The Washington herald., 1910-09-05
BEHIND TIME.
From McGury's FIFTH Reader.

From McGuiiy's Fifth Reader.
A railroad train was rushing along at
almost lightning speed. A curve was Just
ahead, beyond which was a station where
two trains usually met. The conductor
was late-so late that the period during
which the UP 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. a
shock. and fifty souls were IN eternity;
and all because an engineer had been be-
hind time.
A great battle was going on. Column
after column had been precip.tated for
eight hours on the enemy posted along
the ridge OF a hill. The summer sun was
sinking In the west; re-enforcements for
the obstinate defenders were already in
sight 1t was necessary 10 carry the po-
stion with one final charge. or every
thing would be lost.
A powerful corps had been summoned
from across the country, and II It came
up in a season all would yet be well. The
great conqueror. confident in its arrival,
formed his reserve into an attacking col
unn and ordered them 20 charge the
enemy The whole world knows the re-
suit Grouchy failed to appear; the i'm
perial guard was beaten back. and Water
loo was lost. Napoleon died a prisoner
az 81. Helena because one Of his mar
shals was behind time.
A leading firm in commercial circles had
long struggled against bankruptcy. AS
II had large sums OF money in California,
/ it expected remittances by a certain day,
and II they arrived. its credit. It's honor.
and its future prosperity would be pre-
| served. But week after week elapsed
without bringing the gold. AZ last came
the fatal day on which the firm had bills
maturing to large amounts. The steamer
was telegraphed al daybreak, but it was
found. on inquiry. that she brought no
funds. and the fhouse failed. The next
arrival brought nearly half a million TO
the insolvents. but It was TOO late; they
were ruined because their agent in remit
I ting had been behind time.
! A condemned man was led out for exc
cution. He had taken human life. but
under circumstances Of the gravest provo
cation, and public sympathy was active m
his behalf. Thousands had signed petit
/ tions for a reprieve. A favorable answer
had been expected the night before. and
/ though II had not come. even the sheriff
/ felt confident that Il would yet arrive.
Thus the morning passed without the ap-
] Dearance OF the messenger.
{ The last moment was up. The prisoner
took his place. the cap was drawn over
! his eyes. the bolt was drawn. and a life
less body swung revolving in the wind.
/ Just al that moment a horseman came
/ into sight galloplng down bill. his steed
| covered with foam He carried a packet
/ in his right hand. which he waved fran
tically to the crowd. He was the express
rider with the reprieve. but he came too
late. 4 comparatively innocent man had
! died an ignominious death because a
watch had been FIVE minutes too late,
making its bearer arrive behind time.
It is continually so in life. The bes;
/ laid plans. the most important affairs
/ the fortunes Of individuals. the veal OF
\ nations. honor. happiness. life itself. are
/ daily sacrificed because somebody is be
[ hind time" There are men who Away:
| fail in whatever they undertake. simply
] because they are behind time" There
/ are others who put of reformation year
after year. TIL death SEXES them. and
/ they perish unrepentant because forever
/ behind time"