Middletown transcript., 1878-12-07
Eyes, Tom," she replied, in a low

l
"Then we can make arrangement
for a failure when we meet, for / can
think it possible that I can fail" H
spoke hurriedly, for there was not
moment to spare. "Duty IS impera
tive" he continued, with smile, can,
I have scarcely time to reach my post
SO goodbye, Nettie, for two weeks"
The appointed day dawned brigh
and clear. Promptly the young mel
assembled, each eager to win SO mucl
beauty and wealth. The gentry anc
farmers also came to witness the uu
usual spectacle. The old planter, will
his friends, took places on the judges
platform, while Nettie, at her father:
command, stood at little distance
under group OF trees, with her old
nurse and few young friends.
The contest began, and had nearly
closed, when a horseman galloped up
the road, and seeing the crowd, fast
ened his horse, end walked over the
lawn to inquire what was going on.
He was about twenty-five, very tall,
md with military bearing remarka-
bic in one SO 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 our base ball. He
stepped up to Tom, and asked: "Can
any one take part? 1 should like
very much TO try my skill"
Certainly; I believe the old plant
er's whim included the world at large"
said Tom, curtly, 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 stranger with good deal of
concern expressed on his old blank
features. Il say, massa," and Tins
eyes rolled round in his anxiety in
way quite fearful to behold, "dis yer
gouf, what you was talkin' to, is Massa
Tom, an dey is gagged already-de
7oung missus and him. She likes him
but p'raps you donno dat
'ur Miss Nettie is the prize, what de
I'D man put up for the biggest jumper.
"a awful 'fraid you'll jump de fardest
Rid dem long legs. No dispect meant,
nassa" I"
The reply to Tins discourse was
ost in a shout from the crowd, for the
leOple's fa"orite-young Capt. Tom
-enard-had outstripped all Of his
But, to the surprise of
many, this military stranger claimed
! turn, and the old chronicler-tradi-
a fabulous record of his
uccess across this ehasm Of 12O years.
A moment of silent astonishment
ucceeded, and then rose few shouts
f admiration, a feeling all would have
hared but for their sympathy with
AnUette. Trembling like leaf, she
eaned sadly on Toms arm, while he
,hispered hurried directions for their
light. and was leading her reluctant
5eps toward the ivy covered tower,
hat had been arranged near the plat
,rm for her and her successful knight.
The old planter stepped from his
light elevation, and, putting his
aughter's hand in that of the victor
lid: 'You have won the prize, sir,
nd. as my word is never broken
Excuse me, sir" broke il the SOL
Ter, holding the hand Of the blushing
ri, "but you must allow me to inter-
lpt you a moment. l took part in
is contest for the simple pleasure of
ying my powers with others, and not
rival I confess this solitaire
vel is a rare prize, wonderfully rare,
r fathers heart to surrender to
ch an occasion, ,and, much as I might
gret it under other circumstances,
y engagements render it impossible :
I me to accept the honor you seem /
lling to confer. I, therefore, re-
lquish my right in favor of him who
me next to me in the list" and,
rning, he placed the hand he held
that Of the surprised and happy
'm; adding, in lower tone, "be-
les, the hand and heart should never
divorced"
"Look, here, young officer" arubtly t
terrupted the planter, Il should be 3
i'd to know your name and have a
u remain with us" +
"Ihank you, sir" was the reply, \
ut l have already fingered here too b
ng. We are making military pre- i
rations to stop these Indian depre- n
tons, and you can judge it is no /,
ne for an officer to be long absent n
IN his post. I am sorry to be forced d
bid you so hurried farewell" u
He shook hands with the young Il
lple and congratulated them upon s.
; termination of the contest, and, ii
wing an adieu to the rest, mounted OF
horse and was soon out of sight. 81
e old planter did not long survive, v,
d never saw his young visitor again.
Tom and Nettie married and set
d down in the old homestead, which N