Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1903-08-29
A CATSPAW.
By Edward Willett.

on was her fathers order to the
young men who coveted her, but
tongues OF. ana even eyes off. She
was not TO be touched. OF talked to. or
even looked at, and wee To the daring
youth who yentured TO transgress the
squire's command.
No wonder the youlg men of Bung-
town coveted Betty Coram. Not only
was she very pretty. but reputed ID
Dc very amiable and intelligent and
was certainly an heiress.
Squire Coram was a rich man. for
2ung;own. and Betty wGs his only
child. his darling. the apple Of mis- eye.
He would undoubtedly leave Ter all
his property. But the yong men OF
6unstown sighed and ionged in vain.
Squire Ccram kept strict guard over
his jewel and warned all intruders of
he premises.
Among these who went wild after
Betty Coram was Excelsior todd. the
only sen of Philetus Podd. editor CT
:he Bungtown Banner Excelsior had
lot been named after the celebrated
'acer but had been so called because
he elder Podd felt a prophetic impulse
hat his son would rise higher in the
world than any one else.
why not?" asked Philetus Podd. II
The boy should inherit his fathers in
:ellectuGl overs. and these powers
should be developed under the saga
.ious instructions of that father. there
would be no limit 10 his capacity for
rising in the world. 1t was well.
therefore. that he was named Excel
sior
As yet, however, Excelsior Podd had
shown no charitable appreciation of
The exalted destiny that awaited hin.
He had jus. advanced beyor the po-
sition of devil in his f.ther's print
ing Office. and had been promoted to
he dignity of case
He was chiefly noted for being an
2yergrown. gawky youth of 10. who
lad mo more sense than the law al
Mws." and was often the butt of the
Sillage wits.
But Excelsior had no Knowledge of
sis deficiencies, his opinion of himself
oeing reflected from that of his father.
Eho looked upon his offspring with adj
hiring eyes. AS his bump of self
esteem was well developed, he did not
consider that he was at all presump-
:uous in aspiring 10 the hand of sweet
Betty Coram. or in believing that he
might succeed where sc many had
JAILED.
His disadvantages. of course, were
he same as those under which the
other young men labored. but
AZ showed considerable ingenuity in
overcoming the principal obstacle. He
invented all sorts of pretexts for gain
ng admission to Squire Coram's house.
and for obtaining interviews with the
lovely Betty. In these efforts Le was
often successful. the more so. perhaps.
because the squire did not believe that
mis- daughter could be in the least en-
iangered by the presence OF Excelsior
Podd.
Excelsior thought otherwise He be-
.ieved himself to be lady-l;iller. and
was sure that Betty Coram had fallen
before his invincible onset. The truth
Is that Betty was kept SO secluded
hat the visits CT even Exce,sicr Podd
we're a relief to her. AID she did not
Try to conceal her pleasure at tn.
sight OF young man.
This young man was sure that he
had made a conquest. and his assur-
snce was rendered doubly sure when
George Deering, the son of the posi-
master. brought him a note. directed
Ia a delicate, feminine hand.
You are in luck. Excel" said Deer
ing. Here is note for you from Bet
" Coram."
Creation. George, how did you get
hold of it,"
Easy enough. She came to the Of
ice this morning with the squire. and
managed to slip the note into my hand
supposed il was for myself. and was
right mad when | saw that it was for
you. don't know how it is, old fell
low. that you have got so far ahead
of all the rest OF us, and | can't help
envying your GOOD fortune"
Excelsior eagerly grasped the note
AID went off To read it by himself II
vas in these words:
My dear friend. Excelsior Podd:
I've noticed your looks. and believe
lat you love me. If you do, now is
he time TO prove it. | can no longer
.dure my fathers tyranny. and am
'GxiCds To leave home. II you are
Filling TO take me out of here. will
lust you to do so. Come tonigl~ at
1 o'clock. The dog Is chained. and
J ere is no one to fear but father. and
I am sure that you are smart enough
!, keep out of his way. DO not fail
ne. and am Yours ever
BETTY"
Excelsior was in ecstasies: he hardly
knew whether he stood upon his head
.or his feet. Here was the beauty Of
the village the heiress of Bun stown.
actually proposing an elcpement. and
with him. There could be no question
OF that. He wculu jump at the
chance,
During the rest of the day he was
r. such a state of excitement and dis
traction that he was unable to attend
To his duties at the printing office
Al night he arrayed himself in his best.
stole out of the house. and directed his
steps toward Squire Coram's mansion
Although Betty had not given him
any directions, he knew what to do
He knew whore her room was. and
where he must get over tho fpppp in