Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-06-02
Maria Teresa.
Torpedo Boat DeyttoyeA
WASHlNGT0N'S LEAP.

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In It's there lived in a Virginia
TOW a a rich and eccentric old farmer
MACS, laughter was the lovliest maid
Ell IA. al the locality. The beautiful
AAntttc was IL years Of age and had
many sutors for her hand and heart.
On ..tr 18th birthday the old man in
v.;.d AL the youth Of the village to q
grand hay-making frolc.
WOW, MY lads" said the old man,
after the banquet was some time over,
1--WE got something to say to you. II
seems that good many Of you have
been casting sleeps eyes on my An
nette. No, boys, don't care anything
about money or talents, book farming
or soldier farming. can do as well
by my girl as any man in the country,
but | want her to marry man of my
own grit. | got my old woman by
beating the smartest man on the east
ern shore. Now, listen; I've taken
IN oath that no man shall marry my
daughter without jumping for 1t.
There you are, boys; yonder's the
green, and here's Annette. The one
who jumps farthest on dead level
shall marry her this every evening"
This peculiar address was received
with great applause, and more than
one youth, as he bounded away for
the arena of trial, cast a glance Of
anticipated victory upon the lovely
prize as she stood blushing beside her
father.
Soon all was in readiness. The sig
nal was given and the young COMPETE
tors stripped off their coats.
Edward Grayson, seventeen feet"
cried one Of the judges. The youth
had done his utmost, but it was clear
that he had little hope.
"Dick Boulder, nineteen feet"
Dick, with little laugh of satisfac-
ton, replaced his coat and joined the
onlookers.
Harry Preston, nineteen feet, three
inches!"
"Well done, Harry" shouted the
spectators, you tried hard for the
acres and the homestead"
"Charlie Simms, fifteen and one
half feet!"
He turned away crestfallen. 1t was
clear he had no chance to win the fair
prize. Then came Henry Carroll
handsome, athletic and confident. He
cast swift glance at his sweetheart
and at the villagers, andsthen, with a
CLEAN of triumph in his eye, he
bounded forward.
"Twenty-one feet and a half! A
magnificent leap!" cried the Judge.
"Hooray for Harry CARROLL"
Hands, hats and handkerchiefs
were waved wildly by the delighted
villagers, and the eyes of the happy
Annette sparkled with joy.
Now, just before Harry had leaped,
a stranger had entered the throng
unperceived. He was tall, gentle
manly young man in military I'M
dress frock coat, who had at that mo-
ment arrived on horseback before the
inn. He was just in time to witness
CAROLS great leap.
The mans handsome, free and 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 newcomer scanned the
arena. IF you can outleap Harry
Carroll you beat the best man in the
colonies"
us is for amusement you are pur-
suing this pastime?" inquired the
youthful stranger, "or is there prize
for the winner?'
1.-THE sweetest prize man ever strove
for" answered the judges. "Yonder
she stands"
The stranger cast a respectful
glance at the blushing maiden, and
his eyes looked admiration.
Are the lists open to all?" he
asked.
"All, young sir" replied Annette's
father, with interest. 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 for
ward. 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 pool
Harry, all crowded around the new
victor, offering him their congratula-
tons. Resuming his coat, the strang.
er sought with his eye the prize he