Daily globe., 1879-01-05

20 inquire what was going on.
He was about twenty five, very tall,
and with a military bearing remarkable
in one so young. Such dignity of de-
portment would seem, in these days, in
consistent with such a pastime as jump
ing, but then 1t was a common amuse-
ment, like our baseball. He stepped up
10 Tom, and asked "Can any one take
part? / should like very much to try my
skill"
"Certainly; 1 believe the old planters
whim included the world at large" said
Tom, curtly, as he moved Oft TO take his
turn.
The soldier stood near black Tim, who
had been watching the contest with much
interest, but who now turned his atten-
ton 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 ankle
ty in a way quite fearful to behold, " dis
yer youf, what you was talkin' to, is Mas
sa 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 de biggest jumper. is awful
'fraid you'll jump de fardest wild dem
long legs. Nc dlspect meant, massa."
The reply to Tins discourse was lost
in shout from the crowd, for the peo-
pies favorite-young Capt. Tom Lemard
had outstripped all OF his competitors.
But, to the surprise of maGy, this mill
tary stranger claimed a turn, and the old
hronicler-tradition bears fabulous
record of his success across this chasn- Of
t20 years.
A moment Of silent astonishiaent sue
eeeaed, and then arese few shouts of
admiration. feeling all would have
shared but for their sympathy with An
nette. Trembling like a Leaf, she leaned
sadly on Toms arm, while he whispered
hurried directions for their flight, and
was leading her reluctant steps towards
the uncovered tower, that had been ar
ranged near the platform for her and her
successful knight.
The old planter, stepping from his
slight elevation, and, putting his daugh-
ter's hand in that of the victor, said
"g ou have won the prize, sir, and, as my
word is never broken
ssExcuse me, sir" broke in the soldier,
holding the hand OF the blushing girl,
s'but you must allow me to interrupt you
one moment. I took part in this contest
for the simple pleasure OF trying my
powers with others, and not as rival.
confess this solitaire Jewel is rare prize,
wonderfully rare, for a fathers heart to
surrender TO such an occasion, and,
much as [ might regret it under other
circumstances, my engagements renaer it
impossible for me to accept the honor
you seem willing to confer. !, therefore,
relinquish my right in favor Of him who
came next me in the Esr,' and turning,
he placed the hand he held in that Of the
surprised and happy Tom; adding, in a
lower tone, sbesides, the hand and heart
should never be divorced:
''Look here, young officer abruptly
interrupted the planter,''I should be glad
to know your name and have you remain
with U.s."
'.Thank you, sir, was the reply, "but I
have already fingered here too long. We
are making military pre- parations to stop
these Indian depredations, and you can
judge it is no time for an officer to be
long absent from his post. I am sorry
to be forced to bid you so hurried fare.
we'll"
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 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 yoke of England. From
this struggle rose the fame Of George
Washington, commander-in-ch of the
American armies, until it not only filled
all Europe, but rose higher still to be
"frst in the hearts cf his countrymen.'
After liberty was gained for 100000
people, Washington sought the retire
ment Of home. On Christmas eve, 1888,
he once more reached Mount Vernon,
after an abserce of eight years and half,
during which time he had stopped there
only twice-on his way to Yorktown and
back.
The September following his return he
began an equestrian tour beyond the AL
leghanies, where he held some property,
and. going near the plantation where
twenty-six years before he had partici-
pated in a .jumpingmatch, he called.
Two young girls were sitting On the
piazza, and rose to meet him as he ascend
ed the steps. "Do Captain and Mrs.
Lenard still reside here?" here he asked.
Eyes, sir" answered the younger. II
will call mama while the elder point
ing to an easy chair Of willow, said,
"Won't you take seat, sir; it is cooler
out here than inside" blushing all the
while under his scrutlnizing gaze just as
her mother had done years before.
els your name Kettie?' he asked.
eyes, sir"
"Named for your mother, I supposed"
The astonished girl had no time to reply,
for the Tom and Nettie of olden time ap-
peared through the arched doorway and
the stranger rose to greet them.
"Will you take in an old friend and
wayfarer to dine with you to-day? 1t is
pleasanter being with friends than at an
inn"
"With pleasure they replied, in the
old Southern style of true hospitality. He
noticed, however, their look of perplex-
ity, and said: II will not tax your mem
ory tooa tar, for twenty-six years bring
heavy changes, still you can't forget
our last meeting. Do you remember a
young colonel, captain, whose presump-
ton enabled him to outstrip you in
jumping match years ago, and who yield
ed his right to the prize you so much
,coveted?''
"Indeed I do" exclaimed Capt. Len
ard, springing up and grasping his hand
once more. 81 knew I had seen uon