Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-12-07

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 daugh-
ter of Governor Griswold's cousin, when her
hunted friend sprang past her into the road
to escape his pursuers. Hetty was timid
child of about twelve years, yet thoughtful
and wise beyond any of her elders. She
was frightened by the haste with which the
governor rushed across the meadow. But
she quickly understood the scene, and in
stantly 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 govern
ors notice, and suggested scheme to elude
his pursuers.
"Hetty," he said, al am flying for my
life; and unless 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
"Oh, cousin" said the little girl, in an
agony of distress. al cannot tell lie; in
deed cannot. Why did you tell which way
you were going"
"Hetty, child, surely you would not be-
tray. 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 go, even if they kill me so
rup az nuirHIu tsOcaih la ~
ats 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 swiftly as you
can, and Ill cover you, and stand sprinkling
my linen"
Angry that their expected prey had es-
| capped from the house where they hoped to
secure him, the six mounted Tories, headed
| by 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, sternly, "have you seen
a man running hereabouts ?"
eyes, sir" replied Hstty, trembling and
flushing.
(Which way did he go?"
| al promised not to tell, sir.
"But you must or take the consequences
81 said wouldn't tell, if you killed me-"
sobbed the frightened girl.
am have it out of herl" exclaimed tbs
furious officer, with an oath.
"Let me speak to her." said the Tory
| guide. al know the child, believe. Isn't
your name Hetty Marvin ?" he asked pleas
antly.
"Yes, SIR"
Sand this man that ran by you few
minutes ago was your mothers cousin
wasn't he 7"
/" Yes, sir, he was"
| "Well we are friends of his. What did
he say to you when he came along 7"
"He--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 helI
him if knew his plans"
9 Now, Hetty was not whit deceived by
this smooth speech. But she was willing
to tell as much of the truth as would consist
with his safety, and she judged that hel
frankness would serve her kinsman better
than her silence, so she answered her ques
toner caudidly:
"My cousin said he was going down To
the river, where he had boat, and wanted
me to tell the men that were chasing hin
that he had gone the other way, to catcl
the mail-wagon."
"Why didn't you do as he told you, then
when ] asked you where he had gone .
Numbered the officer, fercely.
81 could not tell lie, sir" was the tear
full answer.
Hstty," again began the smooth-tonguet
Tory, "you are a nice child. Everybod,
knows you are a girl of truth. What di'
your cousin say when you told him yo'
could not tell falsehood?"
He said he shouldn't think Id betray
him to his DEATH"
"And then you promised him that 20,
wouldn't tell which way he went if yo
were killed for it."
"Yes, SIR"
"That was brave; and | suppose h,
thanked you for it, and ran down the roa
as quickly as possible"
al promised not to tell where he went
SIR"
sob, yes, forgot Well, tell us his las
words, and we won't trouble you any more.
His last words were, It's my onl
chance, child, and I'll get down as you say
And overcome with fright and the sens
i of her kinsman's danger, should they right
interpret the language which she had T,
ported, she sobbed aloud, and hid her fac
from sight
Her tormentors did not stay longer
sooth or question her. They immediatel
pushed rapidly on down to the river.
Now the governor had arranged sign
with his boatmen that white cloth by da
or light by night, displayed from the att
window of his hiding-place should indca
his presence and call them to his aid.
when the night came on he babe Hett
run home and tell her people to put up Il
signal for the boatmen, and send hi
there some supper, with his yalise, whic
[ in the hurry of his departure, he had lie
: behind.
The signal recalled the boat, which aft
twilight had ventured in sight of the sho
aud the farmhouse, and the governor quiet
, made his way to the river in safety. VIII,
F, he rejoined his father in secure home,
named his infant daughter, which had be-
born in his absence, llstty Marvin" tn
he might be daily reminded of the lit,
cousin whose truth and shrewdness saw
' his life.--Seiected.