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 large 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, had been behind time.

5. 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.

6. The last moment was up. The prisoner took his place, the cap was drawn
over his eyes, the bolt was drawn, and a lifeless body swung revolving in
the wind. 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 late, making
its bearer arrive behind time.

7. 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 after year, till death seizes them, and they perish unrepentant,
because forever "behind time."

DEFINITIONS.--1. Col-li'sion, the act of striking together violently. 2.
Pre-cip'i-tat-ed, urged on violently. Re-en-force'ments, additional
troops. 3. Corps (pro. kor), a body of troops. Re-serve', a select body of
troops held back in case of special need for their services. 4.
Bank'rupt-cy. inability to pay all debts, insolvency. Re-mit'tanc-es,
mouey, drafts, etc., sent from a distance. Ma-tur'ing, approaching the
time fixed for payment. 5. Prov-o-ca'tion, that which causes anger. 6.
Ig-no-min'i-ous, infamous. 7. Weal, prosperity,