Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-11-21
s55Mfstrltalgrous,
BEHIND TIME.

iA af&a sTnaa 7a---- ~ +Eto if
A railroad train was rushing along al
almost lightning speed. A curve was Just
ahead beyond which was station al
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
shrek, shock, and fifty souls were in
eternity; and all because an engineer had
been behind time. Lygo b saif76 sis .4as
A great battle was being fought. Col
umn' after column had been. precipitated
for eight mortal hours, or the enemy post
ed along the ridge of bill. The summer
sun was sinking to the west; reinforce
ments for the obstinate defenders were
already in sight; it was necessary to car
ry the position with one final charge, or
every thing would be lost A powerful
corps had been summoned from across the
country, and if it came up in season all
would yet be right. The great conquer
or, confident in its arrival, formed his re-
serve into an attacking column, and led
them down the hill. The whole world
knows the result. 'Gfouchy failed to APP
pear; the imperial guard was beaten back
Waterloo was lost. Napoleon died pris-
oner at St. Helena, because one of his
marshals was behind time.
A leading firm in commercial circles
had iong struggled against bankruptcy.
As 1t had enormous assets in California, it
expected remittances by certain day.
and if the sums promised arrived, its cred
it, its honor, and its future prosperity
would be preserved. But week after
week elapsed without bringing tile gold
At last came the fatal day on which tie
firm had bills maturing to enormous
amounts. The steamer was telegfaphed
at day-brcak; but it rcr ft,-.r,-
that she brought no funds; and the house
failed. The next mail brought nearly
half a million to the insolvents, butt was
too late; they were ruined because their
agent in renting, had been behind time
A condemned man was being led out
for execution. He had taken human life.
but under circumstances Of the greatest
provocation, and public sympathy was ac-
tive in his behalf Thousands had signed
petitions for reprieve, favorable an
swer had been expected the night before:
and though it had not come, even the
sheriff feltconGdent that it yet would ar
rive in season. Thus the morning passed
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 the lifeless body swung revolving in
the wind. Just'at that moment horse
man came into sight, galloping down hill,
his steed covered with foam. He carried
a packet in his right hand, which he
waved partially to the Lcrowd. He was
the express rider with the reprieve. But
he had come too late. A comparatively
man had died an ignominious
death because a watch had been five min
ntes too slow, making its bearer arrive
behind time ! asr sHf 4ss t,....s.
1t is continually so in life. The best
laid plans, the most important affairs, the
fortunes of individuals, the wealth Of ia
lions, honor, happiness, life itself are
daily sacrificed because somebody is be-
lind time" There are men who always
all in whatever they undertake, simply
because they are behind time" There
ire others who put off reformation year
oy year, till death seizes them, and they
aerish unrepentant, because forever be-
lind time.o The Allies have lost nearly
1 year at Sebastopol, because they delay
ID superfuous day after the battle of
Alma, and came up too late for coup de
main, just twenty -fourhours behind time.
Five minutes in crisis is worth years
1t is but little period yet it has often
saved fortune or redeemed people.
If there is one virtue that should be cul-
svated more than another by him who
would succeed in life, it is punctuality; if
here is one error that should be avoided. |
t is being behind time.