The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-04-15
HETTY MARVIN.


London, Conn.,, in II, and set price on the
head of Gov. Griswold, the latter fed to the
town of l., where his cousin, Mrs. Marvin,
hid him for some days in a. secluded farm
.kouse. But at length the subtle foe discovered
his retreat, 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 Connecticut River, just above the en-
trance of the latter into Long Island Sound.
There he had 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 orchards would bring him to the road !,
only mile from the boat, and save quarter 8
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 usual
" done by the young 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
vetted 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 set Hetty Marvin, the young daughter
= ~ ,uba her him tod
friend sprang past her into the road, to escape
his pursuers. Hetty was timd 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 rush
ed across the meadow But she quickly COM
pretended 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 scheme to delude his
pursuers. "Hetty," he said, earnestly, II am
Aying for life; and unless I can reach my boat
before 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"
20, cousin" said the little girl, in an agony
of distress, ~ cannot tell lie; indeed, l can
notl Why did you tell me which way you
were geing2"
"Hetty, dear child, surely you would not be.
tray me to nv death Hark they are coming
L hear the click of their horses feet. Oh
Hetty, tell them have gone up the road in
stead of down, and Heaven will bless you"
3. "Heaven never blesses those who speak
falsely, cousin But will not tell them which
wsy you 20, even if they kill ME so run aS
quickly as possible"
"IsIs 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 for you
Come. get down as swift as you can, and I'll
cover you and stand sprinkling my linen."'
"It's my only chance, child; I'll get down
as you say" And suiting the action to the
word the Governor was soon hidden under the
fold of the cloth.
Angry that their expected prey had escaped
from the house where they hoped to secure
him, the six mounted Tories, headed by s
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, sternIy, "have you seen
man running hereabouts
ayes, sir" replied Hetty, trembling and
flushing
(Which way did he go?"
sJ promised not to tell, sir"
"But you must, or take the consequences"
II said 1 wouldn't tell, if you killed me,
sobbed the frightened girl
"I'll have it out of her." exclaimed the furi
GUS officer, with an oath.
"Let me speak to her." said his Tory guide
"I know the child, believe. Isn't your nam
Hetty Marvin ?" he asked, pleasantly.
eyes, sir"
"And this man that ran by you few mo
ments ago was your mothers cousin, wasn'
hep"
"Yes, sir, he was
"Well we are friends of his what did h
say to you when he came along?"
"He-told me-that he was flying for hi
life"