Republican news item. [volume] (Laport, Pa.) 1896-19??, 1911-04-21

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 this emer-
gency. 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 turns the dog
loose!"
But the squire did nothing Of the
kind He looked about the lawn lit
tie, muttering that old Towser had
been barking at some cat or stray
dog, addressed some words of reproof
to the animal, and returned to the
house.
| Faint heart never won fair lady"
thought Excelsior, as he prepared to
jump over the garden fence and re-
new his attempt.
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 unpleas-
antly.
He felt it, and discovered, to his In.
finite disgust, that he was standing In
pot of soft soap, which had been
made during the day and left out to
cool.
This was very notifying, and 1t
left his clothes in an unpleasant pre-
dicament, although he rubbed off as
much of the greasy mixture as he
| could.
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 now quiet, his masters re-
proof having had the effect of re-
straining him from barking.
There was light burning in Betty's
window, and toward it, as the guiding
star of his hope, Excelsior directed
his steps. But, just as he came be-
meath the window, 1t was extin-
guished.
While he wondered at this, a side
door opened, and Betty herself ap-
peared before him. She was attired in
travelling dress, and carried a shawl
and reticule. She was evidently pre-
pared to elope, and the young mans
happiness was complete.
"My brave Excelsior" she e3-
claimed. my noble Podd! How shall
I 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 splendid fellow you are! l am
ready. Let us hurry. But let me first
speak to the dog. | was so afraid
that father would find you, or that he
would turn Towser's loose"
Betty stepped lightly to the bull
and spoke kindly to him, and then re-
turned to the young man.
Can you get me over the tall
fence?" she asked.
"Yes; l put step-ladder there"
Let us make haste, then"
They reached the fence speedily,
and without difficulty. Excelsior went
over first; then Betty climbed the
step-ladder, and jumped off, and he
received her in his arms Blessed
privilege! Glorious possession! The
beauty and the heiress of Bungtown
was now all his own, his own forever!
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
interrupted him.
There Is no time to speak of that
now" she said. 81 am safe, and will
be far from here when father awakes;
but there is no time to lose!"
where shall We go to, Betty?"
81 will show you. It's all arranged.
Come with me-"
She led him through the grove to
the road, where horse and buggy
were standing At the horses head
was a man, whom Excelsior presently
recognized, to his great surprise, as
George Deering.
Why, George, what on earth are you
doing here!" he asked.
Il knew what was going on" re-
piled Deering: "and brought a buggy
to help the young lady off. l always
stand by my friends, especially when
they stand by me. Have the kindness
to assist Miss Betty into that vehicle,
my dear Podd; and soon everything
will be lovely"
Excelsior did as he was requested
to do, and was about to follow the
young lady into the buggy when Deer
inc n II od him