Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1875-06-05
HETTY MARVIN.

latter lied 10 the town OF l.. where
his cousin, Mrs. Marvin, hid him for
some days in secluded farm house.
But at length thesubtle foe discovered
his retreat, and one sunny afternoon ID
May he was routed from his hiding
place by the tidings that band of
horsemen were approaching to capture
him. a&A.ssA @Az
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 a boat stationed, with two faith
full 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 mile from the boat, and save
qulrter's length of his fearful run for
life.
Just where the narrow path from
The orchard opened into the road, Het-
ty Marvin sat with her dog Towser,
tending the bleaching of the house
hold 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 heav-
Ter work Of the kitchen or the dairy.
The roll Of linen was taken by the
farmer or his stout help to grassy
plat, besidea spring ormeadow 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
tended IL would sit nearit.
Thus sat Hetty Marvin, the young
daughter Of Governor Griswold cous-
in, when her hunted friead sprang past
her into the road to escape his purSu-
ers. Hetty was 4 timid child Of about
twelve years; yet thoughtful and wise
beyond many 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 fowser, who, though
friend of the family guest, thought it
becoming to bark loudly at his hurried
steps.
Her wise forethought arrested the
Governor notice, and suggested a
scheme to delude his pursuers. Het-
ty, he said, earnestly, =" am flying
for my life, and unless | can reach my
boat beiore 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. Then
they will turn off the other way
Oh, cousin !" said the little girl in
an agony of distress. Il cannot tell
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-I hear the click of
their horses feet. Oh, Hetty, tell
them | have gone up the road instead
of down, and Heaven will bless you
Heaven never blesses those who
speak falsely. cousin! But | will not
tell them which way you 60, even if they
Kill me; so run as quickly as posi-
BILE"
Its of no use, unless | can deceive
them am a dead man"
Cousin, cousin, hide under my web
of cloth; they'd never think of looking
mere for you. Come, get down as swift
as you can; aud I'll cover you, and
stand spripkling my linen.
Its my only chance, child; III get
down as you say" And suiting the ac-
ton 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
hoped to secure him, the six mounted
Tories dashed along the road in swift
pursuit At sight of the girl in the
meadow the leader of the party paus-
ed.
Child" he said, sternly, have you
seen man running hereabouts? p
Yes sir, replied lletty, trembling
and flushing.
Which way did he CO."
81 promised not to tell sir"
But you must tell or take the conse-
quences."
Il said | wouldn't tell if you killed
me, sobbed the frightened girl.
I'll have IL out of her" exclaimed
the furious officer with an oath.
l. l..
Tory guide; Il know the child, | be-
lieve Isn't your name Hetty Mar
VIM" he asked pleasantly.
Yes, sir.
And this man that ran by you a few
minutes ago was your mothers cousin,
wasn't he?'.
"Yes. sir. he was"
We'll, We are friends of his-what
did he say toyou when he came along?"
"lle-told me-that he was flying
for his life"
just so. Hetty; that was very true.
! hope he won't have to fly far. Where
was he going to hide you see | could
help him if | knew his plans
Now Hetty was not whit deceived
10y this smooth speech But she was
willing to tell as much of the truth as
would consist with his safety, and she
wisely Judged that her frankness would
serve her kinsman better than her ST.
lence So she answered her question
er eandidly. My cousin said he was
going down this way TO the river,
where he had boat; and he wanted
me to tell the men that were chasing
him that he had gone the other way to
catch the mail-wagoa."
why did't you do as he bid you,
then, when asked you where he had
gone ?" thundered the officer, fiercely.
Il eouldnt tell lie, sir, " was the
fearful answer. 1889 -l-
"Hetty." again began the smooth
tongued Tory. .you are nice child:
Everybody knows You are a girl OF
truth. What did your cousin say
when you told him you couldn't tell a
faisehood 2" xs.s-e...
.HHc said BE should mt think I'd be-
tray him to his death.
And you then promised ham that
Won would MT tell which way he went,
IF yoa we're killed for it 2
yes. sir"
47,baf vas brave speech; and so L
suppose he thanked you for 1t, and ran