Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-03-11
HETTY MARVIN.

WHEN the British and Tories attacked
New London, Conn, in IT, and set
price on the head Of Gov. Griswold, the
latter fled to the town Of L., where
his cousin, Mrs. Marvin, hid him for
some days i'll secluded farmhouse.
But at length the subtle foe discovered
his retreat, aad one sunny afternoon in
May he was routed from his hidingplace
by the tidings that band of horsemen
were approaching to 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 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 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, tending
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 we'll
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
farmer or his stout help" to a grassy
plat, beside a 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 tended
it would sit near.
Thus sat Hetty Marvin, the young
daughter Of Gov. 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
Cove nor rushed across the meadow
But she quickly CCmprehended the
scene, and instantly Quoted her faithful
Towser, who, though a friend of the
family guest thought it becoming to
bark loudly at his hurried steps
Her wise forethou ght arrested the Gov
ernor's notice, and suggested a sch"- to
deludc his pur5uers. Hetty," he said,
earnestly, u am flying for my life; and
unless | can reach my boat before l am
overtaken am a lost man. You see
the road forks here. But you must tell
gone up the road to catch the mail
wagon, which will soon be along, you
know Then they will turn eft the other
way"
80 cousin" said the little girl, in an
agony of distress, 60 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 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 l will not
tell them which way you go, even if
they kill me; so run as quickly as pos
sible."
I" It's of no use; unless l can deceive
them am a dead man."
9 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 III cover you and stand
sprinkliDg my linen"
It's my only chance, child; I'll get
down as you say" And suiting the &C
ton to the word the Governor was soon
hidden under the folds of the cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had es
capped from the house where they hoped
to secure him, the six mounted Tories
headed by q British officer, dashed alons
the road in swift pursuit. At sight OF
the girl in the meadow the leader Of the
party paused.