The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-06-27
Gbe STORY Geller,
TIL y
GOVERNORS ESCAPE.

When the British and Tories attacked New
London, Conn, 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 a secluded
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 a little creek, which emptied itself
into the Connecticut river, just above the
entrance 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 boat was two miles by
the usual travelled road. But little sheep
path across the farmers orchards would
bring him to the road, only mile IRON the
boat, and save quarters length of his fear
ful run for life.
Just where the narrow path from the cot
tago opened into the road, Iletty Martin 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 May, and thus
made ready for use. This 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 enough
for the heavier work Of the kitchen and
dairy.
The roll Of linen was taken by the farmer
or his stout "help" to a grassy plat, beside n
spring or meadow brook. There it was thor.
oughly wetted and spread upon the green
turf. to take the heat of the sun by day and
the dew at night. The little maiden who
tended it would sit near it during the day,
with her knitting or her book, and as last as
the sun dried its folds she would sprinkle the
water over with her gourd.shell dipPer, and
make it wet again.
Thus sat Hetty Martin, the young daugh.
ter of Gov. Griswold's cousin, when her
hunted friend sprang past her into the road
to escape from his pursuers. Hetty was u
timid child of about twelve years, yet
thoughtful and wise beyond many Of her eld-
ers. She was frightened by the headlong
haste with which the Governor rushed across
the meadow. But she quickly comprehend.
ed the scene, and instantly quieted her faith
ful Towser, who, though friend Of the fam
lily guest, thought it becoming to bark loudly
at his hurried steps.
Her wise forethought arrested the Govern
or's notice, and suggested scheme to delude
his pursuers.
.Hetty,' he said earnestly, Il am fleeing for
my life. and unless reach my boat before |
am oyertaken, | am lost man. You SEQ the
road forks here. Now | want to run down
this way to the river. But you must tell
the rascals who are chasing me that have
gone up the road to catch the mail wagon,
which will soon be along, you know. Then
they will turn OF the other way
oh. cousinr said the little girl, in an ag.
ony Of distress, Il canno, tell lie; indeed !
cannot. Why did you tell me which way
you were gOing''
'Hetty, dear child, sure you would not be-
tray me to my death Hark! they are
coming-I hear the click Of their horses feet.
oh. IIetty, tell them that have gone up the
road instead Of down, and Heaven will bless
you"
Heaven never blssses those who speak
falsely, cousin. But l will not tell them
which way you 90, not even il they kill me !;
50 run as quickly as possible
ITS of no use unless I 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 swirl as you
can, and III cover you, and stand sprinkling
my linen.'
ITS my only chance, child; I'll get down
as you say And suitins the action to the
word. the Governor was soon hidden under
the ample folds Of the cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had es-
eaped from the house where they hoped to
secure him. the six mounted tories, headed
ey British officer, dashed along the road in
swift pursuit. AT siyht of the l;ttle Girl In