Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1862-08-05
THE GOVERNORS ESCAPE

When the British and Tories attacked
New London, Conn. in ". and ser a
price on the head Of Gov. GriswoId. the
latter fed to the town Of l., where his
cousin, Mrs. Marvin, hid bin for SINE DAYS
in secluded farm house. But at length
the subtle foe discovered bis retreat; and
one sunny afternoon in Nav he was rou,e5
from his hiding place by the tidInss tbata
band OF horsemen were approaching to cap
ture him
HIS ly chance nf escape was to reach
the m nth of little creek which emntie
itself into the Connecticut river lust above
the entrance OF the latter into Long Islund
S, und. There he had boat stationed
with two faithful attendants hidden be-
meath the high banks of the creek. The
distarce from the fam house to the boa,
was two miles by the usually travelled
road. But little sheep path across the
farmers orchards would bring him 70 the
road, only mile from the beat; and save
a quarters length Of his fearful run for
life
Just where the narrow path from the
orchard opened into the road Hetty Mar
vim sat with her dog Towser, tending the
bleaching 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 Nav.
and thus made ready for use This huSi-
uess OF bleaching was well econ0mized.
being usually dune by the younger daugh.
tiers os the family, who were not old enoug Oh
for the heavier WORK Of the kitchen and
dairy.
The roll Of linen was taken by the far.
mer or his stout "help" to a grassy blot,
beside 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 dew by night. The little
maiden who tended 1t 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 Hetty Marvin, the young
daughter of Gov. Griswold's cousin, when
her hunted friend sprang pact her into the
road, to escape from his pursuers. Hetty
was timid child of about twelve years :;
yet thoughtful and wise beyond many of
her olders. She was frightened BY the
the headlong haste with which the Cover
nor rushed across the meadow But she
quietly clm2 r,h ,ndel the some, and
instantly quieted her fearful Towser, who,
lhough friend of the family guest thought
it becoming to bark loudly at his hurried
steps.
Her wise forethought arrested the Gov
errors notice, and suggested a scheme 10
de!ude his Pursuers. "Hstty," he said,
earnestly, IL am flying for my life and
unless can reach ny boat before am
| overtaken, am lost man. You see the
road forks here. Now l want to run down
the way tn the river. But you must tell
the rascals who are chasing ne, that have
gone up the road to catch the mail wagon,
which will son be alcng you know. Then
they will turn off the other way.
"Ob, cousin said the little girl, in an
agony of distress, IL cannot tell lie; in
deed cannot why did you tell me which
way you were gOing?"
"Hetty, dear child surely you would
not betray me to my death Hark they
| are cnmiug-l hear the ciink of their hor-
ses' feet. Oh, Hetty, tell them have gone
up the road instead Of down and heaven
bless you"
"Heayen never blesses those who speak
falsely, eousini But / will not tell them
which way you 60, even it they kill ne !;
so run then as quickly as possible"
'Its 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 cnver you, and stand sprink-
ling my linen"
'It's my last chance, child; I'll get
down as you say" And suiting the &C.
ton to the word, the Governor was soon
hidden under the ample folds Of the cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had ss-
capped from the house where they had hoped
to secure him, the six mounted Tories.
headed by british officer dashed along the
road in swift pursuit. Atsight ofthe little
girl in the meadow, the leader of the party
paused
Child" he said stearnly, have you seen
a man running hereabouts?"
"Yes cir" replied Hetty, trembling and
flushing.
(which way did be got"