Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1900-09-01
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


Squire Coram's daughter Betty was the
acknowledged belle of Bungtown. Tx
cesior Podd, the only son Of Phiietus
Podd, editor Of the Bungtown Banner
went wild after her, and his father rath-
or encouraged him. lie was sure he had
made a conquest, especially when George
Deering brought him a note written by
Betty's fair hand.
1t was in these words:
Nv Dear Friend Excelsior Podd-I believe that
YOU love me- Come tonight at II O'clock. The
dog is chained and there is no one 70 fear but
father ana am sure that you are smart enough
20 keep out Of his way. DO not fail, and am
yours ever, bkfIf'
Excelsior was in ecstasies. lie proceed
ed TO her home After passing through
a grove he reached the fence which he
was 10 cross. 1t was a high picket fence
and not easy to climb but Excelsior
went over it like a bird. On the inside
he saw a short stepladder and had fore
thought enough to place it against the
fence to assist his ladyloge 10 her flight
Then he began his progress toward the
house.
When he was half way across the
lawn, he was startled by the deep voiced
barking of Squire Coram's bulldog, but
he recovered his courage when he remem-
bered Betty's assurance that old Towser
was chained.
The only fear was that the dog would
alarm the house, and that fear was soon
realized The voice of Squire Coram was
heard speaking TO the dog, and it was
apparent that he was about to issue from
the house with the intention OF searching
the grounds.
Excelsior was equal to the emergency.
He ran to the garden fence, jumped over
it and hid in the currant bushes But he
was oppressed by a terrible fear.
Suppose the squire should turn the
dog loosew
But the squire did nothing of the kind.
He looked about the lawn little, NUT
tering that old Towser had been bark
ing at some eat or stray dog, addressed
some words Of reproof to the animal and
returned into the house.
The night was very dark, and he did
not try to find the precise spot at which
he had previously climbed the fence The
result was that when he leaped over he
found himself standing in something soft
and sticky that slushed up about his legs
very unpleHsantly.
disgust, that he was standing in a pot
of soft soap which had been made dur
ing the day and left out to cool.
Never mind" he thought. IF she
loves me, as | am sure she does, she
won't care about the soap"
Again he worked his way toward the
house. To his great delight, the dog was
Eow quiet.
There was a light burning in Betty's
window, and toward it, as the guiding
stan of his hope, Excelsior directed his
steps. But just as he came beneath the
window the light was extinguished.
While he wondered at this a side door
opened. and Betty herself appeared be-
fore him. She was evidently prepared to
elope, and the young mans happiness
was complete.
my brave Excelsiorr' she exclaimed.
MY noble Poddl How shall / ever
thank you for this? But what is the
matter with your shoes? They sound
so queer"
THE fact Is" stammered the young
man, that got into pot of soft soap
out here"
Have you endured that for me? What
a splendid fellow you arel | am ready.
Let us hurry. Can you get me over the
fence railT' she asked.
Yes; l put a stepadder there"
Let US make haste, then"
They reached the fence speedily and
without difficulty. Excelsior went over
first; then Betty climbed the stepladder
and jumped off. and he received her in
his arms Blessed privilege. Glorious
possession! He even forgot the soap in
his shoes.
He was beginning what he intended to
be very pretty speech, expressive of
his love and devotion, when Betty inter-
rupted him.
There is no time to speak of that
now" she said. Il am safe and will he
far from here when father awakes. But
there is no time to lose
where shall we go, BettyP
Il will show you. It's all arranged.
Come with me-"
She led him through the grove to the
ROAD where a horse and buggy were
stau3iog At the horses head was n
man whom Excelsior presently recognize
ed, to his great surprise, as George Deer
ing.
Why, George. what on earth are you
doing here?" he asked.
II knew what was going on" replied
Deering. and brought buggy to help
the young lady off. | always stand by
my friends. Have the kindness to assist
Miss Betty into that vehicle, my dear
Podd, and soon everything will be love-
ly"
Excelsior did as he was requested to do
and was about TO follow the young lady
into the buggy when Deerins halted him.
wait a moment. my dear fellow
said the latter. I'VE must consult the
safety Of Miss Betty. No one but my
self can manage this horse, and it is nee
essay that | should get in first"
Excelsior stood aside while the other
| got ia and seated himself by the side OF
/ Betty Dcerrg then whipped up the
hor>o. went ahead short distance, stop
! ped and looked back.
Farewell, my dear EXCELSIOR he
! said. You are the best Podd that ever
/ grew on bean stalk"
In a few moments the buggy had whirl'
/ cd out Of sight.
Il Swow TO gracious" exclaimed Ex-