Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1878-11-08

much interest, but who now turned his
attention to the long limbs of the
stranger with a good deal of concern
expressed on his old black features. "
say, massa, and Tins eyes rolled round
in his anxiety in a way quite fearful to
behold, "dis yer youf, what you was
talkin' to, is Massa Tom, an dey is
gagged already-de young missus and
him. She likes him wonderful, but
p'raps you donno dat our Miss Nettie is
de prize, what de old man put up for
the biggest jumper. rs awful 'fraid
you'll jump de fardest wild dem long
legs. No dispeet meant, massa."
The Teply to Tins discourse was lost
In shout from the crowd, for the peo.
pies favorite-young Capt. Tom Lenard
had outstripped all of his competitors.
But, to the surprise of many, this mill.
tary stranger claimed turn, and the old
hronicler-tradition- q fabulous
record of his success across this chasm
of 100 years.
A moment of silent astonishment sue.
ceeded, and then rose few shouts of
admiration, a feeling all would have
shared but for their sympathy with
Annette. Trembling like leaf, she
leaned sadly on Toms arm, while he
whispered hurried directions for their
fight, and was leading her reluctant
steps toward the ivy covered tower, that
had been arranged near the platform for
her and her successful knight.
The old planter stepped from his
slight elevation, and, putting 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
dier, holding the hand of the blushing
| girl, "but you must allow me to inter-
rupt you one moment. 1 took part in
this contest for the simple pleasure of
trying my powers with others, and not
as rival. 1 confess this solitaire jewel
is rare prize, wonderfully rare, for a
fathers heart to surrender to SUCH an
occasion, and, much as l might regret it
under other circumstances, my engage
ments render it impossible for me to
accept the honor you seem willing to
confer. 1, 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 lower tone,
-" besides, the hand and heart should
never be divorced"
"Look here, young officer" abruptly
interrupted the planter, 81 should be
glad to know your name and have you
remain with us.
"Thank you, sir" was the reply,
"but have already fingered here too
long. We are making military prepara-
tinns tn stnr thnso Ina;",' aarroaations
and you can judge it is no time for an
officer to be long absent from his post.
am sorry to be forced to bid you 30
hurried a farewell"
He shook hands with the young
couple and congratulated them upon
the happy termination of the contest,
and, waving an adieu to the rest,
mounted his horse and was soon out OF
sight. The old planter did notlong sur
vive, and never saw his young visitor
again.
Tom and Nettie married and settled
down in the old homestead, which
wealth and happiness turned into par.
adise. The French war was soon closed,
but a greater one began when the colo
MES threw off the yoke of England.
From this struggle rose the fame OF
George Washington, ,commander-in chief
OF the American armies, until it not
only filled all Europe, but rose higher
still to be "frst in the hearts of his
countrymen.
After liberty was gained for 5000, ,06O
people Washington sought the retire
ment of home. On Christmas eve, 1888,
he once more reached Mount Vernon,
after an absence of eight years and 9
half, during which time he had stopped
there only twice-on his way to York.
town and back.
The September following his return
he began an equestrian tour beyond the
Alleghanies, where he held some pro-
perty, and, going near the plantation
where twenty.six years before he haG
participated in a jumping match, he
called.
Two young girls we're sitting on the
piazza, and rose to meet him as he as
cended the steps. "Do Captain an6
Mrs. Lenard still reside here ?" ht
asked
"Yes, SIR" answered the younger
81 will call mama )" while the elder
pointing to an easy chair of willow, said
"Won't you take seat, sir =; it il
cooler out here that inside;" blushing al
the while under his scrutinizing gazt
just as her mother had done years be
fore.
"Js your name Nettie ?" he asked.
eyes, SIR"
"Named for your mother, suppose p
The astonished girl had no time to re
ply, for the Tom and Nettie of Older
time appeared through the arched door
3 way aud the stranger rose to greet them
/ Will you take in an old friend an,
3 wayfarer to dine with you to-day2 It i
A pleasanter being with friends than at al
: inn."
"With pleasure, they replied, il
the old Southern style of true hos
pitality. He noticed, however, thei
look of perplexity, and said: 81 viii
T. not tax your memory too far, for twenty
b six years bring heavy changes, still 70,
] can't forget our last meeting. Do yo,
i remember young colonel, captain
s whose presumption enabled him to out
i strip you in a jumping match years age
+ and who yielded his right to the priz
a you so much coveted ?"
a Indeed I do" exclaimed Capt. Len
ard, springing up and grasping hi
y hand once more. 81 knew 1 had see
p you somewhere, general"-a name Tor
d had unwittingly given him from th
% first" but | could not recall the occs
sion. We are indeed glad to see you
|, and give you warm welcome to ou
e table,"
D. They sat on the piazza after dinner
l. the same old western piazza, with il
D. climbing roses, where Nettie stood
g. her youthful grief just twenty-six yenl