Middletown transcript., 1896-02-22

boys; yonder's the green, and here
Annette. The one who jumps farthes
on a dead level shall marry her thi
very evening""
This peculiar address was receive
with. great applause, ard more tina
one youth, as be bounded away for tn
arena of trial, cast glance of antic
pated victory upon the lovely prize a
she stood blushing beside her f..ther.
Soon all was in readiness. The sig
nal was given, and the young compel
itors stripped off their coats.
edward Grayson, II feetp' erie
one of the judges. The youth ha
done his utmost, but it was clear tina
he had little hope.
''Dick Boulden. 10 fe. tp' Dick, wit
little laugh of satisfaction, replace,
his coat and joined the onluokers.
Harry Preston. 10 feet inches!''
"Well done, Harry" shouted th
spectators. "You tried hard for tn
acres and the homestead"
"Charlie Simms, 154 feeL!'
He turned away crestfallen. 1t wa
clear he had no chance to win the fai
plize. Then came Henry Carroll
handsome, athletic and confident. HI
cast a swift glance at his sweetheart
and at the villagers, aid hen, with .
CLEAN of triumph III his eye, h,
bounded forward.
s'Twenty one feet and half. A mag
nifcant leap!" cried the judge. "Hor.
ray for Harry Carrull!"
Hands, hats and handkerchiefs were
waved wildly by the delighted VII
layers, and the eyes of the happy An
nette sparkled. with joy.
Now, just before Harry had leaped
a stranger had entered the thrung
unperceived. He was tall, gentle
manly young man in military un-
dress frock Dat, who had at that mo-
ment arrived Oh horseback before the
inn. He was just in time to witnes s
Carroll's great leap.
The MANS handsome face aud easy
address at once attracted the eyes Of
the maidens, while his manly and
sinewy frame, in which were happily
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
new conner scanned thearena, IF
you can ontleap Harry Carroll, You can
beat the best man in the colinies."
Is it for amusement you are pulsu-
ing this pastime2" Inquired the youth
full stranger, or is there prize for the
winner?''
1.-The sweetest prize man ever strove
for" answered the judges. "Yonder
she stands"
The stranger CD, a respectful glance
at the blushing maiden, and his eyes
looked admiration
"Are the lists open toallp' he asked.
"All, young SIR" replied Annette's
father with interest. s.If you will try,
you are free to do SO. Here is my
daughter, sir; Look at her and decide" /"
With smile the newcomer threw
off his coat, drew his sash tighter
around his waist and stepped forward.
All hearts stood still as the young man
bounded forward.
'Twenty-two feet and an inchln
The judges words were received with
murmurs Of surprise and wonder. Not
without a. feeling of pity for poor Harry
Ill crowded round the new victor, Of
'ering him their congratulations. Re-
'uming his coat, the stranger sought
with his eye the fair prize he had al
;hough nameless a ID unknown, SO
'airly Won, She leaned upon her
'ather's arm, pale and distressed.
Poor Harry CarFell stood aloof,
gloomy and mortified, admlring the
stranger for his ability, but hating him
or his success.
"Annette, my pretty prIze," said
he victor, taking her passive hand. 81
nave won you fairly, but l think there
s favored youth among the competi-
,ors who has higher claim than mine.
Young Sir" he continued, turning to
he surpri ed Harry, .methinks you
we're the victor in the lists before me,
md as such, with the permission of
his worthy assembly, You receive from
ny hands the prize you have SO we'll
md hon0rably won !"
The youth sprang forward and grasp
ID the strangers hand with gratitude,
ind the next moment Annette was
from pure JOY upon bis breast.
rhe place rang with acclamations OF
q