The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1876-09-03
HETTY MARVIN.

London, Connecticut, in ", and set
be on the head of Governor Griswold,
q after fled to the town OF l.,
b his cousin, Mrs. Marvin, hid him for
days in the secluded farmhouse. But at
IA the ubtle foe discovered his retreat,
Dne sunny afternoon in May he was
ID from his hiding place by the tidngs
b band of horsemen were approaching
pture him.
only chance of escape was to reach
houth of a little creek which emptied
into the Connecticut River, lust
$e the entrance of the latter iuto Long
ID Sound. There he had boat stat
with two faithful attendants hidden
e eath the high banks of the creek.
be distance from the farmhouse to the
was two miles of the usual Travelled
Bat little path across the farmers
ard would bring him to the road, only
e from the boat, and save a quarter's
th of his fearful run for life.
lst where the narrow path from the or
4 q opened into the road, Hetty Marvin
bleaching her household linen. TIE
web OF forty yards or more, which was
gently spun and woven during the long
tier months, was whitened in May, and
e made ready for use.
he business of bleaching was well econ
zed, being usually done by the younger
ghters OF the family, who were not old
ugd to spin, or strong enough for the
vier work of the kitchen or dairy.
he roll of linen was taken by the farmer
his stout" " help" to grassy plot beside
eprlng or meadow brook There il was
.proughly wetted and spread upon the
pen turf, to take the best heat of the
p by day and the dew by night. The lit
maiden who tended it would sit near it.
GIhQs sat Hetty Marvin, the younger
Pughter of Governor GrisWold's cousin,
ben her hunted friend sprang past her into
road to escape his pursuers. Hetty
es timid child of about twelve wears,
I thoughtful and wise beyond any of her
Eers. She was frightened by the head
B haste with which the governor rushed
Pss the meadow. But she quickly com
ended the scene, and iDstantly quieted
faithful Towser, who, though a friend
pe family guest, thought it becoming to
Loudly at his hurried steps.
wise forethought arrested the COVER
notice, and he suggested a sch eme to
. his pursuers.
etty," he said, "I am flying for my
and unless l can reach my boat before
oVertaken, / am o lost man. You see
pad forks here. But you must tell
who are chasing me that have gone |
road to catch the mail wagon, which
seoon be along, you know. Then they |
enrn off the other way.n
q, cousin J" said the little girl, in an |
OF distress. 81 cannot tell lie, in
cannot. Why did you tell me which |
you were goingP"
etty, child, surely you would not be.
4 me to my death Z Hark they are
pg-I bear the click of their horses
Oh, Hetty, tell them 1 have gone up |
pad instead of down, and heaven will |
you"
aeaven never biesses those who speak |
y, cousin. But 1 will not tell them |
sn way you go, even if they kill me 30
quickly as possible"
gs of no use. Unless l can deceive
am a dead man."
'ousin, cousin, hide under my web of
they'd never think of looking here
ou. Come, get down as swiftly as you
ana III cover you, and stand sprink-
my linen"
fn as you say"
'gry that their expected prey had es-
- from the house where they hoped to
MIN, the slx mounted Tories, headed
British officer, dashed along the road
Eift pursuit. At sight of tie GIRL IN
eadow, the leader of the party paused.
shild," he said, sternly, "have you seen
p running bereaboutS 7"
1es, sir," replied Hetty, trembling and
ling.
Which way did he got"
promised not to tell, sir"
But you must, or take the conse-
nces.n
said wouldn't tell, if you killed me-"
ed the frightened girl.
'll have it out OF her I" exclaim ed the
ne officer with an oath.
+et me speak to her." said his Tory
81 know the child, believe. Isn't
name Hetty Marvin ?" he asked plea
Yes, cir"
And this man that ran by you a few
sb't he7 ~
1es, sir, he was"
Ell, we are friends of his. What did he
you when he came along"
!; s;e-told me-that he was flying for his
Just 2 SO, Hetty that was very true.
- ne Won't have to fly far. Where was
going to hides You see, could help him
knew his plans"
Now' Hetty was not whit deceived by
: smooth speech. But she was willing
sell as much of the truth as would con-
with his safety, and she judged that her
nkhess would serve her kinsman better
10 ner silence, SO she aneuara3 b.r ones