Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-09-04
A NEW ENGLAND
HEROINE. -1s
She Would Not Lie, but
Prevaricated to Save
Life.


latter fed to the town of Lyme. where
his cousin, Mrs. Marvin, hid him for
some days in farmhouse. But at
length the foe discovered his retreat,
and one sunny afternoon in May he
was routed from his hiding place by
the tidings that band Of horsemen
was 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 entrance 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 farmhouse to
travelled road. But little path across
the farmers orchard would bring him
to the road only mile from the boat
and save quarters length of his fear
full run for life.
Just where the narrow path from the
orchard opened into the road Hetty
Marvin sat bleaching her household
linen. The long web of 40 yards or
more, 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
economical. being usually done by the
younger 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 a grassy
plot beside a spring or meadow brook.
There it was thoroughly wetted 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 it.
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
pursuers. Hetty was a 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 compre-
hended the scene and instantly quleted
her faithful Towser, who, though q
friend of the family guest, thought 1t
becoming to bark loudly at his hur-
ried footsteps.
Her wise forethought arrested the
governors notice and suggested a
scheme to elude her pursuers.
"Hetty," he said, 81 am flying for
my life, and unless can reach my
boat before am overtaken l am a lost
man. You see the road forks here
But you must tell those who are chas-
ing 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. II cannot tell a
lie-indeed cannot. Why did you tell
which way you were going"
"Hetty, child. surely you would not
betray me to my death? Hark! they
are coming! hear the click of their
horses feet. Oh, Hetty, tell them 1
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 go. even If they
kill me. So run as quickly as pos
sible."
"It's Of no use. UnlessI can deceive
! them ! am q dead man."
cousin. cousin, hide under my web
Of cloth. They'd never think of look.
ing here for you. Come, get down as
quickly as you can, and I'll cover you
and stand sprinkling my linen"
Angry that their expected prey had
escaped from the house where they
hoped to secure him, the six mounted
Tories. headed by a 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?'
Yes. sir" replied Hetty, trembling
and flushing.
(which way did he go?"
II promised not to tell, sir"
but you must or take the conse-
quences."
II said wouldn't tell, If you killed
me-" sobbed the frightened girl.
"Pll have 1t out of herw exclaimed
the furious officer. with an oath.
"Let me speak to her." said his Tory
guide. II know the child. believe.
Isn't your name Hetty Marvin he
asked pleasantly.
Eyes, sir"
"And this man that ran by you a
few minutes ago is your mothers
cousin, isn't he?"
Eyes, sir; he isl
"Well, we are friends of his. What
did he say to you when ne came
along"
"He-told me-that he was fleeing 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
help him if knew his plans"
Now, Hetty was not whit deceived
by this smooth speech, But she was