The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-07-04
HETTY MARVIN.

WIN
When the British and tories attacked New
London, Connecticut, in IL, and set price
on the head of Gov Griswold, the latter fed
to the town of L, where his cousin, Mrs
Marvin, hid him, for some days, in seclud-
ed farmhouse. But at length the subtle foe
discovered his retreat, and one sunny after
noon in May, he was routed from his hiding
place by the tidings that band of horsemen
were approaching to capture him.
HIS only chance of escape was to reach the
mouth of little creek, which emptied itself
into the Connecticut river just above the en-
trance of the latter into Long Island Sound.
There he had boat stationed, with two
faithful attendants hidden beneath the high
banks of the creek. The distance from the
farmhouse to the Loaf was two miles by the
usual travelled road. But little sheep-path
across the farmers orchards would bring him
to the road only mile from the boat; and
save quarters length of his fearful run for
life.
Just where the narrow path from the or
chard opened into the road, Hetty Marvin
sat with her dog Towser, tending the bleach
ing of the household linen. The long web
of forty yards or more, which was diligently
spun and woven during the long winter
months, was whitened in May, and thus
made ready for use. The business of bleach
ing was well economical, being usually done
by the younger daughters Of the family, who
were not old enough to spin, or strong e
nough for the heavier work of the litcher
and dairy.
The roll of linen was taken by the farmer
or his stout "help" to grassy plat, beside a
spring or meadow brook. There il was thor
oughly wetted and spread upon the green
turf, to take the heat of the sun by day and
the dew by night. The little maiden who
tended it, would sit near i: during the day,
with her knitting or her book, and as fast as
the sun dried its folds, she would sprinkle
the water over it with her gourd-shell dipper
and make it wet again.
Thus sat Hetty Marvin, the young daugh
ter of Gov Griswold's cousin, when her hunt
ed friend spranS past her into the road, te
escape his pursuers. Hetty was a timid
child of about twelve years, yet thoughtful
and wise beyond many of her elders. She
was frightened by the headlong haste with
which the governor rushed across the mead
ow. But she quickly comprehended ths
scene, and instantly quieted her faithful Tow
ser, who, though friend of the family guest
thought it becoming to bark loudly at hi
hurried steps.
Her wise forethought arrested the cover
nor's notice. and suggested scheme to de
lude his pursuers. 'Hetty,' he said earnest
ly, 4 am flying for my life; and unless cal
reach my boat before l am overtaken, | am ;
lost man. You see the road forks here
Now want to run down this way to th'
river. But you must tell the rascals whit
are chasing me, that l have gone up tn
road to catch the mail wagon which will sool
be along, you know. Then they will turl
off the other way.
'Ob, COUSIN said the little girl, in an agon.
of distress, Il cannot tell lie; indeed, | can
not; why did you tell me which way vol
were going?
'Hetty, my child, surely you would not be
tray me to my death. Hark! they are com
ming hear the click of their horses fee,
Oh! Hstty, tell them l have gone up tn
road instead of down and heaven will bles
YOU
Heaven never biesses those who speai
falsely, cousin. But l will not tell ther
which way YOU 60, even if they kill me; S
> run quickly as possible
|, Its of no use unless l can deceive then
: l am dead man.
Cousin, hide under my web of cloth
they'd never think of looking here for YOU
: Come, get down as swift as you can, and II
cover you, and stand sprinklins my linen.'
Its my only chance, child; Ill get dow
| as you say And suiting the action to tn
, word, the governor was soon hidden unde
the ample folds of the cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had escal
t ed from the house where they hoped to S.
/ cure him, the six mounted tories, headed
!, British officer, dashed along the road i
swift pursuit. At sight of the little girl j