XL.—BEHIND TIME.FREEMAN HUNT.
FREEMAN HUNT.
1. A railroad train was rushing along at almost lightning speed. A curve was just ahead, beyond which was a station at which the cars usually passed each other. The conductor was late, so late that the period during which the down train was to wait had nearly elapsed; but he hoped yet to pass the curve safely. Suddenly a locomotive dashed into sight right ahead. In an instant there was a collision. A shriek, a shock, and fifty souls were in eternity; and all because an engineer had beenbehind time.
2. A great battle was going on. Column[335]after column had been precipitated for eight mortal hourson the enemy posted along the ridge of a hill. The summer sun was sinking to the west; rëenforcements[336]for the obstinate defenders were already in sight; it was necessary to carry the position with one final charge, or every thing would be lost.
3. A powerful corps had been summoned from across the country, and if it came up in season all would yet be well. The great conqueror, confident in its arrival, formed his reserve[337]into an attacking column, and ordered them to charge the enemy. The whole world knows the result. Grouchy[338]failed to appear; the imperial guard was beaten back; Waterloo was lost. Napoleon died a prisoner at St. Helena because one of his marshals wasbehind time.
4. A leading firm in commercial circles had long struggled against bankruptcy. As it had enormous assets[339]in California, it expected remittances by a certain day, and if the sums promised arrived, its credit, honor, and its future prosperity would be preserved. But week after week elapsed without bringing the gold. At last came the fatal day on which the firm had bills maturing[340]to enormous amounts. The steamer was telegraphed at daybreak; but it was found, on inquiry, that she brought no funds, and the house failed. The next arrival brought nearly half a million to the insolvents[341], but it was too late; they were ruined because their agent, in remitting, had beenbehind time.
5. A condemned man was led out for execution. Hehad taken human life, but under circumstances of the greatest provocation, and public sympathy was active in his behalf. Thousands had signed petitions for a reprieve[342], a favorable answer had been expected the night before, and though it had not come, even the sheriff felt confident that it would yet arrive in season. Thus the morning passed without the appearance of the messenger. The last moment was up. The prisoner took his place on the drop, the cap was drawn over his eyes, the bolt was drawn, and a lifeless body swung revolving in the wind. Just at that moment a horseman came into sight, galloping down hill, his steed covered with foam. He carried a packet in his right hand, which he waved rapidly to the crowd. He was the express rider with a reprieve. But he had come too late. A comparatively innocent man had died an ignominious death, because a watch had been five minutes too slow, making its bearer arrivebehind time.
6. It is continually so in life. The best laid plans, the most important affairs, the fortunes of individuals, the weal of nations, honor, happiness, life itself, are daily sacrificed because somebody is “behind time.” There are men who always fail in whatever they undertake, simply because they are “behind time.” There are others who put off reformation year by year, till death seizes them, and they perish unrepentant, because forever “behind time.” Five minutes in a crisis is worth years. It is but a little period, yet it has often saved a fortune or redeemed a people. If there is one virtue that should be cultivated more than another by him who would succeed in life, it is punctuality;if there is one error that should be avoided it is beingbehind time.
[335]Colˊ-umn, a body of troops in deep files, with narrow front.[336]Re-en-forceˊ-ments, supplies of additional troops.[337]Re-serveˊ, a select body of troops kept in the rear of an army in action, to give support when required.[338]Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France, was defeated by the Allies under the Duke of Wellington, at Waterloo, June 18, 1815. Marshal Grouchy was expected to aid the emperor with a body of troops, but failed to appear.[339]Asˊ-sets, property or effects.[340]Ma-turˊ-ing, ripening, coming to a perfected state. Bills or notes mature when they become due.[341]In-solˊ-vent, one who cannot pay his debts.[342]Re-prieveˊ, a suspension of a entence of death.
[335]Colˊ-umn, a body of troops in deep files, with narrow front.
[335]Colˊ-umn, a body of troops in deep files, with narrow front.
[336]Re-en-forceˊ-ments, supplies of additional troops.
[336]Re-en-forceˊ-ments, supplies of additional troops.
[337]Re-serveˊ, a select body of troops kept in the rear of an army in action, to give support when required.
[337]Re-serveˊ, a select body of troops kept in the rear of an army in action, to give support when required.
[338]Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France, was defeated by the Allies under the Duke of Wellington, at Waterloo, June 18, 1815. Marshal Grouchy was expected to aid the emperor with a body of troops, but failed to appear.
[338]Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France, was defeated by the Allies under the Duke of Wellington, at Waterloo, June 18, 1815. Marshal Grouchy was expected to aid the emperor with a body of troops, but failed to appear.
[339]Asˊ-sets, property or effects.
[339]Asˊ-sets, property or effects.
[340]Ma-turˊ-ing, ripening, coming to a perfected state. Bills or notes mature when they become due.
[340]Ma-turˊ-ing, ripening, coming to a perfected state. Bills or notes mature when they become due.
[341]In-solˊ-vent, one who cannot pay his debts.
[341]In-solˊ-vent, one who cannot pay his debts.
[342]Re-prieveˊ, a suspension of a entence of death.
[342]Re-prieveˊ, a suspension of a entence of death.