Montgomery County sentinel., 1875-04-30
Seletted Mistellang,
HETTY MARVIN

When the British and Tories attacked
New London Conn, in II, and set
price on the head of Governor Griswold,
the latter fed to 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 band of horsemen
were approaching to capture him.
His only chance to escape was to reach
the mouth of little creek which emp
tied itself into the Connecticut rive. just
above the entrance of the latter into
Long Island Sound. There he had a
boat stationed, with two faithful attend
ants hidden beneath the high banks of
the creek. The distance from the farm
house to the boat was two miles by the
usually travelled road, but little path
across the farmers orchards would bring
him to the road, only 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
Marvin sat, with her dog Towser, tend
ing the bleaching of her household linen.
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 ready for use.
The business of bleaching was well econo-
mized, 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 "helpo to grassy
plat, beside spring or meadow brook
There it was thoroughly wettcd or spread
upon 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.
Thus sat Hctty Marvin, the young
daughter of Governor 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, though thoughtful and wise be-
yond any Of her elders She was fright
encd by the headlopg haste with which
the Governor rushed across the meadow
But she quickly comprehended the scene,
and instantly quieted her faithful Towser.
who, though friend Of the family guest,
thought it becoming to bark loudly at
his hurried steps.
Her wise forethougbt arrested the
Governors notice and suggested q scheme
to delude his pursuers. . Hetty," he
said, earnestly, " am flying for life, and
unless | can reach my boat before | am
overtaken ] am lost man. You see the
road forks here, but you must tell those
who are chasing me that / have gone up
the road to catch the mail wagon, which
will soon be along, you know. They
will turn off the other way
90, cousin" said the little girl in an
agony of distress, II cannot tell lie !;
indeed ! cannot. Why did you tell me
which way you were going r
I" Hetty, my child. surely you would
not betray me to my death. Hark !
they are coming-I hear the click Of their
horses feet Oh, Hetty. tell them /
have gone up the road instead of down.
and Heaven bless you"
Heaven never blesses those who
speak falsely, cousin But will not
tell them which way you go, even if they
kill me; so run as quickly as possible" :"
It's 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 swift
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 suiting the ac-
ton to the word the Governor was soon
hidden under the fold of the cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had
escaped from the house where they 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
paaty paused