Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1875-03-06
HETTY MARVIN.

When the Tories attacked New Lon
don, Connecticut, and set 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 n secluded farmhouse. But at
length the subtle foe discovered his re-
treat, 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 of escape was to
reach the mouth Of little creek which
emptied itself into the Connecticutriver
Just above the entrance of the latter into
Long Island sound. There he had q
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 n 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 the 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
nba lo11ci, Of
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
farmer or his stout help" to 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 tended
it would sit near it.
Thus sat Hetty Marvin, the young
daughter of Governor Griswold's S cousin,
when her hunted friend sprang past her
into the road to escape from his pursu-
ers. Hetty was 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 Governor rushed across the
meadow. But she quickly comprehend
ed 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 forethought arrested the
Governors notice, and suggested q
scheme todelude his pursuers. "Hetty, y
he said, earnestly, 81 am flying for my
life, and unless can reach my boat be-
fore I am overtaken L am o 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 il
an agony of distress. 81 cannot tell {
lie indeed [ cannot why did you tel
me which way you were going2"
Hetty, dear child, surely you would
not betray me to my death Hark they
are coming-I hear the click of theil
horses feet. Oh, Hetty, tell them have
gone up the road instead of down, anG
Heaven will bless you"
Heaven never blesses those who
speak falsely, cousin But L will not
tell them which way you go, even il
they kill me so run as quickly as pos
asible"
cts of no use, unless I can deceive
them am dead man. !"
"Cousin, cousin, hide under my wet
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"
cts my only chance, child I'll get
down as you say" And suiting the ac.
tion 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 mountee
Tories 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, "have
you seen a man running hereabouts 2"
Yes, sir, replied Hetty, trembling
aud flushing.
(Which way did he go2"
~ promised not to tell, SIR"
"But you must or take the conse
quences.
g. I said wouldn't tell if you killet
me, )" sobbed the frightened girl.
"I'll have it out of her." exclaimed
the furious officer with an oath.
let me speak to her" said his Tor,
guide; "I know the child, I believe
Isn't your name Hetty Marvin 2" h
asked pleasantly.
eyes, SIR
"And this man that ran by You feN
minutes ago was your mothers cousin
wasn't he 2"