He woke, he rose, he spread his arms abroad, So past the strong heroic soul away. BEHIND TIME FREEMAN HUNT NOTE TO THE PUPIL. Freeman Hunt was born in Quincy, Mass., in 1804. In 1839 he became owner and editor of the Merchant's Magazine. He published "Lives of American Merchants." A RAILROAD train was rushing along at almost lightning speed. A curve was just ahead, beyond which was a station, at which 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 shriek, a shock, and fifty souls were in eternity; and all because an engineer had been behind time. A great battle was going on. Column after column. had been precipitated, for eight hours, on the enemy posted on the ridge of a hill. The summer sun was sinking to the west; reënforcements for the obstinate defenders were already in sight. It was necessary 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 in season all would yet be right. The great conqueror, confident in its arrival, formed his reserve into an attacking column, and led them down the hill. The world knows the result. Grouchy failed to appear; the Imperial Guard was beaten back; Waterloo was lost; Napoleon died a prisoner at St. Helena, because one of his marshals was behind time. A leading firm in commercial circles had long struggled against bankruptcy. As it had large sums of money in California, it expected remittances by a certain day; and if they arrived, its 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 was bound to meet bills which had been maturing 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, but it was too late; they were ruined because their agent, in remitting the money, had been behind time. A condemned man was led out for execution. He had 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; 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. Thus the morning passed without the appearance of the messenger. The last mo ment 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 hung suspended in the air. 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 frantically to the crowd. He was the express rider with the reprieve; but he came too late. A comparatively innocent man had died an ignominious death, because a watch had been five minutes too slow, making its bearer arrive behind time. 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, are 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, it is punctuality; if there is one error that should be avoided, it is being "behind time." A VOICE ALFRED AUSTIN NOTE TO THE PUPIL. - Alfred Austin was born at Headingly, England, in 1835. He was made poet laureate in 1896. He won dis tinction as poet, critic, and journalist. He has written political works, novels, and many volumes of verse. Public opinion is divided as to his merits as a poet. For ten years he was editor of the National Review. WHAT is the voice I hear On the winds of the western sea? Sentinel, listen from out Cape Clear And it says to them: "Kinsmen, hail, We severed have been too long. And our friendship last long as love doth last, Answer them, sons of the self-same race, And loyally love and trust each other Now fling them out to the breeze, Shamrock, thistle, and rose ; And the star-spangled banner unfurl with these- And wherever the war wind blows A message to bond and thrall to wake For you are the lords of a strong, young land, Yes, this is the voice on the bluff March gale, But now we have done with a wornout tale And our friendship last long as love doth last, LIBERTY OR DEATH PATRICK HENRY he NOTE TO THE PUPIL. Patrick Henry was born at Studley, Va., in 1736. His education was meager and he had little inclination for book learning. He married when only eighteen years of age. He failed in business, began farming, but made no success of that, being too negligent and indolent. When about twenty-four years of age took up the practice of the law. In 1756 he was elected member of the House of Burgesses. In 1774 he was chosen delegate to the Continental Congress, and in 1776 Governor of Virginia. He was reelected three times. Washington offered him the position of Secretary of State, and that of Chief Justice, both of which he declined. Adams named him Minister to France. He died in 1799, leaving the reputation of being one of the greatest American orators. |