Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1878-07-20

The contest began, and had nearly
closed, when q horseman galloped ul
the road, and, seeing the crowd, fasten
ed his horse, and walked over the law
to inquire what was going on.
He was about %, very tall, and with
military bearing remarkable in one SC
young. Such dignity of department
would seem, in these days, inconsistent
with such pastime as jumping, but
then it was a common amusement, like
our baseball. He stepped up to Tom
and asked, 4" 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 10
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. al say,
Massa," and Tins eyes rolled round in
his anxiety in a way quite fearful to be-
hold, +" dis yer youf, what you YVES 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 shout from the crowd, FOR the peo-
pies favorite young Captain Tom Len
outstripped all of his CON-
petitors. But, TO the surprise of many,
this military stranger claimed a turn,
and the old chrOnicler-T Tradition
bears fabulous record of his success
across this chasm of one hundred and
twenty years.
A moment of silent establishment sue
,eeded, and then rose a few shouts of
a feeling all would have
shared, but for their sympathy with
Annette. Trembling like a leaf,
'he leaned sadly on Toms arm,
while he, whispering hurried |
directions for their fight, was leading
Ter reluctant steps towards the ivy
covered tower, that had been arranged
lear the platform, for her and her sue
,essful knight.
The old planter stepped from his
light elevation, and placing his daugh-
er's hand in that of the victor, said,
You have won the prize, sir, and as
ny word is never broken
Excuse me, SIR" broke in the SOL
ier, holding the hand of the blushing
irl, but you must allow me to inter-
upt you one moment l took part in
his contest for the simple pleasure of
rying my powers with others, and not
S rival. l confess this solit are Jewel
rare prize, wonderfully rare, for a
atter's heart to surrender to such an
ccasion, and much as l might regret it,
nder other circumstances, my engage
tents render it impossible for me to
ccept the honor you seem willing to
Dnfer. |, therefore, relinquish my
ght in favor of him who came next
lie in the list,'' and turning, he
laced the hand he held in that of
ne surprised and happy Tom;
iding, in a lower tone, " beside, the U
and and the heart should never be d.
,rced.'' I
/" Look here, young officer" abruptly l
terrupted the planter, 81 should be I
ad to know your name and have you e
main with us" h
IS Thank you, sir,'' was the reply, a
but l have already fingered here too ?
ng. We are making military prepar- h
ions to stop these Indian depredations.
I'd you can judge it is no time for an
ficer to be long absent from his post. !.
am sorry to be forced to bid you SO ,
rried farewell" g
He shook hands with the young cou-
e, and congratulated them upon the .
ppy termination of tie contest, and,
,YlnO an alden To the rcSt ,,,anntod