Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1900-08-23


When the British and Tories attack
ed New Haven, Conn, and set price
on the mead of Governor Griswold the
latter fled to the town of Lyme. where
his cousin, Mrs. Marvin, hid him for
some days in a farmhouse. But at
length the foe discovered his retreat.
and one sunny afternoon i'll May he
was routed from his hiding place by
the tidings that a band of borsemen
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
the boat was two miles OF the usually
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 Griswoid's
cousin, when her hunted friend sprang
past her into the road to escape his
-
about II years, yet thoughtful ana
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 quieted
her faithful Towser who, though n
friend of the family guest, thought II
ut iG r.
ried footsteps.
Her wise forethought arrested the
governors notice and suggested
scheme to elude her pursuers.
"Hetty," he said, Il am flying Tor
my life, and unless | can reach my
boat before | am oyertaken | 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 VIII
soon be along, you know. Then they
will turn off the other way
"Oh, cousin" said the little girl IN
an agony of distress, Il cannot tell
lie-indeed cannot. why did you tell
which way you were goingP
"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
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"
Its Of no use. Unless | can deceive
them | am a dead man.
Cousin, cousin, hide under my web
Of cloth They'd never think of look
ing here for you. Come, get down 7
quickly as you can. and I'll cover go
and stand sprinkling my linen
Angry that their expected prey hs
escaped from the house where the
hoped 10 secure him. the six mounte
Tories. headed by a British ofiice' \
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 man running bereaboutsF
Eyes. sir" replied Hetty, trembling
and flushing.
which way did he goF
Il promised not to tell, SIR"
But you must or take the conse-
quences'
II Said wouldn't tell, II You kilied
me" sobbed the frightened girl
I'm have IT ont Of her. exclaimed
rho furious officer. with an oath.
LET me speak to her SAID ms IoF!'
guide. 4 know the child, oehe'e.