The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1862-07-12
HETTY MARVIN.

latter fed to 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 in May he was routed
from his hiding place by the tidings that a
band of horsenen 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 banks of the creek. The distance
from the farm house to the boat was two
miles by the usual travelled road, But q
little sheep path across the farmers or
chards would bring him to theroad only 8
mile from the boat, and save quarters
length of his fearful run for life.
Just where the narrow path from the or
chard opened into the road, Hetty Marvin
sat with her dog Towser.
Thus sat Hetty 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
meadow. But she quickly comprehended
the scene, and instantly quieted the 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 scheme to
delude his pursuers "Hetty." he said,
earnestly, 81 am flying for my life, and IN
less can reach my boat before am over
taken, am lost man. You see 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 l have
gone up the road to catch the mail wagon,
which will soon be along, you know. Then
they will turn off the other way"
ooh, cousin - said the little girl. in an
agony of distress, 81 cannot tell lie; in
deed, I cannot. Why did you tell me which
way you were going 2"
"Hetty. my child, surely you would not
betray me to my death. Hark they are
coming; I hear the click of their horse
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 I will not tell them
which way you 60, even if they kill me; so
run quickly as possible"
OTIS no use; unless can deceive them,
I am dead man."
"Cousin, cousin, hide under my web oil
cloth; they'd never think of looking for you
here. Come get down as swift as you can,
and I'll cover you, and stand sprinkling my
linen"
.'It's my only chance, child; I'll gel
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 es-
, capped from the house where they had hoped
to secure him, the six mounted tories head
ed 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. sternly, ''have you seen
man running away hereabouts 2"
Eyes, sir replied Hetty, trembling and
blushing.
(Which way did he go?"
81 promised not to tell, SIR
"But you must, or take the conse-
quences.''
''I said I wouldn't tell if you killed me, -
6oDoeO the IrlgnLeneo girl.
"I'll have it out of her - exclaimed the
furious officer, with an cath.
''Let me speak to her." said his tory
guide; ''I know the child, believe. Isn't
your name Hetty Marvin ?'' he asked, pleas
antly.
eyes, sir"
"And this man who ran by you few
minutes ago was your mothers cousin,
wasn't he %
eyes, sir; he was"
.sWell, we are friends of his. What did
he say to you when he came along 90
"He-told me-that he was flying for his
life.''
"Just SO, Hetty, that was very true. I
hope he won't have to fly far. Where was
he going to try to hide I? You see could
help him if knew his plans.''
Now Hetty was not whit deceived by
this smooth speech; so she answered the
questioner candidly:
"My cousin said that he was going down
this way to the river, where he 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 babe you, then,
when asked where he had gone 90 thun-
dered the officer. fiercely.
81 could not tell q lie, sir, was the tear
full 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 falsehood go
"He said he shouldn't think I'd betray
him to his DEATH"
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