for eight hours on the enemy posted along the ridge of a hill. The summer
sun was sinking in the west; reenforcements for the obstinate defenders
were already in sight; it was necessary to carry the position with one
final charge, or everything would be lost.

3. 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 arrival, formed his reserve into an attacking column, and ordered them
to charge the enemy. The whole world knows the result. Grouchy failed to
appear; the imperial guard was beaten back; and Waterloo was lost.
Napoleon died a prisoner at St. Helena because one of his marshals was
behind time.

4. 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
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.