The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-10-14

w, CouSiH, S.lu tnc littio Sii, III 'h
agony of distress, l cannot tell lie ;
indeed, | cannot why did you tell me
which way you were going
Hetty, my child, surely you would
not betray me to death. Hark they
are coming hear the click Of their
horses feet. Oh Hetty, tell them l
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 go, even if
they kill me SO run quickly as possible
It's of no use, unless l can deceive
them, am dead man.
Cousin, cousin, hide under my web
Of cloth, they'd never think of looking
for you here. Get down swift as you
can, and III cover you, and stand
sprinkling my linen
It's my only chance, child I'll get
down as you say And suiting the ac-
ton to the word, the governor was soon
hidden under the ample folds of the
cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had
escaped from the house where they hop
ed to secure him, the six mounted tories,
Leaded by British officer, dashed along
the road in swift pursuit. At sight Of
the little girl in the meadow, the leader
OF the party paused.
Child he said, slernly, have you
seen man running away hereabouts 2
Yes, sir replied the trembling girl.
(Which way did he go?'
Il promised not TO tell, SIR
But you must, or take the conse ;
quences.'
Il said ! would not tell if you killed
me, sobbed the frightened girl.
I'll have it out of her, exclaimed the
furious officer with oath
Let me speak to her. said his tory
guide Il know the child, | believe.
Isn't your name Hetty Marvin o he ask
ed, pleasantly.
Yes, SIR
And this man who ran by you few
minutes ago, was your mothers cousin,
wasn't he p
Yes sir he was.
We'll, We are friends Of his. What
did he say to you when he came along p
He-he told me that he was flying
for his life.'
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
| could help him if knew his plans
Now Hetty was not a 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 better than her
silence. So she answered her question
er candidly Ny cousin said that he
was going this way to the river. where
he had boat and he wanted me 10 tell
the men that were chasing him, that ho
had gone the other way to catch the mail
wagon
Why didn't you do as he bid you,
when | asked where he had gone 2
Numbered the officer tiercely.
| could not tell lie, SIR was the
fearful answer.
Hetty,' again began the smooth.
tongued tory, you are nice child
Everybody knows you are girl OF truth
What did your cousin say when you
told him you couldn't tell a falshood o.
He said he shouldn't think I'd be
tray him to death.
And so you promised him that you
would not tell which way he went, If yor
was killed for it p
Yes, sir
That was brave speech and so
suppose be thanked you for it. and rar
down the road as quickly as possible .
/ promised not 10 tell where he wen
SIR
oh yes, l forgot Well, tell us hi
last words, aud we won't trouble yol
any more.
His last words were, It's my onl,
chance, child. and I'll get down as yo,
say And, overcome by the fright. anC
the sense Of her kinsman's danger
should they rightfully interpret the Ian
guage which she had reported. she sob
bed aloud and hid her face from sight
| Her tormentors did not stay any lon
ger TO soothe or question her They ha,
got, as they supposed, the information
which they wanted, and pushed rapid,
down the river. Now. the governor hat