The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1875-10-07

\
| When the British and Tories attack
ed New London Connectict, in IL
and set a price Oh the head of Governo
Griswold, the latter fled to the town o
D., where his cousin, Mrs. Marvin
hid him for some days in a secluded
farmhouse. But at length the subtle
foe discovered his retreat, and one sun
ny afternoon in May he was routed
from his hiding place by the tiding:
that band of horsemen were ap
preaching to capture him. His only
chance of escape was to reach the mouth
of little creek which emptied itsel
into the Connecticut River, just above
the entrance of the latter into theLong
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 little path
across the farmers orchard would
bring him to the road, only a mile
from the boat and save u quarters
length of his fearful run for life.
Just where the narrow path from the
orchard opened into the road, Hetty
Marvin sat with her dog Towser, tend
ing the bleaching of her household lin
en-. The 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
economized, being usually done by the
younger daughters of the family, who
were not old enough to spin, or strong
enough for the heavier work of the
kitchen or the dairy.
The roll of linen was taken by the
farmer or his stout "help" to grassy
plat, beside spring or brook. There
it was thoroughly wetted and spread
upon the green turf, to take the best
heat of the son 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 cous-
in, when her hunted friend sprang past
her into the road to escape from his
pursuers. Hetty was timid child of
about twelve years, yet thoughtful and
wise beyond any of her elders. She
was frightened by the headlong haste
with which the governor rushed across
the meadow. But she quickly compre-
hended the scene, and instantly quiet
ed her faithful Towser, who, though a
friend of the family guest, thought it
becoming to bark loudly at his hurri-
ed steps.
Her wise forethought arrested the
governors notice, and suggested a
scheme to delude his pursuers. "Het-
ty," he said earnestly, II am flying
for my life and unless 1 can reach my
boat before / am overtaken ain lost
man. You see the road forks here.
But you must tell those who are chas-
ing me that 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, "I 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-T hear the click of
their horses feet. Oh, Hetty. tell them
] have gone up the road instead of
down, aud heaven will bless YOU"
"Heaven never blesses those who
speak falsely, cousin But I will not
tell them which way you so even if
they kill me so run quickly as pOssi-
ble."
"It's no use unless I can deceive
them I am dead man."
"Cousin, cousin, hide under my web
of cloth they'd never think of looking
here for you. Come get down as swift
ly as you can and I'll cover you, and
stand sprinkling my linen"
"It's my only chance; I'll get down
as you say" And suiting the action
to the word, the governor was soon
hidden under the folds of the cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had
escaped from the house where they had
hoped 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 party paused.
"Child," he said sternly, 'have you
seen a man rushing hereabouts
ayes, sir" said Hetty, trembling
and flushing.
(which way did he go?"
"I promised not to tell, SIR"
"But you must or take the cOnse-
quences."
81 said wouldn't tell if you killed
me, sobbed the frightened girl.
"J'll have it out of her." exclaimed
the furious officer with all oath.
"Let me speak to her." said his Tory
guide "I know the child, 1 believe
Isn't your name Hetty Marvin?" he
asked pleasantly.
"Yes, SIR"