The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1895-08-14

''Hooray for Harry Carroll. Harry
wins ~
Hands, hats and handkerchiefs were
waved wildly by the delighted villag-
ers, and the eyes of the happy Annette
sparkled with joy.
Now just before Harry had leaped,
and while every ones attention was
fixed upon him, stranger had entered
the throng unperceived. He was tall,
gentlemanly young man in a military
undress frock coat, who had at that
moment arrived on horseback before
the inn. He was just in time to wit
ness Carroll's great leap.
The first burst of applause over, the
spectators awoke to the strangers S
presence. The mans handsome face
and easy address at once attracted the
eyes of the maidens. while his manly
and sinewy frame, in which were hap
PLY united symmetry and strength,
called forth the admiration of the
young men.
"Mayhap, sir, stranger, you think
you can beat that" said Charlie
Simms, remarking the manner in
which the newcomer scanned the are
ma. "If you can outleap Harry Carroll
you beat the best man in the colonies"
''Is it for amusement you are pur-
suing this pastime?' inquired the
youthful stranger, cor is there prize
for the winner ?"
"The sweetest prize man ever strove
for" answered one of the judges !;
''yonder she stands"
The stranger east a respe ctful glance
at the blushing maiden, and his eyes
looked admiration.
care the lists open to all?" he ask
ed.
"All, young sir" replied Annette's
father, with interest, his youthful ardor
rising as he surveyed the proportions Of
the straight-limbed young stranger.
'If you will try you are free to do so.
Here is my daughter, sir; look at her
and decide.
With a smile the newcomer threw
off his coat, drew his sash tighter
around his waist, and stepped forward.
Annette looked anXiously at Harry,
who stood near with troubled brow
and angry eye, and then she cast upon
the stranger a glance of piteous en-
treaty. All hearts stood still as the
young man bounded forward.
twenty-five feet and an inch ~
The judges words were received with
murmurs of surprise and wonder. Not
without feeling of pity for poor Har-
~, all crowded round the new victor,
offering him their congratulations.
The old farmer approached, and
grasping the young mans hand, ex-
ultingly called him his son, and said
he felt prouder of him than if he were
a prince. To the old athlete the true
patents of nobility were physical
strength and activity.
Resuming his coat the stranger
sought with his eye the fair prize he
had, although nameless and unknown,
so fairly won. She leaned upon her
fathers arm, pale and distressed.
Poor Harry Carroll stood aloof,
gloomy and mortified, admiring the
stranger and his ability, but hating
him for his success.
Annette, my pretty prize" said the
victor, taking her passive hand, / have
won you fairly.
Annette's cheek became paler than
marble, she trembled and clung closer
to her father, while her dropping eyes
sought the form of her lover. At the
words of the stranger Carrolls face
grew dark and determined.
II have won you, my pretty flower,
to make you a bride-tremble not 50
VIOLENTLY mean not myself, however
proud might be-" he added, with gal
lantry, 'to wear so fair gem next my
heart. | think there is favored youth
among the competitors who has n
higher claim than mine. Young sir," !"
he continued, turning to the surprised
Harry, ''methinks you were the victor
in the lists before-I strove not for the
maiden, though one could not well
strive for fairer, but from love of the
manly sport in which | saw you en-
gagged. You are the victor, and as
such, with the permission of this
worthy assembly, you receive from my
hand the prize you have so well and
honorably won.n
The youth sprang forward and grasp
ed the strangers hand with gratitude,
and the next moment Annette was
weeping from pure joy upon his breast.
The place rang with the acclamations
of the delighted people, and amid the
excitement the newcomer with drew,
mounted his horse and rode briskly out
of the village.
That night Harry and Annette were
married, and during the festivities
many and many bumper was drank
to the health of the mysterious and
noble-hearted stranger.
Passing on several years We find that
Harry Carroll has become Col. Harry
Carroll of the revolutionary army. One
evening the colonel, after just return.
ing from hard campaign, was sitting
with his family on the piazza of hi:
handsome country house, when an adj
vance courier rode up and announced
the approach of General Washington
and suite, who would crave the col.
onel's hospitality for the night The
necessary directions in reference to
household preparations being given the
colonel ordered his horse and rode for
ward to meet the distinguished guest,
whom he had never seen, though serv-
ing in the same widely extended army
That evening, at the table, Annette,
now the dignified matronly, and still