
don no dat Miss Miss Nettie il the prize
what de old massa put up for the biggest
ix,v 10 n f,rl 20 n IL
fardest wild dem long legs. No dispect
meant, massa.'
The reply to Tins discourse was lost
In shout from the crowd for the peo-
ple's favOrite-young Captain Tom Len
ard-had outstripped all of his competi-
tors. But, to the surprise of many, this
military stranger claimed a turn, and
the old -Tradition-bears q
fabulous record of his success across this
chasm of one hundred and twenty wears.
A moment of silent astonishment sue
ceeded, and then rose few shouts of ad-
miratiOn, a feeling all would have shar.
ed but fof foftheirsympathy with Annette.
Trembling like leaf, she leaned sadly
on Toms arm, while lie whispered hur-
ried directions for their flight, and was
leading her reluctant steps towards the
ivy covered tower, that had been arrang-
ed near the platform for her and her sue
cessful knight.
The old planter stepped from his slight
elevation, and placing his daugh ter g
hand in that of the victor, said, as my
word is never broken
Excuse me, sir broke in the soldier,
holding the hand of the blushing girl,
but you must allow me to interrupt YOU
one moment. l took part in this con-
test fer the simple pleasure of trying my
powers with others, and not as rival.
l confess this solitaire jewel is rare
prize, wonderfully rare, for a father to
surrender on such an occasion. and much
as might regret it under other circum-
stances my engagements render it i'm
possible for me to accept the honor you
seem willing to confer. I, therefore, re-
linquish my right in favor of him who
came next to me in the list and, turn
ing, he placed the hand he held in that
of the surprised and happy Tom; add
ing. in lower tone, besides, the hand
and heart should never be divorced
Look here, young officer abrupt :
interrupted the planter, I should be glad
to know your name, and have you re-
main with u.s.
'Thank you, SIR was the reply. but
have already fingered here too long
We are making military preparations to
stop these Indian depredations and you
can judge it is no time for an officer to
be long absent from his post. am sor-
ry to be forced TO bid you SO hurriedly a
fareweIi.'
He shook hands with the young cou-
pie and congratulated them upon the
happy termination of the contest, and
waving an adieu to the Fest, mounted
his horse snd was spon 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
wealth and happiness turned into a para.
disc. The French war was soon closed.
but a greater one began when the colo
MES threw off the CALLING yoke of Eng
land. From this struggle rose the name
of George Washington, ,fCommanden- in.
Chief of the American armies, until il
not only filled all Europe, but rose high,
er still to be the first in the hearts of hi;
countrymen.'
After liberty was gained for 5000, ,0OC
people, Washington sought the retire
ment of home. On Christmas eve, 1884
he once more reached Mt Vernon, aftel
an absence of eight years and a half
during which time he had stopped ther,
only twice-on his YaY ta Yorktowf
4.he September following his return b,
began an equestrian tour beyond the Al
leghanies, where he held some property
and, going near tine plantation where
stwenty-six years before, he had par
ticipated in jumping match he called
Two young girls were sitting on tn
piazza, and roae to meet him as be as
oended the steps. DO Captain and Mrs
Lenard still reside here p he asked.
Yes, SIR answered the younger. 8
will call mammal while the elder
pointing to an easy chair of willow, said
won't you take seat, sir; it is eoole
out here ths.n inside. blushing all th
while under his scrutinizing gage just a
her mother had done years before.
| is your name Nettie p he asked.
| Yes, SIR
Named for your mother, suppose.
| The astonishad girl had no tina to IL
ply for the II T ss y kests HsS s Gss
way and the stranger rose to greet thaH
win you take in an Did Eiend az
Wayfarer to dine with YOU to- day, It i