The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1875-05-21
HETTY MARVIN.

When the British and Tories attacked
New London, Connecticut. in IL, and
set a price on the head of Governor Girls
void, the latter fled TO the town of L,
where his cousin. Mrs. Marvin. hid him
for some days in the secluded farmhouse.
But at length the subtle foe discovered his
treat, and one sunny afternoon in May
he was routed from his hiding-place by
the tidings that band of horseinen were
approaching 10 capture him.
His only chance of escape was TO reach
the mouth of little creek which emptied
itself into the Connecticut River. just
above the entrance of the latter into Long
Island Sound. There he had boat sta
toned. with two faithful attendants hidden
beneath the high hanks of the creek.
The distance from the farmhouse to the
boat was two miles of the usual Travelled
road. But little path across the farmers
orchard would bring him 10 the road, only
mile from the boat, and save quarter
length OF his fearful run for life.
just where the narrow path from the
orchard opened into the road, Hetty Mar
win sat bleaching 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 made ready for
use.
The business of bleaching was well
economical. 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 farm
er or his stout "help" to grassy plot
beside spring or meadow-brook. There
a.. 1. n
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 her
into the road TO escape his pursuers.
Hetty was a 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 Gov
ernor rushed across the meadow. But
she quickly comprehended the scene. and
instantly queted her faithful Towser.
who, though friend OF the family guest,
thought IL becoming TO bark loudly at his
hurried steps.
Her wise forethought arrested the Gov
ernor's notice, and suggested scheme to
deiude his pursuers.
Hetty." he said. II am flying for my
life; and unless / can reach my boat be-
fore am overtaken. | am lost man. Y GU
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.
Then they will turn off the other way
"Oh, cousin" said the little girl, in an
agony of distress. II cannot tell a lie +:
Sndeed | cannot. Why did you tell
which way you were going?"
hetty, child, surely you would not
betray me 10 my death? Hark they are
comiEg-I hear the click of their horses
ieet. oh. Hetty, tell them have gone up
the road instead Of down, and heaven will
bless you
Heaven never blesses those wEo sneak
falsely, cousin. But | will not tell them
which way you go, even If they kill me !;
so run as quickly as possible
Its 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
Tor you. Come, get down as swiftly as
you can. and III cover you, and stand
sprinkling my linen"
Angry that their expected prey had es-
capped from the house where they hoped 10
secure him. the six mounted Tories, head
ed by 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. shave you seen
man running hereaboutsY'
les; SIR" replied Hetty, trembling