Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1878-10-19

Nettie, hiding her face on his arm
"You know father is insxorable and il
you fail !" . .......-...- ..-|
Fail or not fail, you belong 10 me
darling" exclaimed the young man,
emphatically, ''and nothing shall sep
arate us. Wear this ring as pledge,
and, if the worst is realized, you and
1 must be among the missing immedi-
ately after the festivities Will you
do just as l tell you, Nettis p
Eyes, 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
a moment to spare. DUTY is impera-
tive" he continued and | have scarce
ly time to reach my post, SO good-by,
Nettie, for two weeks
The appointed day dawned bright
and clear. Promptly the young men
assembled each eager to win so much
beauty and wealth. The gentry and
farmers also came to witness the un-
usual spectacle. The old planter,
with his friends, took places on the
Judges platform while Nettie at her
fathers command, stood at little dis
tance, under a 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, and walked over the
lawn to inquire what was going on.
He was about 25, very tall, and
with military bearing remark
able in one so young. Such dig
nifty of department would seem, in
these days, inconsistent with such
pastime as jumping, but then it was
common amusement, like our base
ball. He stepped up to Tom, and
asked, "can any one take part? l
should like very much to try my
skill"
"Certainly I believe the old plan
ter'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 black fea
lures. II say, massa, and Tins eyes
rolled round in his anxiety in way
quite fearful to behold, "dis yer youf,
what you was talkin to, is Massa
Tom, an dey is gagged already-de
young missus an him. She likes him
wonderful, but praps you donno dat
our Miss Nettie is de prize, what de
old massa put up for the biggest jump
er. Is awful 'faid you'll jump dc
fardest wild dem long legs. No dis
pect meant, massa."
The reply to Tins discourse was
lost in shout from the crowd for the
peoples favorite-young Capt. Tom
Lenard-had outstripped all of his
competitors. But, to the surprise of
many, this military stranger claimed
a turn, and the old chronicler-Tra-
dition-bears fabulous record of his
success across this chasm af l2O years.
A moment of silent astonishment
succeeded, 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 flight, and was leading her
reluctant steps toward the ivy-cover-
ed tower, that had been arranged
near the platform for her and her sue
cessful knight.
The old planter stepped from his
slight elevation, and placing his
daughters hand in that of the victor,
said, 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. took part in
this contest for the simple pleasure of
trying my powers with others, and
not as a rival. confess this solitaire
jewel is rare prize, wonderfully
rare, for fathers heart to surrender
to such al occasion, and, much as I
might regret it under other circum-
,Iax,oo, ..axx -.