Weekly Trinity journal., 1874-07-04
A STORY OF THE REVOLUTION.

the town of l., where his cousin, Mrs.
Marvin, hid him for some days in a Sc
cluded farmhouse. But at last the sub
tie foe discovered his retreat, and one af-
ternoon in May he was aroused by the
tidings that band of horsemen were APP
preaching to capture him.
His only chance to escape was to reach
the mouth of a little creek, which emp
tied itself into the Connecticut river, just
above the entrance oe the latter into Long
Island Sound. There he had boat sta
toned, with faithful attendants hidden
beneath a high bank 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 quarter Of a mile from
the boat, and save 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
UIcuCDlIS VI lilC lOustllOlu ll1Cus HO
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, The
business of bleaching was well economic
ed, being usually done by the younger
daughters of the family, who were not
old enough to spin, nor strong enough to
do 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 plat,
beside spring or meadow brook. There
1t was thoroughly wetted and spread up
on the green turf, to take the best heat OF
the sun by day and the dew by night
The little maiden who tended it would
sit near it.
Thus sat Hetty Marvin, the young
daughter of Governor Griswold's cousin,
when her hunted friend sprang past hel
into the road, to escape from his pursu-
ers. Hetty was timid child of about
twelve years yet thoughtful and wise
beyond many of her elders. She was
frightened by the beadlong haste with
which the Governor was rushing across
the meadow. But she quickly compre-
hendcd the scene, and instantly quieted
her faithful Towsor, who though a friend
of the family guest, thought it becoming
to bark loudly at the hurried steps.
Her wise forethought arrested the Gov
ernor's notice, and suggested scheme to
delude his pursuers. Hetty," he said,
earne tly, " l am flying for my life, and
unless l can reach my boat before l am
overtaken, am lost man. You sec
the roads fork here. Blu: you must tell
them who are chasing me that l have
gone up the road to catch the mail wa
gon, which will soon be along. you know.
That will turn them the other way"
"Oh, cousin |" cried the little girl, in
an agony of distress, " cannot tell a
lie, indeed 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 coming-I hear the click of their
horses feet Oh, EHetty tell them I
have gone up the road instead of down,
and Heaven will bless you"
"Heaven never besses those who speak
falsely, cousin. But l will not tell them
which way you go, even if they kill me ;
so run rs quickly as possible"
It's of no use ; unless ! can deceive
them, Pm dead man."
Cousin, cousin, hide under my web
of cloth they'd never think of looking
here for you. Come, get down as swiftly
as you can, and I'll cover you and stand
sprinkling my linen"
"It's my only chance, child I'll get
down as you say" And suting the ac-
ton to the word, the Governor was soon
hiding under the ample folds of the
cloth.
Ang y that their expected prey had es-
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. At sight
of the little girl in the meadow, the lead
or of the party stopped.
Child" he said sternly, shave you
seen man running away hereabouts 2"
"Yes, sir" replied Hetty, trembling
and flushing.
Which way did he 60 ?'
promised not to tell, sir"
But you must, or take the conse-
quenccs."
I" ] said would not tell, if YOU killed
me-" sobbed the frightened, but brave
girl.
"I'll have it out Of her." exclaimed
the furious officer with an oath.
Let me speak to her." said his Tory
guide. Il know the child, l believe
Isn't your name Hctty Marvin ?" he
asked, pleasantly.
Yes, sir"
And this man that ran by you few
minutes ago, was your mothers cousin,
wasn't he.
" Yes, sir, he was"
Well, we are friends of his-what
did he say to you as he came along ?"
"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 10 try to hide You see |
could assist him if knew his plans"
Now Hetty was not whit deceived by
this smooth speech. But she was willing
to tell what would be consistent with his