Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1900-11-07

A New England Heroine. :
Ssssssssssssssss>sssssssss
400 HEN the British and Tories
WW attacked New Haven, Conn,
and set . price on the head Of
Governor Griswold the latter ded to the
town Of Lyme. where his cousin, Mrs.
Marvin. hid him for some days in q
farmhouse. But at length the foe dis
covered his retreat, and one sunny af-
bsrnoon in May he was routed from his
hiding place by the tidinss that . band
u horsemen was approaching to cap
eure him.
His only chance Of escape was to
reach the mouth Of little creek which
snptied itself into the Connecticut
River Just above the entrance Of the
latter into Long Island Sound. There
- had boat stationed, with two faith
eul attendants, hidden beneath the high
banks Of the creek.
The distance from the farmhouse to
ne boat was two miles Of the usually
Travelled road. But . little path across
IL farmers orchard would bring him
b the road only . mile from the boat
anA ave . quarters length Of his
fearful run for life.
Just where the narrow path from the
srchafd opened into the road Hetty
Marvin sat bleaching her household
linen. The long web Of forty miles or
moro, which was diligently spun and
woven during the long winter months.
was whitened in May and thus made
ready for use.
The business Of bleaching was well
scooomized, being usually done by the
younger daughters Of the family, who
Wess 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 q grassy
piot beside q spring OF meadow brook.
There 1t was thoroughly wetted and
spread upon the green turf to take the
best heat Of the sun by day and the
dow BY night The little maiden who
tended to 1t would sit near 1t.
Thus sat Hetty Marvin, the young
daughter Of Governor GriswOld's
cousin, when her hunted friend sprang
past her into the road to escape his pur-
suss Hetty was 4 timid child Of
about II 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
ID the scene and instantly Quieted her
faithful Towser. who. though . friend
Of the family guest, thought It becom-
ing to bark loudly at his hurried foot
steps.
Her wise forethought arrested the
Governors notice and suggested a
scheme to elude his pursuers.
"Hetty," he said, II am flying for my
Me, and unless can reach my boat be-
6re I am overtaken I am . lost man.
You see the road forks here. But you
must tell those who are chasing me that
I have gone up the road to catch the
nail wagon. which will soon be along,
ysu know. Then they will turn of the
ether way"
"Oh, cousin" said the little girl in an
agony of distress, II cannot tell q lie
indeed cannot. Why did you tell
which way you were going"
"Hetty, child. surely you would not
bstray me to my death? Hark! they are
coming! hear the click Of their
horses' feet Oh. Hetty. tell them I
have gone up the road instead Of down.
and heaven will bless you"
Heaven never blesses those who
speak falsely. But will not tell them
which way you 60. even II they kill me.
30 run as quickly As possible"
IT'S Of no use. Unless 1 can deceive
them I am . dead man."
Cousin, cousin, hide under my web
Of cloth. They'd never think Of looking
there for you. Come. get down as
quickly as you can, and III cover you
and stand sprinkling my linen"
Angry that their expected prey had
escaped from the house whore 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 q man running hereaboutsr"
"Yes, SIR" replied Hetty. trembling
and flushing.
(which way did he GOT"
81 promised not to tell. sir."
But you must or take the conse-
Quences."
Il said wouldn't tell II you killed
me-" sobbed the frightened girl.
In have 1t out Of her! exclaimed
the furious officer with an oath.
Let me speak to her." said his Tory
guide. Il know the child. l believe.
Isn't your name Hetty MarvinT be
asked pleasantly.
Yes. SIR"
"And this man that ran by you few
minutes ago is your mothers cousin.
isn't her
Yes. sir. he Is"
"well, we are friends Of his. What
did he say to you when he came
alony?"
"He-told me-that he was fleeing for
his Life"
Just so. Hetty; that was very true.
I hope he won't have to ny far. Where
was he going to hide7 You see could
help him IL knew bis plans"
Now, Hetty Was not whit deceived
By this smooth speech But abe was