Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1900-10-30
A New England Heroine.


WNW attacked New Haven, Conn.,,
61 and set a price on the head of
Governor Griswold the latter fled to the
town of Lyme, where his cousin, Mrs.
Marvin, hid him for some days in
farmhouse. But at length the foe dis
covered his retreat, and one sunny af-
ternoon in May he was routed from his
hiding place by the tidings that band
of horsemen was approaching to cap
ture 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 a little path across
the farmers orchard would bring him
to the road only mile from the boat
and save a quarters length of his
fearful 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 forty miles 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 we'll
economized, being usually done by the
do 11OhtorS 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 to 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 pur-
suers. 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 comprehend
ed the scene and instantly quieted hel
faithful Towser, who, though a friend
of the family guest, thought it becom
ing to bark loudly at his hurried foot
steps.
Or fn6 - bt
Governors notice and suggested {
scheme to elude his pursuers.
"Hetty," he said, Il am flying for m!
life, and unless can reach my boat be
fore am overtaken l am lost man
You see the road forks here. But yOl
must tell those who are chasing me tina
l have gone up the road to catch tn,
mail wagon, which will soon be along
you know Then they will turn off tn
other way"
"Oh, cousin" said the little girl in al
agony of distress, Il cannot tell lie
indeed 1 cannot Why did you tel
which way you were going?"
..Hetty, child, surely you would no
betray me to my death? Hark! they ar
comingI l hear the click of thei
horses feet. Oh, Hetty, tell them
have gone up the road instead of dowr
and heaven will bless you."
Heaven never blesses those VIII
speak falsely. But will not tell ther
which way you go, even if they kill me
So run as quickly as possible"
Its of no use. Unless can deceiv
fhorn am q dead man"
cousin, cousin, hide under my we
of cloth. They'd never think of lookin
there for you. Come, get down a
quickly as you can, and I'll cover yo
and stand sprinkling my linen"
Angry that their expected prey ha
es1aped from the house where the
hoped to secure him, the six mounte
Tories, headed by a British office
dashed along the road in swift pursui
At sight of the girl in the meadow th
leader of the party paused.
Child" he said sternly, "have yo
seen a man running hereabouts?"
Eyes, SIR" replied Hetty, tremblin
and flushing.
(which way did he go?
n promised not to tell, sir"