Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-06-27
Hctty Marvin.

latter fled 10 the town of l., where his
cousin, Mrs. Marvin, hid him. for some days,
IN secluded farmhouse. But at length
the subtle foe discovered his retreat, and
one sunny afternoon ia May, he was routed
from his hidng-place by the tidings that a
band OF horsemen were approaching to cap
ture him.
His only chance Of escape was to reach
the mouth OF the little creek, which empti-
ed itself into the Connecticut river Just a.
bove the entrance of the latter into Long ISL
and 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 boat was two
miles by the usual travelled road. But a
little sheep-path across the farmers orch
ards would bring him to the road only mile
from the boat; and save a quarters length
of his fearful run for life.
just where the narrow path from the
orchard opened into the road, Hetty Mary
in sat with her dog Towser, tending the
bleaching of the household linen. The long
web of forty yards or more. which was dill
gently spun and woven during the long win
ter months was whitened in May, and thus
made ready for use. This business of bleach
ing was well economical, being usually done
by the younger daughters ofthe family, who
were not old enough to spin, or strong en-
ough for the heavier work of the kitchen 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 it was
thoroughly wetted and spread upon the
green turf, to take the heat OF the sun by
day and the dew by night. The little mai
den who tended it, would sit near it 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 Hetiy Marvin, the young daugh-
ter of Gov. Griswold's cousin, when her
hunted friend sprang past her into the road,
to escape his pursuers. Hetty was 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 mea-
dow. But she quickly compreheDded the
scene, and instantly quieted her faithful
Towser who, though friend Of the family
guest, thought it becoming to bark loudly at
his hurried steps.
Her wise forethought arrested the gov
ernor's notice, and suggested a scheme to
delude his pursuers. 'Hetty,' he said ear
nestly. i am flying for my life; and unless
can reach my boat before / am overiaken,
| am lost man. You see the road forks
hare I IL.
the river. But you must tell the rascals
..i,o chasing me. tnat 1 have gone up
the road 10 catch the mail wagon which will
soon be along you know. Then they will
turn Oft the other way
oh, COUSIN said the little girl, in an ag-
ony of distress, i cannot tell lie; indeed,
| cannot; why did you tell me which way
you were going
'Hetty, my child, surely you would net
betray me TO my death. Hark they are
coming; hear the click of their horses
feet. Oh ! Hetty, tell them have gone up
the road instead of down and heaven will
bless you.'
Heaven never blesses those who speak
falsely, cousin. But will not tell them
which way you so, even if they kill me; so
run quickly as possible
Its OF no use unless can deceive them,
am dead man.
Cousin, 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 I'll cover you, and stand sprink6ng
my linen
Its my only chance, child I'll get down
as you say And suiting the action 10 the
word. the governor was soon hidden under
the ample folds of the cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had es
capped from the house where they hoped to
secure him, the six mounted tories, headed
by British officer, dashed along the road
in swift pursuit. AT sight of the little girl
in the meadow, the leader of the party paus-
ed.
Child he said, sternly. have you seen a
man running away hereabouts
Yes, SIR replied Hetty, trembling and
flushing.
which way did he go?'
promised not to tell, SIR
But you must, or take the consequences
Il said | wouldn't tell if yon killed me,
sobbed the frightened girl.
III have it out of her. exclaimed the
furious officer, with an oath.
Let me speak to her. said his tory guide !;
Il know the child, / believe. Isn't your
name Hetty Marvin he asked, PLEASANT
ly.
Yes, SIR
'And this man who ran by you few
minutes ago, was your mothers cousin,
wasn't he?
Yes, sir he was
We'll, we are friends of his. What did
he say to you when he came alongT
'He-he told me-that he was flying for
his lfe.'
just so, Hetty; that was very true. /
hope he won't have to fly far. Where was
he going TO try to hide? You see, L could
help him if knew his plans
Now Hetty was not whit deceived by
this smooth speech. But she was willing
to tell as much of the truth as would consist
with his safety, and she wisely judged that
her frankness would serve her kinsman bet
ter than her silence. So she answered her
questioner candidly My cousin said that
he was going down this way to the river,
where be had boat; and he wanted me TO
tell the men that were chasing him, that he
had gone the other way to catch the mail
wagon
why didn't you do as he bid you, then,
when asked where he had gone /! thunder