The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1875-10-08
AETfY MARVIN.

When the Dfltlsn anu loTics aetachcu
New London, Connecticut, in 1776, and
ret a price on the head OF Governor
Griswold, the latter fed to the town Of
l., 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 afternoon
in May he was routed from his hiding
place by tidings that band Of horse
men we're approaching to capture him.
His only chance Of escape was to reach
the mouth Of little creek which emptied
itself into the Connecticut river jus.
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
usual travelled road. But little path
across the farmers orchard would bring
him to the boat and save a quarters
length of his fearful run for life.
Just where the path from the orchard
opened into the road, Hetty Marvin sat,
with her dog Towser, tending the bleach
ing 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 bust
ness of bleaching was we'll economical,
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.
The roll Of linen was taken by the
farmer or his stout "help" to a grassy
plat, beside spring or meadow brook.
There it was thoroughly wetted and
spread upon the green turf, to take the
best heat Of the sun by day and the dew
by night. The little maiden who at
tended it would sit near.
Thus sat Hetty 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, but wise beyond
any OF her elders. She was frightened
by the headlong race with which the
Governor rushed across the meadow
But she quickly comprehended the
scene. and instantly quoted her faithful
Towser, who, though friend to the fam
lily guest, thought it becoming to bari
loudly at his hurried steps. Her wise
forethought arrested the Governors no
tice, and suggested a scheme to deludt
his pursuers.
"Hetty," he said, earnestly, 81 an
flying for my life, and unless can reach
my boat before am overtaken am 4
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 b,
along, you know. Then they will turn
of the other way"
"Oh, cousin" said the little girl in al
agony Of distress, can not tell lie
indeed | can not. Why did you tell m,
which way you were goingT'
"Hetty, dear child, surely you would
not betray me to my death. Hsrk
they are comiDg-I hear the click Of
their horses feet Oh, Hetty, tell then
have gone up the road instead Of down
and Heaven will bless you"
Heaven never blesses those who
speak falsely, cousin. But ] will moi
tell them which way you go, even q
they kill me; 40 run as quickly as posi-
ble."
It's Of no use unless | can de, civ,
them ] am dead man."
cousin, cousin, hide under my wei
Of cloth; they'd never think of looking
here for you. Come, get down as quicl
as you can, and III cover you and stand
sprinkling my linen"
SITS my only chance, child III ge,
down as you say"
And suiting the action 10 the word
the Governor was soon hidden under III,
folds Of the cloth.
Angry that their expected prize had
escaped 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 o.
the girl in the meadow the leader Of tn,
party paused.
"Cbild," he said sternly, "have you
seen man running hereabout ?"
Yes, sir" replied Hetty, trembling