El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-09-17
A NEW ENGLAND
ROINE.-
She Would Not Lie, but
Prevaricated to Save
a Life.


When the British and Tories attack
ed New Haven. Conn. and set n price
on the head of Governor Griswold the
latter fed 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 in May he
was routed from his hiding place by
the tidings hat a band of horsemen
was approaching to capture him.
His only chance of scape was to
reach the mouth of n little creek which
implied itself into the Connecticut
river just above the entrance of the
latter into Long Island sound. There
he had a 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 n little path across
the farmers orchard would bring him
to the road only n mile from the boat
and save n quarters length OF his fear
full II for life.
Just where the narrow path from the
OTtDdTu oDtItu lulo the Iohh IittNN
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 we'll
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 inc was taken by the
farmer or his stout help to n grassy
plot beside n spring or meadow brook.
There il was thoroughly wetted and
spread upon the green turf, to take the
best hea Of the SUI by day and the
dew by night. The little maiden who
il would sit near it.
Thus sat Hetty Marvin, the young
daughter OF Governor Griswold's
cousin, when her hunted friend sprane
past her into the road TO escape his
pursuers. Hetty was 4 timid child OF
about - years. yet thoughtful and
wise beyond n of her elders. She
was frightened by the headlong haste
with which the governor rushed across
the meadow. But she quickly compre-
the scene and instantly quieted
her faithful Towser. who, though n
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
to elude her pursuers.
"Hetty," he said, Il am flying for
life. and unless 1 can reach my
boat before l am overtaken 1 am a lost
man. You see the road forks here.
But you must tell those who are chas-
Ing me that l have gone up the road
10 catch the mail wagon which will
be along, You know. Then they |
will turn of the other way"
'Oh, cousin" said the little girl in
IN agony of distress, Il canno tell n !
ie-indeed l cannot. Why did you tell
which way you were going?'
"Hctty. child. surely you would not
Detray me To- my death? Hark, they
are coming, hear the click Of their
horses feet. Oh. Hetty. tell them
gone up the road instead of down.
heaven will bless you"
Heaven never blesses those who
ENsN AA'fA i'Ntt u WI III 1
hem which way you go. even If they
Kill me. So run as quickly as pos
ITS of no use. Unless l can deceive
hem ] am a dead man"
Cousin, cousin. hide under my web
Il cloth. They'd never hin OF look
ng here for you. Come. get down as
quickly as you can. and I'll cover you
nd stand %sprinkling my linen"
Angry that their expected prey had
from the house where they
to secure him.. the six mounted
Dries. headed by a British officer,
ashed along the road i'm swift pursuit.
Il sight of the girl in the meadow
he leader Of the party paused.
Child" he said sternly, have you
cen n man running hereaboutsT"
Yes. sir" replied Hetty, trembling
nd flushing.
Which way did he go?"
Il promised not to tell, sir"
But you must or take the conse-
Il said l wouldn't tell, il you killed
le.' sobbed h frightened girl.
III have ii out OF herr exclaimed
ne furious officer. with an oath. 4
Let me speak to her." said his Tory
uide. Il know the child, 1 believe.