The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-06-28
Hetty Maryi,l.

F
New London, Connecticut. in IL, and set
a price on the head of Gov Griswpld, the
latter fed to the town of L----, where his
cousin, Mrs Marvin, hid him, for some days
in. "A secluded farmhouse. But at length
Che subtle foe discovered his retreat, and
one sunny afternoon in May, he was routed
from his hiding place by the tidipgs that a
band ofhorsemen were approaching to cap
ture him.
His only chance of escape was to reach
the mouth Of little creek. which emptied
itself into the Connecticut river just above
the entrance of the latter into Long Island
Sound. There he had a boat stationed,
with two faithful attendants hidden beneath
the high hanks OF the creck. The distance
from the farm house to the boat was two
miles by the usua. Travelled road. But q
little sheep path across the farmers orchards
would bring him to the read only a mile
from the boat and save a, quarters length
of bis fearfaisrun for life. =
Jnst where the narrow path from the cr-
charl opened into the road, IIetty Marvin
sat with her dog Towser, tending the
bleaching Of the household linen. The
iorg 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. This business Of
bleaching was well cconomized, being usu-
ally done by the younger daughters of the
family, who were not old enough to spin, or
strong enough for the heavier work ofthe
kitchen and DAIRY. ,5,a
The roll Of linen was taken by the farmer
nr his stout "help" to grassy plat, besides
a spring or meadow brock. There il was
thoroughly wetted and spread npon the
green turf, to take the heat Of the sun BY
dav and the dew by night. The little maid
en- 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 Marvin, the young daughter OF
Gov. Griswold's cousin, when her hunted
friend sprang past her into the road, to es-
cape his pursuers. Hetty was timid child
of abont twelve years; yet thoughtful and
wise beyond many of her elders. She was
frightened by the headong haste with which
the governor rushed across the meadow
But she quickly comprchcnded the scene,
and instantly qnieted her faithful Towser,
who, though friend Of the family guest,
thought it becoming to bark loudly, at his
hurried steps. I &7's 's' q
Her wise forethought arrested the gov.
ernor's notice, and suggested scheme to
delude his pursners, s.sHetty.' he said
earnestly, Il am flying for my life and un-
iess can reach my boat before ! am over
taken, I am lost man. Yon see the road
forks here. Now want to run down this
way to the river, But you must tell the
sascals who are chasing me. that I have
gone up the road to catch the mail wagor
which will soon be along, you know. fher
they win turn of the other way
ssOh. COUSIN said the little girl, in an az
ony Of distress. l cannot tell lie; indeed
cannot why did you tell me which way
you were going
Hetty, my child, surely you would no
betray me to my death. Hark they ar
Honinr; I hear the click of their horses
feet OH lIc'fv. tell them have gone up tn
road instead Of down and heaven will blcs
YOU
Heaven never biesses those who speal
falsely, cousin. But | will not tell then
which way you go, even If they kill me; $
.rin.quickiyas possiblc; sa
It's Of no use unless | can deceiv
them, am dead man,
Cousin, .consin, hide under my web Q
.oloth they'd never think Of looking her
for you. Come, get down as swift as yo
%an. and I'li cover you. and stand .sprink
ling, my aineh.' So s.
Z It's my only chance, child I'm get dor
as you say AnT sujting the ACTION 18th