Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-10-17
.sBEHIND TINE. "A railroad tram was rush

was just ahead, beyond which was station q
which the cars usually passed each other. Tn.
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 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 AT
engineer had been behind frnre.
A great battle being fought. Column
after column was being precipita.ed for eight
mortal hours on an enemy posted along
ridge of hill. The winter sun was sinking
in the west; reinforcements for the obstinate
defenders are already in sight it neces-
sary to carry the position by final charge
| or all would be lost. A powerful corps had
been summoned from across the country, and
/ il it came up in season all would be right
/ The great conqueror, confident in its arrival,
! formed Il reserve into an attacking column,
and led them down the hill. The whole world
/ knows the result. Grouchy failed to appear ;
| the imperial guard was beaten back; Water
| loo was lost. Napoleon died prisoner at st.
| Helena because one of his marshals was behind
| time.
| A leading firm in a commercial circle had
long struggled against bankruptcy. AS it had
enormous assets in California, it expected re-
| mittanccs by certain day, and if the sums
promised arrived, it's credit, its 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 to enormous
| amounts. The steamer was tclegraphed at
day-break but it found on inquiry that
she brought no funds and the house failed.
The next arrival brought nearly half a million
to the insolveEts, but it was too late; they
were ruined because their agent, in remitting
had been behind time.
condemned man was being led out for ex-
ecution. He had taken human lite, but un-
der circumstances of the greatest provocation,
| and public sympathy active in his behalf.
Thousands had signed the petition for re
prieve, 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 pass
ed 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 lifeless
body swung revolving in the wind. Just at
that moment a horseman came into sight gal
Looping down hill, his steed covered with FOAM
He carried packet in his right hand, which
he waived to the crowd. He was the express
rider with the reprieve. But he had come too
late. A comparatively innocent man had di-
e1 an ignominious death because a watch had
been five minutes too slow, making its bearer
arrive behind time.
1t is continually so in life. The best laid
plans, the most important affairs, the fortunes
of individuals, the veal of nations honor
happiness, life itself are daily sacrificed be-
cause somebody is ssbehind time.' There are
men who always fail in whatever they under
take, simply because they are ssbehind time"
There are others who put off reformation year
by year, till death sezes them, and they per-
ish unrepentaEt because sforever behind time
The Allies have lost year at Sebastopol
because they delayed super1uous day after
the battle Of Alma, and came up too late for
coup de main just twenty four hours s.behind
time.' Five minutes in a crisis is worth years.
1t is but little period, yet it has often saved
fortune or redeemed people. If there is
one virtue that would succeed in life it is pune
tuality; if there is one error that should be
avoided it is being behind fime.-BaH. San.
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