The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1881-10-29


in anything in this practical world save the
whitening of her mothers linen.
She was reading where Christian had found
the key of promise in his bosom, and was reloic-
ing over the discovery with Hopeful, when Tow
ser sprang up, uttering a loud bark.
Just at that moment a man came running
through the Orchard-a man with his hat Off, and
otherwise disattired and wearing hunted anx-
ious look on his pale face At the first glance, the
girl recognized Governor Griswold.
He did not see her in his haste, and sprang by
/ her; but he paused as she cried to him:
Cousin cousin! what is the NATTER"
"Hetty the British and Tories are at the house,
and | am fleeing for my life. Please keep good
Towser quiet. They will hang me if they catch
me-"
The girl instantly quoted the dog, who though
friendly enough to the family guest, felt it in
cumbent to take some notice of his hurried steps.
"But how do you mean to escape?" she asked,
growing somewhat pale at the thought of her
gallant cousin being caught and hung by the
British.
Il have boat hidden down on the river, and
two of my friends are waiting there for me. If
can get down there before my enemies overtake
me, shall be saved. Good-by, little cousin !!
I When the dragons come along tell them have
gone up the road after the mail-wagon.'
Hetty Marvin's dark eyes looked up very much
surprised and very much distressed through her
truant curls.
Il cannot tell lie, cousin-indeed ! cannot! !"
she cried.
And the long eye-lashes grew misty with I'M
shed tears.
"But you must, child, else the British will
surely overtake me! You would not betray me
to death, Hetty?"
NO no! But must not, dare not lie. / will
never tell which way you go; they may tear me
in pieces first. So quickly, for they are COM
ing"
The loud tramp Of horses hoofs rang out fear
fully near.
"Its no use," said the governor, looking around
desperately. Unless l can deceive them am a
doomed man."
The clank of spurs and sabres could now be
heard up the road. The dragons would soon be
there. Yet Hetty felt that she could not tell an
untruth even to save her cousins life.
Suddenly her face flushed with a happy
thought.
"for that would be wicked; but the British
shan't get you if I can help it. Crawl under my
web of cloth; they'll never think Of looking there
for you. Get down, as quickly you can, cousin,
for they are almost here and l will cover you,
and stand sprinkling my linen"
The governor looked around with the keenness
Of hunted deer. His ears and his eyes told him
that it would be vain now to attempt to escape
by flight, and his little cousins plan pleased
him.
ut is my only chance, and l thank you,' he
said. Il will get down you say"
Suiting the action to the word, Governor Girls
void crept under the great web of linen, and
Hetty saw that he was carefully covered, and
then fastened to the brook to fill her gourd with
water.
She was sprinkling the web with her trem-
bling hands when the British dragons rode up, a
score of ferce-looking men, in gay uniforms, their
heavy sabres clanking at every movement their
horses made.
The sharp eye Of the leader noticed the little
girl in the orchard and riding close to the wall
he called out, sternly:
Child, has anyone passed here within half
hour?"
"Yes, sir, answered Hetty, growing very pale.
81 saw a man, running very fast, go by not ten
minutes ago"
(Which way did he go?" asked the officer.
II promised l wouldn't tell, sir" said Hetty,
sobbing in her fright.
But we are friends Of his, and we wish to give
him aid, said the officer, eunniHgly. "Did you
not see which way he went?"
yes"
"And you won't tell us?"
Il said l promised not to tell, and ! won't,
even if you kill me!' said Hetty; and she looked
very brave and determined though she trembled
so that her teeth chartered.
Don't you be frightened, child" said man
whom Hetty recognized a Tory Of the neigh
borhood, and who was evidently the guide of the
party. IS not your name Hetty Marvin?"
! "Yes. sir"
"And now Hetty, wasn't this man your cousin,
and hasn't he been stopping at your house,"
ayes, sir" replied Hetty.
"Of course he said something to you when he
went past now, didn't he, Hetty?"
! Eyes, sir"
! What did he say?" inquired the Tory his
eyes flashing with triumph.
"He-he said he was flying for his life
Just so, Hetty. And he told you his plans,
very likely? Be nice girl and tell us all he
|