Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-10-11
From the Baltimore Sun.
BEHIND TIME.

A railroad train was rushing along at almost
lightning speed. curve was just ahead, be-
yond which was station, at which the cars
usually passed each other. The conductor was
late, go late that the period during which the
down-train was to wait had nearly elapsed
but he hoped yet to pass the curve safely. Sud-
denly locomotive dashed into sight light ahead.
In an instant there was a collision. shriek,a
shock, and fifty souls were in eternity; and all
because an engineer had been behind time.
A great battle was being fought. Column
after column had been precipitated for eight
mortal hours on the enemy posted along the
ridge of hill, The summer sun was sinking
in the west reinforcements for the obstinate
defenders were already in sight: it was necss-
sary to carry the position with one final charge,
or everything would be lost. 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 ar
rival formed his reserve into an attacking COL
umn, and led them down the hill. The whole
world knows the result Grouchy failed TO ap-
pear; the imperial guard was beaten back Wa
terloo was lost. Napoleon died prisoner at St.
Helena because one Of his Generals was behind
time. M. .
! A leading firm in commercial circles had long
struggled against bankruptcy. AS it had enor-
nous assets in California, it expected rcmitan-
ces by q certain day, and, II the sums promised
arrived its credit it's honor, its future prosperi-
ty would be preserved. But week after week
elapsed without bringing the gold. At last the
fatal day came on which the firm had bills ma:
turing to vast amounts. The steamer was tele-
graphed at day y-break but it was found on in
quiry that she brought no funds and the house
failed. The next arrival brought nearly half
million to the insolv ents, but it was too late !;
they were ruined because their agent, in remit
ting, had been behind time
A condemned man was being led out to exc
cution He had taken human life, but under
circumstances Of the greatest provocation, and
public sympathy was active in his behalf. Thou
sands had signed petitions for a reprieve, IA
: FORE and though it had not come, even the sher-
i'll felt confident it would yet arrive in season.
Thus the morniug passed with ut he appear
ance 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 thet moment a horseman
came into sight, galloping down hill, his steed
covered with foam. He carried packet in his
' right hand, which he waved partially to the
crowd He was the express rider with the re-
prieve. But he had come too late. A compar-
atiyely innocent man had died an ignominious
. death because watch had been FIVE minutes too
slow, making its bearer arrive behind time
1t is continually so in life. The best laid
plans, the .uost important affairs, the fortunes
of individuals the veal of nations, honor, hap
pness, life itself, are daily sacrificed because
> somebody is I" bohind time" There are msr
= who always fail in whatever they undertake
d simply because they are " behind time" Their
!; are Others who put of reformation year BY
= year, till death seizes them and they perish un
repentant, because forever behind time" Th
e Allies have lost nearly year at Sevastopol
= because they delayed superauous day after tn
battle of Alma, and came up too late for cou
de main just twenty.fou hours behind time.
u Five minutes in crisis is worth years. 1t
+ but little period, yet il has often saved fol
l. tune or redeemed people. If there is one vi
tue that should be cultivated more Il an anoth'
Is by him who would succeed in life it is punct'
y aty if there be an error that should be avoide
10 it is being behind time.