The Van Buren press., 1875-04-13
MISCELLANY.
HETTY MARTIN.
March, 1873.

When the British and Tories attacked
New London, Connecticut, in IL. and
set price on the head Of Gov Griswold
the latter fed to the town Of L, where
his cousin, Mrs. Martin, hid him for some
DAYS in the secluded farmhouse But at
! LENGTH the subtitle foe discovered his re.
treat, and one sunny afternoon IN May he
was routed from his hiding place by the
tidinrs that a band Of horsemen were ap.
proachiug to capture him. His only
chance of escape was to reach the mouth
/ of a little creek which empted itself into
the Connecticut River, just above the en-
trance of the latter INTO the Long lslond
| Sound. There he had boat Stationed
with two faithful attendants hidden be-
meath the high banks Of the creek, The
| distance from the farm house TO the boat
was two miles by the usual travelled road.
But a little path across the farmer or
chard would bring him TO the road, only
mile from the boat, and save quarter S
| length of his fearful run FOR life
just where TIE narrow path from the
orchard opened into the road, hetty
Marvin sat bleaching her household lin
en-. The long web of forty yards or more
waich WAS dillgently spun and woven
during the long winter months, was Will
tened IN May, and thus made ready for
use. The business Of bleaching was well
econcmzcd, being usually done by the
Younger daughters Of the family, who are
not old enough to spin. or strong enough
! for the heavier work of the kitchen or
! the dairy. n
Ihe roll Of linen was tpKen by the lar
mer or his stout help" = grassy plot,
beside a spring or meadow brook There
it was Thoroughly wet and spread upon
the preen turf, to take the best heat of the
sun 10y day, and the dew by night The
! little maiden who tended it would sit near
it.
Thus sat Hctty Martin, the youg daugh
ter Of GOV. Griswold's cousin, when her
hunted friend sprang past her INTO the
road to escape pursuers. Hetty was u
timid child of about twelve years, yet
thoughtful and wise beyond any of her
elders She was frightened by the head
long haste with which the governor rash
ed across the meadow. But she quickly
comprchendcd the scene, and instantly
auietcd her faithful Tower, VINO, though
a friend Of the family guest. thought it
becoming to bark loudly at his hurried
steps
Her wise forothought arrested the gov
crnor's notice, and suggested scheme
to deude his pursuers. Hetty,' said he
he said, d" am flying for my life; and
unless can reach my boat before | am
overtakcn, am lost man. You see the
road forks here But you must tell those
who are chasing me that have gone up
the road 10 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. | cannot tell lie
indeed cannot, why did you tell which
way YOU were going
" Hctty, dear child, sure you would not
bctray me to my death Hark they are
coming-l hear the click Of their horse 5
feet. :" Oh, Hetty, tell them have gone
up the road instead Of down; and heav'
en- will bless YOU
Heaven never besscs those who speak
falsely, cousin! But | will not tell them
which way You 60, even If they kill me ;
50 run as quickly as possible
LIS of no use unless | 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 swiftly
as you can; and I'll cover you, and stand
sprinkling my linen"
Angry that their expected prey had
escaped from the house whore they hop
ed TO secure him, the six mounted tories,
headed by a British officer, dashed along
the road in swift pursuit At sight of the
Girl in the meadow, the leader OF the par
ty paused.
.Childn he said stcrnly, have you
seen man running hereabouts 2
Yes, SIR replied lietty, trembling and
flushing
Which way did he gor
4 promised not to tell sir.
But you must, or take the consequen
ces'
4 said wouldn't tell, il you killed
me- sobhed the frightened girl.
I'm have it out of her exclaimed the
| furious officer with IN oath.
Let me speak to her. said his Tory
guide; i know the child, believe Ism t
your name IIctty Marvin?' he asked,
pleasantly.
Yes, sir
And this man that ran by You few
minutes ago, was your mothers cousin,
wasn't hep
Yes. sir, he was
well, we are friends Of his-what did
he say to you when he came alongT
lIe--told me--that he was flying fol
! his life
Just so, lIctty; that was very true.
hope he won't have to fly far. Where was