She started up and was somewhat frightened when she saw a man leaping
over the fence; but soon recognized him to be her cousin.
"O, is it you, cousin!" exclaimed Hetty; "you frightened me--where are
you going?"
"Hetty," he replied, "the soldiers are seeking for me, and I shall lose
my life, unless I can reach the boat before they come. I want you to
run down toward the shore and meet them."
"They will surely ask for me; and then you must tell them that I have
gone up the road to catch the mail-cart, and they will turn off the
other way."
"But, cousin, how can I say so?--it would not be true. O, why did you
tell me which way you were going?"
"Would you betray me, Hetty, and see me put to death? Hark! they are
coming. I hear the clink of their horses' feet. Tell them I have gone
up the road and Heaven will bless you."
"Those who speak false words will never be happy," said Hetty. "But
they shall not compel me to tell which way you go, even if they kill
me--so run as fast as you can."
"I am afraid it is too late to run, Hetty; where can I hide myself?"
"Be quick, cousin. Get down and lie under this cloth; I will throw it
over you and go on sprinkling the linen.
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