The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1878-10-11

AFTER the festivities. w Ill you 90 just
as tell you, Nettie?"
"Yes, Tom," she replied, in 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
moment to spare. "Duty is impera-
tive" he continued with smile, sand
have scarcely 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 I'M
usual spectacle. The old planter, with
his friends, took places on the judges
platform, while Nettie, at her fathers
command, stood at little distance, I'M
der group of trees, with her old nurse
and few young friends.
The contest began, and had nearly
closed, when 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 %, very tall, and with a
military bearing remarkable in one so
young Such dignity of department
would seem, in these days, inconsistent
with such pastime as jumping, but
then it was common amusement, like
our baseball. 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
within included the world ut large" said
Tom, CURLY, 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 features. 81
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 an
him. She likes him wonderful, but
p'raps you donno dat our Miss Nettie is
de prize, what de old massa put up for
the biggest jumper. rs awful 'faid
you'll Jump de fardest wild dem long
legs No dispect meant, massa."
The reply to Tins discourse was lost
in shout from the crowd, for the peo-
pies favorite-young Capt. Tom Lenard
had outstripped all of his competit-
ors. But, to the surprise of many, this
military stranger claimed turn, and
the old Observation-Disclosures n
fabulous record of his success across
this chasm of 100 years.
A moment of silent establishment sue
ceeded, and then rose a few shouts of
admiration, 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 UNCOVERED tower, that had
been arranged near the platform for her
and her successful knight.
The old planter stepped from his
slight elevation, and, placing 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 soldier,
holding the hand of the blushing girl,
but you must allow me to interrupt
you one moment. / took part in this
contest for the simple pleasure of trying
my powers with others, and not as rival.
l confess this solitaire jewel is n rare
prize, wonderfully rare, for fathers
heart to surrender to such an occasion,
and, much as 1 might regret it under
other circumstances, my engagements
render it impossible for me to accept the
honor you seem willing to confer. L,
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 n lower tone, besides, the
hand and heart should never be di-
vorced."
Look here, young officer" abruptly
interrupted the planter, Il should be
glad to know your name, and have you
remain with u.s."
"Thank you, Sill" was the reply, "but
1 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
sorry to be forced to bid you so hurried
q farewell"
He shook hands with the young cou-
pie 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 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 paradise.
The French war was soon closed, but
greater one began when the colonies
threw off the CALLING 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 I" first in the hearts of his
countrymen."
After liberty was gained for 100000
people Washington sought the retire
ment of home. On Christmas eve,
1888, he once more reached Mt. Yer
non, after an absence of eight years and