The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1863-02-27
THE GOVERNORS ESCAPE.

When the British and Tories attacke.
New London. Connecticut. in IL, an,
set price on the head Of Gov. Girls void. tb.
latter fed to the town of l., where hi
cousin. Mrs. Marvin. hid him for some days
in secluded farm house. But 1t lengtl
the subtle foe discovered his retreat; and
one sunny afternoon in May, was routed
from his hiding place by the tidings that q
band OF horsemen 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 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 o
little sheep path across the farmers orch
ards would bring him to the road only a
mile from, the boat. and save . quarter
length Of his fearful run for life.
Just whore the narrow path from the
orchard opened into the road, Hetty Mar
vin.s "a with her dog Towssr, tending the
bIsaching OF the household linen. The long
web Of forty yards or more. which was dill
gently spun and wove during the long win
Ter. months. was whitened in May. and thus
made ready for use. This business of bleach.
ing economical, being usually done by the
younger daughters of the family, who were
not old enough to spin. nor strong enough
for the heavier work Of the kitchen and dai.
The roll OF linen was taken by the farmer
or his stout "help" to grassy plat, beside
q spring or meadow brook. There IL was
thoroughly wetted and spread upon the
green turf, to take the heat of the sun by
day, and the dew at night. The little maid.
en- who tended il, 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 Upper, and make il wet again.
Thus sat Hetty Marvin, the younger
daughter of Governor Griswold's cousin,
when her hunted friend sprang past her in
TO the road to eacape from his pursuers. =
Hctty was timd child Of about twelve
yesrs, vet thoughtful and wise beyond ma
nv of her elders. She was frightened by
the hesdlong haste with which the Govern
% pushed across the meadow. But she
quickly comprehendsd the scene; and in
stantly quieted her faithful Towser, who,
though friend to the family guest. thought
it becoming to bark loudly at his hurried
steps.
Her wise foreth,ught arrested the Gov
srnor's notice, and suggested scheme to
deaude his porsuers. "Hetty." he said.
earnestly. IL am flying for my life. and un-
lees can reach my boat before sm 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"
"Oh, cousin !" said the little girl in an
agony Of distress. IL cannot tell q lie; indeed
I cannot. Why did you tell me which way
you were goiug?"
"lIetty. dear child, shurely you would
not hetray me to my death ! Hark they
are coming- hear the click of their hors-
es' feet.A Oh. He,ty. tell them have gone
Sp the road instead Of do,cn. and heaven
will bless you.
..Heaven never blesses those who speak
falsely, cousin ! But will not tell them
which way you 60. even if they kill me;
90 run rs quickly as possible"
..It's no use; unless can deceive them
am dead man.
'sCousiu. cousin. hide under my web OF
cloth; they'd never think OF looking Tor you
here. Come get down as swiit as you can,
and I'll cover you and stand sprinkling my
linen"
''It's my only chance. child: I'll get down
- you say" and suiting the action TO the
word. the Governor was soon hidden under
the ample folds OF tho cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had es
capped from the house where they hoped to
secure him, the six mounted Tories, headed
by British officer. dashed along the road
in swift pursuit AT sight Of the little gir
in the meadow, the leader of the party pau,
ed.
"Child," he said. sternly. "have you seer
. man running away hereabouts:"
'Yee. sir" replied Hetty, trembling On,
flushing.
(which way did he go?"f q rrFisA
81 promised not to tell. sir" ~
f "But you must, or take the consequea
ces."
s.I eaid wouldnv tell IL you killed me,
sS,hl,pd the fri0hte ad 0irl